Species

Aster dumosusBushy Aster

3 other cultivars

perennialN. America Native

Bushy Aster

Aster dumosus 'Augenweide'

The Story

Plant Bio

Symphyotrichum dumosum, commonly known as the bushy aster, is a mounding herbaceous perennial native to eastern and central North America. It features small, narrow, dark green leaves aligned closely along stiff stems, forming a dense, self-supporting cushion.

'Augenweide' is a compact dwarf cultivar distinguished by its profusion of violaceous blue to deep violet-blue daisy-like flowers with bright yellow centers. Blooming from late summer through mid-fall, it maintains a neat, low-growing habit that rarely exceeds fourteen inches in height.

Uses & Benefits:

Forms a neat, dense cushion covered in violet-blue daisy-like flowers that brighten the late-season garden.

Requires no staking or pinching, making it an exceptionally low-maintenance border option.

Provides a vital late-season nectar source for native bees, butterflies, and migrating hummingbirds.

SpeciesAster dumosusBushy Aster

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

14"

Width

16"

Light

Full Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

North America

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Late summer – Autumn

In flower about 4 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily.
Amend the soil with compost or grit to ensure excellent drainage, avoiding heavy clay beds.
Space plants twelve to sixteen inches apart to allow adequate airflow and prevent powdery mildew.
Water deeply at the base of the plant during dry spells, keeping the foliage dry.

Pro Tip

Avoid pinching or staking this dwarf cultivar, as its compact cushion habit is naturally self-supporting; instead, focus on providing exceptional drainage to prevent winter root rot.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Divide established clumps every three to four years in early spring to maintain vigor.
Cut all stems back to ground level in late winter before new growth starts.
Water at the soil level in the morning to minimize foliar humidity.

Don't

Do not plant in heavy, poorly drained clay soils that cause winter root rot.
Do not apply high-nitrogen fertilizers, which lead to weak, floppy stems.
Do not crowd plants; stagnant air triggers powdery mildew outbreaks.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Deadhead
Divide
Fertilize
Pest Check
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Border edgingCottage gardensRock gardensMass plantings

Companion Plants

Solidago Echinacea purpurea Schizachyrium scoparium

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Bushy Aster questions

What zones can Bushy Aster grow in?

Bushy Aster is hardy in USDA Zones 4–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Bushy Aster deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Bushy Aster, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Bushy Aster bloom?

Bushy Aster typically blooms in late summer through autumn. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Bushy Aster need full sun?

Bushy Aster does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Bushy Aster drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Bushy Aster handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.