Asters are a hardy perennial that brings life and color to any garden. The hardy blue aster (Aster novae-angliae) is the common fall-blooming variety. Asters produce large clusters of delicate daisy-like flowers in many other colors, like white, purple, lavender, pink or red. They are hardy in USDA zones 4 through 9, depending on the variety.
Asters should be planted in moist well-drained soil and in full sun to light shade. The clumps get big quick, so give them some room. Divide the clumps every 3 – 4 years in the early spring or in late fall after the flowering has finished.
There are also dwarf varieties which aren’t quite so pushy, but in the fall–when it seems like the burnt autumn colors of mums are everywhere–a big, fat blue aster can bring a welcome flash of pastel to the garden.