Species

Aster dumosusBushy Aster

3 other cultivars

perennialN. America Native

Bushy Aster

Aster dumosus 'Jenny'

The Story

Plant Bio

Symphyotrichum dumosum is a mounding herbaceous perennial native to eastern and central North America, where it colonizes open fields and meadows. The species features a dense, bushy framework of narrow, lanceolate leaves that support terminal clusters of daisy-like flower heads from late summer into fall.

'Jenny' is a compact, low-growing cultivar that forms neat, rounded cushions reaching twelve to twenty inches in height. It is distinguished by its half-double to double flower heads of deep red-purple ray florets surrounding bright yellow central discs.

Uses & Benefits:

Forms neat, compact cushions smothered in deep red-purple daisy-like flowers that provide late-season color.

Provides excellent wind and salt spray tolerance, making it highly suitable for coastal or exposed garden sites.

Serves as a vital late-season nectar source for native bees, butterflies, and other insect pollinators.

SpeciesAster dumosusBushy Aster

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

20"

Width

16"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

North America

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Late summer – Fall

In flower about 4 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun to very light shade with fertile, well-drained soil.
Amend the planting area with organic compost to improve soil structure and moisture retention.
Space plants twelve to sixteen inches apart to ensure adequate air circulation between mature clumps.
Water deeply and regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep root system.

Pro Tip

Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, which stimulate weak, floppy stems susceptible to powdery mildew; instead, maintain consistent soil moisture and high air circulation around the foliage to prevent fungal outbreaks.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Cut the entire plant back to ground level in late winter or early spring before new shoots emerge.
Divide established clumps every three to four years in spring to maintain vigor and prevent center die-out.
Apply a balanced, slow-release organic fertilizer or a thin layer of compost in early spring.

Don't

Do not water the foliage directly; use drip irrigation or water at the base to minimize powdery mildew.
Do not prune into old, leafless woody stems during the active growing season.
Do not allow the soil to become waterlogged, especially during winter, as this induces root rot.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Border EdgingCottage GardenMass PlantingButterfly GardenCoastal Garden

Companion Plants

Solidago Echinacea purpurea Rudbeckia fulgida 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 4–8. 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 fall. 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 to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.