Aster azureus
Sky Blue Aster
DESCRIPTION
Sky Blue AsterAster azureus
This hardy native plant lights up the autumn garden with its brilliant pale blue blooms. Found throughout the tallgrass prairie, Sky Blue Aster has adapted to a wide variety of locations from wet meadows to dry gravel outcrops. This is good news for the gardener because it will be happy in any sunny location! Attractive to butterflies and other nectar-loving insects.
BENEFITS
- Outstanding blue-lavender daisy-like flowers
- Loves full sun and is drought tolerant
- Forms superb garden backdrop when planted in groups
- Great food source for butterflies and birds
- Attracts larger fowl to garden in late fall
- Colorful blooms are great in fresh arrangements
NATIVE INFO
Native Range
Aster azureus is found in dry or moist prairies, meadows, open woods, and rocky slopes from New York and Ontario to Saskatchewan and Minnesota south to Georgia, Alabama, Louisiana, and Texas.
Interesting Facts
Late-blooming asters are an important food source for butterflies and other beneficial insects in autumn.
GROWING TIPS
Plant in average, dry or moist, well-drained soil in full sun. Sky Blue Aster is rather indifferent to soil characteristics and can flourish in soil that is loamy, sandy, rocky, or contains clay. It is easy to grow and very drought tolerant, though it may get powdery mildew on lower leaves after experiencing drought stress.