Aromatic Aster | Symphyotrichum oblongifolium

🌿 Shipped in 3.5" x 5" pots – healthy, vigorous plants grown on our Southeastern U.S. homestead.

Aromatic Aster is a compact, tough native perennial that puts on a stunning floral show just when most of the garden is winding down. In late summer and fall, it bursts into clouds of lavender-blue daisies with sunny yellow centers—drawing in a flurry of bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects.

True to its name, this aster has pleasantly aromatic foliage when crushed and is one of the most drought-tolerant and low-maintenance asters available. It's perfect for borders, wildflower gardens, pollinator patches, and rocky or dry sites.

Latin Name: Symphyotrichum oblongifolium (formerly Aster oblongifolius)

Size at Maturity: 1.5–2.5 ft tall, 2–3 ft wide

USDA Zone: 3–8

Site & Soil: Prefers full sun and well-drained soil; thrives in dry, rocky, or poor soil once established

Pests & Diseases: Exceptionally resilient; rarely affected by pests or disease

🌼 Uses:

• Critical late-season nectar source for bees and butterflies

• Provides dense, ground-covering foliage and fall color

• Aromatic leaves add sensory interest to native gardens

• Native to the central and eastern U.S., including the Southeast

• Great for mass plantings, edging, and erosion control on slopes

🛠 Growing Tips:

• Cut back once in early summer to encourage a bushier shape

• Tolerates drought and neglect—ideal for hot, dry spots

• Combine with goldenrod, liatris, and other fall bloomers for an extended pollinator buffet

💡 Fun Fact:
Aromatic Aster keeps blooming well into fall, sometimes even after the first light frosts—making it one of the last native plants to support pollinators before winter.