This aptly named aster boasts a strong fragrance if you crush its leaves or blooming flowers. Provides one of the latest flowering displays of fall, which can be incredibly valuable to pollinators. This aster grows to form large clumps and produces large amounts of seeds.
Pollinator Type
Bees, butterflies, caterpillars
Plant Type
Herbaceous perennial
Zone
3 to 8
Height
1 to 2 ft.
Spread
1 to 3 ft.
Light
Full Sun
Moisture Requirement
Dry Soil, Medium Soil
Bloom Color
Purple
Bloom Time
September, October, November
Design Considerations
A late blooming aster, Aromatic Aster provides a pop of color into the fall season.
Care and Maintenance
Prune in early summer to keep the plant more compact and encourage more flowers.
Pest and Diseases
Mildew.
Establishment and Propagation
Can start from seed (no treatment needed) or potted plant in spring or fall.
Commercial Availability
Occasionally available.
Alternative Plant Selections
Smooth Blue Aster, Sky Blue Aster
Native Status
Illinois native statewide.
Fall Color
Insignificant foliage. Flowers in late summer to fall.
Growth habit
Compact, low-growing plant with stiff, hairy stems creating a bushy appearance.
Number of Caterpillars that Use this as a Host Plant
