Also known as American Aster · 2.5k gardener saves
Symphyotrichum: the varieties gardeners actually grow
Symphyotrichum, the genus most gardeners know as american aster. We track 20 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 Symphyotrichum varieties
Of 20 in the catalog — ordered by how many gardeners actually grow them.
#1 most savedNew England Aster Harringtons Pink
Symphyotrichum novae-angliae 'Harringtons Pink'
#2 most savedEastern Silver Aster
Symphyotrichum concolor
#3 most savedNew Mexico Aster My Antonia
Symphyotrichum fendleri 'My Antonia'
New England Aster
Symphyotrichum novae-angliae '05-196-10'
Fanny aster
Symphyotrichum oblongifolium 'Fanny'
Snow Flurry Heath Aster
Symphyotrichum ericoides 'Snow Flurry'
Purple Dome New England Aster
Symphyotrichum novae-angliae 'Purple Dome'
Raydon's Favorite Aromatic Aster
Symphyotrichum oblongifolium 'Raydon’s Favorite'
New York Aster
Symphyotrichum novi-belgii
Aromatic Aster
Symphyotrichum oblongifolium
October Skies Aromatic Aster
Symphyotrichum oblongifolium 'October Skies'
Smooth Blue Aster
Symphyotrichum laeve
Browse all 20 Symphyotrichum varieties →
How to grow Symphyotrichum
What the Symphyotrichum varieties in our catalog actually agree on — drawn from the care records of the 20 most-grown of them, not from a generic template.
The Symphyotrichum year
- DivideMarch and April100% of varieties
Divide clumps every 3-4 years to maintain vigor
- Pinch TipsMay and June95% of varieties
Pinch back tips until early June for denser, more compact growth
- Spring CleanupFebruary55% of varieties
Cut back old, dead stems to the ground before new growth appears
- PlantMarch, April, September and October45% of varieties
Plant transplants in spring or fall.
- Check for PestsJune–August35% of varieties
Watch for powdery mildew in humid conditions
Do
- Water deeply during dry spells 🌱
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms
- Apply mulch to conserve moisture
- Water consistently during dry periods 🌱
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage reblooming
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Avoid overwatering, which can cause root rot ❌
- Avoid overhead watering, which can encourage fungal diseases.
- Overwater in winter ❌
What goes wrong with Symphyotrichum
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Use insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Powdery Mildew | White powdery coating on leaves | Improve air circulation and apply sulfur-based fungicide |
| Lace Bugs | Leaves appear stippled, yellow, or bleached; tiny dark spots of excrement on undersides. | Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil, ensuring good coverage of leaf undersides. Encourage beneficial predatory insects. |
| Aster Leaf Miner | Swollen, distorted leaves | Use neem oil or insecticidal soap |
| Powdery Mildew | White powdery coating on leaves | Improve air circulation and apply fungicide |
| Powdery mildew | White powder on leaves and stems | Improve air circulation and apply sulfur-based fungicide |
| Root Rot | Wilting and yellowing leaves with soft roots | Ensure well-draining soil and reduce watering |
Making more Symphyotrichum
Division
- Dig up mature plants in early spring or fall
- Separate clumps into smaller sections with roots intact
- Replant divisions at same depth and water thoroughly
- Allow 6 weeks for establishment
Seed
- Tuck seeds into moist soil in early spring; expect germination in 2-3 weeks.
Symphyotrichum questions
How many types of Symphyotrichum are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 20 distinct Symphyotrichum varieties. The most popular — ranked by 2.5k real gardener saves — are shown first above.
What zones does Symphyotrichum grow in?
Across its varieties, Symphyotrichum covers USDA Zones 4–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Symphyotrichum bloom?
Most Symphyotrichum varieties bloom in late summer, early fall, late summer to fall. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Symphyotrichum 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
More on Symphyotrichum
Symphyotrichum shows up in
By hardiness zone
Design with Symphyotrichum 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.
