Description
New England Aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae) is a late bloomer like most Asters. Maturing to 5′ tall, it is rich with purple flowers with orange-yellow centers from late summer to October. Popular with pollinators, it thrives in full sun or light shade in all but the driest soils.
The colors of the New England Aster can vary from purple, violet, and lavender to all shades of pink. Bees and butterflies are attracted to it, and the nectar of the flower provides an excellent source for Monarchs and other butterflies late into the fall. New England Aster is drought-tolerant and deer-resistant. On many sites Asters can be prolific self seeders. New England Aster in particular does well in a broad range of soil conditions, so on small sites or in home garden/landscapes removal of the seed head before the seed is ripe is preferable to weeding unwanted seedlings.