Stunning Asters: The Fall Flowers That Keep on Blooming

Nothing welcomes the fall season like mums. These plants are a staple in fall outdoor decorations. Mums seem to steal the fall scene. What about another classic plant that is perfect for the fall? Let’s talk about stunning asters and why they are a great plant for fall.

The bright colors and fringy flowers of asters are not only beautiful, but they also tend to attract late-season pollinators. This beautiful plant looks similar to mums. However, they will bloom longer with proper care. You can enjoy them each year in late summer and fall.

Asters grow best in zones 3 through 8 and are low in maintenance. Asters can be either annuals or perennials. The perennial asters can return every summer.

These beautiful flowers come in a wide range of heights. Asters can range in height from 1 to 6 feet, depending on the type and variety. Some varieties can grow as small as 6 inches, while others can grow as tall as 5 or 6 feet.

The majority of aster varieties grow in a mound similar to mums. The medium-height asters make gorgeous container plants for your front porch or back patio. These plants are stunning in a flower garden. Look for striking colors to complement other flowers in your garden.

I have Hardy Asters in the color Henry^TM III Purple in a porch planter. This particular Aster is considered an annual. The blooms of the Hardy Aster are similar to a mum. It’s vibrant purple and pairs beautifully with pink, yellow, orange, and white flowers in a garden or planter. This plant grows 16-24 inches in height. They would be stunningly planted in front of evergreen shrubs such as boxwoods. The purple color would pop against the backdrop of the deep green.

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Stunning Asters That Bloom Longer In The Fall

You want to extend the season of your flowers in the garden. It is best to add flowers that bloom at various times. This way your garden will yield beautiful blooms for enjoyment from spring to fall. Let’s look at a few stunning asters that will bloom longer in the fall.

What Variety of Asters That Bloom Longer In The Fall?

These stunning asters will bloom longer in the fall depending on the zone that you live in.

Type of Aster	Description & Blooming Time	Zones
It can grow 2–3 feet tall and 1–1.5 feet wide, producing lavender-blue flowers from midsummer to autumn (blooms from July to October).	It can grow to be 2–3 feet tall and 1–1.5 feet wide, and produces lavender-blue flowers from midsummer to autumn (blooms from July to October).	Hardiness in zones 5-10.
Fall Aster (Symphyotrichum oblongifolium), Aromatic Aster (Perennial)	Also known as the Aromatic Aster. This native aster has purple daisy-like flowers, yellow centers, and blooms from September to November. It can grow up to 3 feet tall. A great ground cover.	Hardiness in zones 3-8.
Hardy Aster (Annual)		Hardiness in zones 3-8.
New England Aster (Perennial)	This aster blooms from August to October. It is available in various colors including purple, pink, blue, and burgundy. This aster can grow 3-6 feet tall and is deer-resistant.	Hardiness in zones 3-8.

Planting & Caring For Asters

Type of Aster	Soil Preference	Sunlight Preference	Water Requirement
Aster X Frikartii ‘Mönch’	Well-drained soil	Grows best in full sun	Water the base of the plant without splashing water on the leaves, which can cause mildew or fungal growth. Water at least once a week during dry seasons.
Fall Aster (Symphyotrichum oblongifolium), Aromatic Aster	Clay loam, medium dry to dry, well-drained	Full sun (6+ hours per day), partial shade (2-4 hours per day)	Low
Hardy Aster	Well-drained, moist, and moderately rich soil with a pH of 5.8 to 6.5. Hardy asters prefer loamy soil, but they can grow in fertile soil that retains moisture. Wet clay soil can cause root rot, while dry sandy soil can cause the plant to wilt.	At least six hours of direct sunlight per day, but can flower in light shade. However, the shadier the location, the fewer flowers the plant will produce.	Once established, asters typically require little watering, unless conditions are unusually dry. Always water at the base of the plant, avoiding splashing water on the leaves, which can cause mildew or fungal growth.
New England Aster	They can grow in a variety of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay, but they don’t do well in dry or extremely sandy soils. Prefers moist, well-drained, and nutrient-rich soil that is slightly acidic or neutral on the pH scale.	Full sun (at least 6 hours per day) to part shade. It does not grow well in full shade.	Water once or twice a week, deeply, rather than shallowly every day. Deep watering encourages deeper roots, which makes the plant more resilient during dry periods.

After your asters are well established, it will require every 2-3 years to be divided. Dividing the asters will produce more high-quality flowers from a plant.

In the garden, I have a couple of Aromatic Aster (Symphotrichum oblongifolium ‘Raydon’s Favorite’ and New England Aster (Aster nova-angliae) ‘Grape Crush’. These asters are perennials and could rebloom the following year if conditions are good.

The above plant has buds and will bloom in the fall with feathery light purple flowers. It will compliment the white mums in the background in bloom.

Pro Tip: Asters are perennials that can rebloom in the season if you remove dead flower heads.

You May Enjoy

What I Am Loving For Fall

My Favorite Outdoor Planters

I have two oversized black planters (24″ H, 18′ D) on my front porch. Another set flanks each side of my garage. They are beautiful stately pieces for seasonal flowers.

Here are some of my favorite planters for outdoor use on patios and porches.

Stunning asters are a must-have for any fall garden. Asters with their gorgeous colors add a touch of beauty and attract pollinators. Unlike mums, asters can bloom for a longer duration with proper care. You will find these perennials to be low-maintenance with a stunning appearance in both containers and garden beds. Asters are an excellent choice for your fall landscape.

Happy fall, sweet friend!