Culture

Best grown in evenly moist to wet, well-draining soil in full sun. Pinch one or two times before mid-summer for the best floral display.

Noteworthy Characteristics

Aster is a genus of around 90 species of herbaceous perennials and annuals native mostly to North America, with some species also found in the West Indies, Central and South America, and Asia. This group of plants belongs to the aster family and was originally included in the genus Aster before being separated into their own distinct genus. Some species have been introduced outside of their native ranges and are now considered naturalized or noxious weeds in parts of Europe, Australia, and Japan.

Genus name comes from the Greek symph meaning coming together and trich meaning hair in possible reference to the flower anthers.

‘Wood’s Purple’ is a compact aster form that is similar to A. novae-angliae in appearance, but is noted for having much better disease resistance. It typically grows in a mounded clump to 12-18” tall. Small, semi-double, blue-violet to purple flowers (to 1/2” across) with yellow centers bloom in late summer to early fall. Glossy dark green leaves have excellent disease resistance. Deer and rabbits tend to avoid this plant. This cultivar is part of a Wood aster series that also includes A. ‘Wood’s Pink’ and A. ‘Wood’s Blue’.

Uses

Mixed borders, native gardens, pollinator gardens. Suitable for use in containers.