Symphyotrichum novae-angliae (New England Aster) flowers and buds in September.
Photo © Elaine Mills

Sachem skipper on Symphyotrichum novae-angliae ‘Purple Dome’ in October.
Photo © Mary Free

Symphyotrichum novae-angliae ‘Purple Dome’ in the MGNV Tribute Bench Garden in October.
Photo © Mary Free

Symphyotrichum novae-angliae (New England Aster) with a bumble bee in September.
Photo © Elaine Mills

Symphyotrichum novae-angliae (New England Aster) flowers in September.
Photo © Elaine Mills

Plant asters in spring to draw Monarch butterflies in October.
Photo © Christa Watters

Daisy-like asters bloom profusely late summer to early fall. Native to more northern parts of the Mid-Atlantic Region and mountains of Virginia, in NoVA they may have spread from cultivation where they are often used in wild gardens and roadside plantings. For smaller gardens, the dwarf cultivar ‘Purple Dome’ has a low, bushy habit that does not require staking and produces abundant bright, royal purple flowers.

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