Aster oblongifolius 'Raydon's Favorite' - Aromatic aster

DESCRIPTION

This late summer and autumn bloomer will become a favorite in your garden. It flowers profusely with bright violet-purple, daisy-like flowers and is truly a butterfly magnet. It makes a terrific cut flower. Easy to grow and is resistant to disease. Deer and rabbits tend to leave this plant alone. Introduced by Holbrook Farm.

BENEFITS

• Covered in violet-blue flowers from August well into fall
• A preferred nectar source for many butterfly species
• Deer resistant and drought tolerant once established
• Host plant for Silvery Checkerspot Butterflies
• Low maintenance, easy to grow
• Considered to be of special value to native bees

NATIVE INFO

Native Range

Native to dry prairies and rocky slopes in the Central and Eastern United States.

Interesting Facts

The Chicago Botanic Garden’s Plant Evaluation Program conducted a comparative study of 119 different asters.  Aster olbongifolius‘Raydon’s Favorite’ was one of 7 asters that received the highest rating.

GROWING TIPS

Grow in full sun in average to dry soil. Cut back after flowering to prevent the spread of variable seedlings.

Mature Size: 2-3ft. Tall x -1ft. Wide

Hardiness Zone: 3-8

Sun Exposure: Full Sun

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