Symphyotrichum novae-angliae A North American native that was growing in colonial gardens. New England Aster is a great plant for adding color to the garden from August to September. Deep pink-purple flowers are borne atop 3-6' tall plants that spread 2-3' wide. The flowers are known to attract butterflies to the garden. Plants grow best in full sun and moist, well-drained soil. Great for planting at the back of the perennial garden, cottage garden, native plant garden, and tall grass prairie restoration areas. Tolerates clay soils and is deer resistant. Seeds require a cold treatment. Sow directly outside in the late fall and cover with ¼" of soil, and the seeds will germinate in the spring. The seeds may also be mixed with moist, not wet, germination mix, put in a plastic bag, and refrigerated for 6-8 weeks before sowing the seeds into a tray of moist germination mix. When seedlings are large enough, they can be hardened off and transplanted into the garden. USDA Zones 4-8.
