
Blue Wood Aster
Symphyotrichum novi-belgii 'Wood's Light Blue'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
15 inches
Width
18 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Water
Medium
Humidity
Average
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Eastern North America
Toxicity
Non-toxic
The Story
Plant Bio
A genus of North American native asters known for their profuse, daisy-like flowers that provide crucial late-season nectar for pollinators. They typically form bushy clumps of foliage. 'Wood's Blue' is a compact, mounding cultivar prized for its excellent resistance to powdery mildew and its dense display of vibrant lavender-blue flowers with yellow centers.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
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Planting
How to Grow
- Select a site with full sun to light shade and good air circulation.
- Amend soil with compost for improved drainage and fertility.
- Dig a hole as deep and twice as wide as the pot.
- Set the plant in the hole so the crown is level with the soil.
- Backfill the hole, gently firming the soil around the roots.
- Water well after planting and keep moist until established.
Pro Tip
Pinch back the stems by one-third to one-half in late spring to promote a sturdier, more compact plant and prevent flopping.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Provide good air circulation to further discourage mildew.
- Water during dry spells, especially when budding.
- Divide every few years to maintain vitality.
- Leave spent seed heads for winter interest and bird food.
Don't
- Avoid overhead watering, which can encourage fungal diseases.
- Do not plant in poorly drained, wet soil.
- Don't overcrowd plants; give them space to breathe.
- Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilizer, which promotes weak, leafy growth.
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| Pinch | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Blue Wood Aster questions
What zones can Blue Wood Aster grow in?
Blue Wood 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 Blue Wood Aster deer resistant?
Yes — Blue Wood Aster is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Blue Wood Aster bloom?
Blue Wood Aster typically blooms in late summer through mid-fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Blue Wood Aster need full sun?
Blue Wood Aster does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
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