perennialN. America Native

Short's Aster

The Story

Plant Bio

Symphyotrichum shortii, commonly known as Short's aster, is an upright herbaceous perennial native to dry woodlands and savannas of eastern North America. The species forms slowly spreading clumps of slender stems that branch in their upper half, bearing smooth-margined, lanceolate leaves with distinctive heart-shaped bases.

Unlike many woodland asters that produce white flowers, this species is distinguished by its violet-blue to lavender daisy-like flower heads that span up to an inch across. The central disk florets open a clear yellow before aging to a contrasting brick red or reddish-purple.

Uses & Benefits:

Produces violet-blue to lavender daisy-like flowers that brighten shaded woodland gardens in late summer and fall.

Tolerates dry shade, calcareous soils, and limestone bluffs where other perennials struggle.

Provides nectar and pollen for native bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, and seeds for small songbirds.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

60"

Width

24"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Dry-mesic to medium

Humidity

Unknown

Lifespan

Short-lived perennial

Native To

North America

Toxicity

Mild skin irritant

Bloom period

Late summer – Fall

In flower about 4 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site with partial sun to full shade and well-drained, rich loam or sandy loam soil.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and set the plant at the same depth it was growing in its container.
Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil, and maintain consistent moisture until the root system is established.
Apply a light top-dressing of organic compost in spring, avoiding high-nitrogen synthetic fertilizers that cause weak, floppy growth.

Pro Tip

Pinch the stems back by one-third in early summer to prevent the tall, slender stalks from flopping under the weight of autumn blooms.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Pinch stems back by one-third in early July to promote a bushier, self-supporting habit.
Cut the dead stems back to the ground in early spring before new growth emerges.
Divide mature clumps every three to four years to maintain plant vigor.
Provide deep watering during extended summer dry spells to maintain foliage health.

Don't

Do not plant in heavy, poorly drained, or waterlogged soils where root rot can develop.
Avoid using heavy synthetic fertilizers, which trigger weak and excessively tall stems.
Do not crowd plants; ensure good air circulation to minimize the risk of powdery mildew.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Divide
Mulch
Pinch
Propagate
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Woodland GardensShade BordersNaturalized AreasNative Gardens

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Short's Aster questions

What zones can Short's Aster grow in?

Short's 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 Short's Aster deer resistant?

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

When does Short's Aster bloom?

Short's 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 Short's Aster need full sun?

Short's Aster does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Short's Aster drought tolerant?

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