Asters are perennial flowering plants in the family Asteraceae. This family of herbaceous plants blooms late in the year, with daisy-like flowers in shades of lavender, blue, pink, purple and white. There are numerous species that range in size from 6 inches to 7 feet tall, many of which are native to North America.
Aster Cultivars
There are many good cultivars of New England aster (S. novae-angliae e.g. ‘Alma Potschke’ or ‘Purple Dome’), Michaelmas daisy or New York aster (S. novi-belgii e.g. ‘Professor Kippenburg’) and other species that do well in Midwestern states.
Growing Asters
Asters are easy to grow in full sun or part shade in moist, well-drained soil. They are best planted in spring. Place tall types at the back of the border. Space widely to provide good air circulation to minimize powdery mildew. Stake tall asters in late summer to keep them from flopping. Cut back dead stems to the ground in late winter, and divide clumps every two or three years in spring.
– Susan Mahr, University of Wisconsin–Madison
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