3.3k gardener saves
Aster: the varieties gardeners actually grow
We track 39 varieties; these are the ones gardeners actually save and plant, ranked by real saves rather than catalog marketing. Each links to full care, bloom, and live price data.
The 12 most-saved Aster varieties
Of 39 in the catalog — ordered by how many gardeners actually grow them.
#1 most savedLou Williams New England Aster
Aster novae-angliae 'Lou Williams'
#2 most savedNew England Aster 'Violetta'
Aster novae-angliae 'Violetta'
#3 most savedRosa Sieger New England Aster
Aster novae-angliae 'Rosa Sieger'
Crimson Brocade New England Aster
Aster x hybrida 'Crimson Brocade'
Purple Dome New England Aster
Aster novae-angliae 'Purple Dome'
New England Aster
Aster novae-angliae
Little Carlow Blue Wood Aster
Aster cordifolius 'Little Carlow'
Aster
Aster x hybrida
Grape Crush Aster
Aster x frikartii 'Grape Crush'
Treasure New England Aster
Aster novae-angliae 'Treasure'
Wood's Blue Aster
Aster x frikartii 'Wood's Blue'
Sapphire Aster
Aster dumosus 'Sapphire'
Browse all 39 Aster varieties →
How to grow Aster
What the Aster varieties in our catalog actually agree on — drawn from the care records of the 39 most-grown of them, not from a generic template.
The Aster year
- DivideMarch and September100% of varieties
Divide clumps every 3-4 years to maintain vigor
- Pinch TipsApril and May87% of varieties
Pinch stem tips until early July for bushier, shorter plants
- Spring CleanupFebruary67% of varieties
Cut old stems to the ground before new growth emerges
- Check for PestsJune–August49% of varieties
Monitor for spider mites during hot, dry conditions
- FertilizeMarch31% of varieties
Apply balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring
Do
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms
- Apply mulch to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds
- Water regularly during dry spells 🌱
- Water deeply during dry spells 🌱
- Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged 🌱
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Avoid overwatering which can cause root rot ❌
- Don’t prune in late fall or winter
- Avoid overwatering which can lead to root rot ❌
What goes wrong with Aster
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap |
| Powdery Mildew | White powder on leaves | Use a fungicide or improve air circulation |
| Powdery mildew | White powder on leaves | Improve air circulation and apply fungicide if needed |
| Aster Leaf Miner | Deformed or discolored leaves | Remove affected foliage and apply neem oil |
| Powdery Mildew | White powdery coating on leaves | Apply fungicidal spray and improve air circulation |
| Root Rot | Wilting and yellowing leaves with soft roots | Ensure well-drained soil and reduce watering |
| Root rot | Wilting and yellowing leaves | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
Making more Aster
Division
- Divide clumps in early spring or fall.
- Replant divisions immediately at the same depth.
Seed
- Tuck seeds into moist soil in early spring.
- Keep soil consistently moist for 2-3 weeks until germination occurs.
Aster questions
How many types of Aster are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 39 distinct Aster varieties. The most popular — ranked by 3.3k real gardener saves — are shown first above.
What zones does Aster grow in?
Across its varieties, Aster covers USDA Zones 4–9. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Aster bloom?
Most Aster varieties bloom in late summer, late summer to fall, early fall. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Aster should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.
Keep exploring
Aster shows up in
Design with Aster in your own yard
Snap a photo of your space and see these varieties planted in it — sized correctly, matched to your zone, with care reminders included.
