perennialN. America Native

Raydon's Favorite Aromatic Aster

Name: Raydon's Favorite Aromatic Aster
Brand: Aster
Availability: InStock

Aster oblongifolius 'Raydon'S Favorite'

$27.95

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

30 inches

Width

30 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Low to moderate

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

Long-lived perennial

Native To

North America (species)

Toxicity

Non-toxic

The Story

Plant Bio

Aromatic Asters are tough, drought-tolerant perennials native to North America that form dense, bushy mounds. Their leaves release a pleasant minty fragrance when crushed, and they are celebrated for their spectacular late-season flower display. 'Raydon's Favorite' is a superior selection prized for its incredible floriferousness, covering the entire plant in thousands of lavender-blue, daisy-like flowers with yellow centers. It has excellent disease resistance, particularly to powdery mildew, which plagues many other asters.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

This aster is a star of the autumn garden, providing a massive and long-lasting display of vibrant lavender-blue flowers when many other plants are fading. It creates a beautiful, mounding form that works well in borders, mass plantings, and cottage gardens.

Its extreme toughness, drought tolerance, and adaptability to various soils make it a low-maintenance workhorse for challenging sunny spots. It also makes an excellent, long-lasting cut flower for fall bouquets.

Aromatic Aster is an ecological powerhouse. As a late-season bloomer, it provides a critical nectar and pollen source for monarch butterflies migrating south, as well as for native bees, honeybees, and other pollinators preparing for winter. The seeds are also eaten by birds.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

Garden Goods Direct

In Stock$27.95

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Planting

How to Grow

Select a site in full sun with good air circulation
Ensure the soil is well-drained; it tolerates a range of soil types
Dig a hole twice as wide as the plant's container
Set the plant in the hole so the crown is at soil level
Backfill with soil and water thoroughly
Water regularly the first year; it is drought-tolerant once established

Pro Tip

Pinch the plant back by half before July 4th to create a denser, sturdier plant that won't need staking.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide at least 6 hours of direct sun daily for best flowering
Pinch back in late spring for a more compact habit
Allow soil to dry out between waterings once established
Divide every few years to keep the plant vigorous

Don't

Do not plant in shade, which causes weak stems and poor flowering
Avoid planting in poorly drained, wet soils
Don't over-fertilize, which can lead to floppy growth
Do not cut back after pinching in spring; this will remove flower buds

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Divide
Pinch
Plant

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Vibrant anchor for the fall perennial borderPollinator magnet for prairie and meadow gardensDurable mass planting for sunny, dry areas

Companion Plants

Solidago 'Fireworks' Schizachyrium scoparium Panicum virgatum Sedum 'Autumn Joy' Echinacea purpurea

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Raydon's Favorite Aromatic Aster questions

What zones can Raydon's Favorite Aromatic Aster grow in?

Raydon's Favorite Aromatic 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 Raydon's Favorite Aromatic Aster deer resistant?

Yes — Raydon's Favorite Aromatic Aster is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Raydon's Favorite Aromatic Aster bloom?

Raydon's Favorite Aromatic Aster typically blooms in early fall through late fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Raydon's Favorite Aromatic Aster need full sun?

Raydon's Favorite Aromatic Aster does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Raydon's Favorite Aromatic Aster drought tolerant?

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