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As the riotous color of your summer garden slowly fades away, the vibrant aster is just getting started. Not only do these late bloomers bring a welcome burst of color to garden beds and borders, but they also make a lively addition to fall flower arrangements, bringing a cool pop against autumn’s warmer palette.
With a classic flower shape like a daisy and yellow centers as well, asters come in purples, blues, pinks, and white, too. In fact, due to their similar characteristics, asters are commonly confused with mums, daisies, and fleabane, a fast-growing daisy-like weed. Here, learn the basics about how to care for asters, why we love them, and where you can buy these perennials now.
How to Care for Asters
Let’s start with when and where to plant. Take your pick of planting in spring or fall. Planting in spring (early summer is fine, too) after the last frost allows ample time for your plants to establish roots. Potted plants on the mature side can be planted in early fall, as well. Pick a spot with at least six hours of full sun for best results, and plant level to the ground. In warmer zones that experience sweltering heat, aster plants welcome a little afternoon shade. Unless you are planting multiples (a common gardening practice for maximum impact), you don’t need a huge space to plant asters, but be sure to check mature growth sizes and space plants accordingly. Dwarf varieties are available for tucking into smaller gardens and beds.
Be sure to water consistently, especially if conditions are dry and hot. Pro tip: As temperatures get cooler in fall months, plants require less water, because they’re not drying out in the sun. Water asters until they are dormant (when the plant is brown and dry).
For a bushier, more compact, and healthier-looking plant, prune asters in late spring or early summer. To avoid droopiness that often happens with asters, the general rule is to cut the plant back by about a third or a half. But remember this deadline: Don’t cut after July 4.
To encourage new flowers, it’s a good idea to deadhead spent blooms. Simply snip off browning blooms down to the closest green leaves, just above a new bud. This regular maintenance keeps your plants looking healthy and tidy.
When prepping your garden for winter, you can cut aster plants back anywhere from a couple inches up to six inches after the first frost. This makes for a tidier look in winter. Note that once dormant, leaving asters as-is throughout winter is helpful for birds and insects. Add a generous amount of mulch to protect plants during cold-weather months.
What’s So Great About Asters?
Asters bring a welcome pop of color to fall gardens. In fact, they are sometimes known as “fall’s grand finale” for the happy, vibrant vibe they bring when most other flowers are going dormant. And pollinators love them—these flowers attract butterflies and bees, which makes for a healthier garden. Cut asters for fall arrangements. The lively purple and blue tones contrast nicely with autumnal golds and oranges. (Fun fact: Asters and morning glories are September birth flowers.)
Will Asters Come Back Every Year?
Yes, asters are perennials, meaning they come back every year in zones 3 through 8, with some heat-tolerant varieties thriving in zones 9 and 10. They will show up in the spring with rich green leaves, but the blooms will come late summer into early fall.
