Aster cordifolius 'Avondale' - Blue Wood Aster
DESCRIPTION
Blue Wood AsterAster cordifolius 'Avondale'
This selection of the native wood aster is a prolific bloomer. Clouds of blue flowers bloom in early fall extending the season of interest in your garden. Butterflies love the nectar and it is also an important pollen plant for native bees. Naturalizes under trees, beautiful in the border or at the edge of the woods. Beautiful and long-lasting as a filler in autumn flower arrangements!
North Creek Unique™ - This unique assortment has been discovered or introduced to the trade and shared with the world by North Creek Nursery.
BENEFITS
- Pollen and nectar attract butterflies and native bees
- This selection of the native wood aster is a prolific bloomer
- Late flowering will extend the season of beauty in your garden
- No serious pest or disease problems
- Deer tend to leave this plant alone
- Great cut flowers for fall arrangements
NATIVE INFO
Native Range
Upland meadows and forests.
Map Credit: The Biota of North America
Map Key: Green (native), Teal (native, adventive), Blue (present), Yellow (present & rare), Red (extinct)
INTERESTING FACTS
There are an amazing 4,000 species of native bees in North America making them the most important group of pollinators. Habitat loss is affecting their numbers. Building a nesting box for bees is fun family project that will help native bees do their important work in your backyard.
GROWING TIPS
Plant in average, dry to medium, well-drained soil. You can control height and promote a fuller habit by pinching back the stems several times before mid-July.
Mature Size: 18-24in. Tall x 18-24in. Wide
Hardiness Zone: 3-8
Sun Exposure: Part Shade
VIDEO
Coming Soon!Choosing the Right Plants
American Beauties Offer Solution Based Plant Collections to Help you Choose
Quick Tips for Choosing Plants:
- Planting a variety of native trees, shrubs, perennials and vines increases biodiversity and gives wildlife a source for food, cover and nesting
- Choose a mixture of deciduous and evergreen trees so birds and other wildlife will always be able to find shelter
- Plant trees and large shrubs where they will block winter winds from the house and shade it in summer, that will save energy and lower your carbon footprint
- Try your best to buy plants that were grown locally, your independent garden center will be your best bet
- Think about ultimate height and width of the plant you choose, make sure it will fit the space you have for it when it's reached maturity
- Plant nectar plants in groups, to attract butterflies and other beneficial insects more easily
- Ask for help if you need it. Most garden centers either have a landscape designer on staff or they can give you a reference of a designer that is adept at native plant wildlife gardening. There will be upfront costs but they are small when compared to having to redo a landscape that wasn't what you really wanted
Our Plant Tags Hold the Secrets to Success
Choosing the right plants for your garden can seem like a daunting task but we’re here to help. Our horticulturists have spent a considerable amount of time researching and writing our beautiful, American Beauties plant tags to help you be successful. First of all, when you see an American Beauties branded pot at your garden center you can be confident that the plant is native to your area and a responsible choice.
When you look at our tag you’ll find information about the plants natural habitat. That will give you a clue to how it will work in your backyard. For instance if the plant is naturally founded and moist, shade and you have full sun, it’s not the plant for you. The “Features” section gives you an overview or plant description so you’ll know what to expect. While the “Benefits” section talks about the plants strong suits and how the plant will benefit wildlife.
A Special Note About Exposure
Full sun: Prefers six or more hours of direct sunshine a day
Partial shade: Thrives in three to six hours of daily sunshine
Shade: Generally does well with less than three hours of sun per day. Having said that even shade loving plants will struggle in extremely deep shade.
DOWNLOADABLE RESOURCES
Best Plants for Bees - Double sided printout for download
Best Plants for Butterflies - Double sided printout for download