Species aster
Purple-white flowers with yellow-orange-pink stamens and purple petals on green stems with green leaves.

aster

Aster 'Wood's Purple'

Aster 'Wood's Purple' is an amazing plant that features deep purple and white bloom clusters in the middle of autumn. Its slender, toothed foliage and robust stems make it a standout addition to any garden. Its vibrant flowers make it an ideal choice for attracting butterflies and other pollinators. Its thick blooms appear well into the fall, providing a beautiful backdrop for other plants. Aster 'Wood's Purple' has excellent disease and heat tolerance, making it a great pick for gardeners in warmer climates. Its carefree nature also makes it a great addition for novice gardeners, as it requires minimal maintenance once established.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Division,Cutting,Layering Propagation,Seed Propagation,Grafting Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

4 - 8

Flowers:

Blue violet to purple Flowers

Sun:

Full sun

Leaf:

Yes

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Aster 'Wood's Purple' should be watered about once a week. The soil should remain slightly damp. To water the aster, use lukewarm water and evenly moisten the soil. Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot. To check if the plant needs watered, poke your finger into the soil about 2-3 inches down and if it is dry, it is time to water. Make sure to never leave the plant standing in water for more than an hour as that may cause root rot.

sunlight

Aster 'Wood's Purple' requires 5-6 hours of direct sunlight each day, preferring morning sun before midday. It can tolerate afternoon shade, however partial shade is not suggested as it may result in leggy stems and fewer flowers. Aster 'Wood's Purple' needs a minimum of 3-4 hours of sunlight every day for optimal flowering. Too much sunlight can be damaging; if leaves begin to yellow, move the plant to a place with more shade immediately.

pruning

Aster 'Wood's Purple' should be pruned in late winter or early spring. This helps to encourage new and healthy growth in the plants. Pruning should be done to thin out branches, remove dead or diseased branches and flowers, and encourage larger blooms. When doing your pruning keep in mind that you should only remove 1/3 or less of the existing branch and flower growth. Pruning too much can lead to weak growth and less blooms.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Aster 'Wood's Purple' typically starts flowering in late summer to early fall, usually between August and September.

Starts Flowering

Aster 'Wood's Purple' typically starts flowering in late summer to early fall, usually between August and September.

Hardiness Map

FAQ

Is gerbera a member of the Asteraceae family?

Yes, gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii) is a member of the Asteraceae family, commonly known as the daisy, sunflower, or composite family. Gerbera is a genus of about 30 species of flowering plants native to tropical regions of South America, Africa, and Asia. They are grown as ornamental garden and indoor plants, earning them the popular nickname "Gerber Daisy." They usually have a long flowering season and can come in a variety of colors, making them a popular choice for bouquets and floral arrangements.

Do aster flowers attract butterflies and bees?

Yes, aster flowers definitely attract butterflies and bees. Asters are bright, bold garden favorites due to their delicate blossoms, which often feature curved petals that fan out like a star. Their colors range from violet and purple to pink, white, and blue, so they offer a wide range of colors that attract butterflies and bees. Additionally, aster flowers are usually clustered close together, which providesa perfect landing spot for both butterflies and bees.

Is aster flower a good option for landscape design?

Aster flowers are an excellent option for landscape design because of their bright color, attractive shape, and ease of maintenance. Asters have deep colorings that range from purple, to white, to pink, with some varieties having variegated petals. They also come in multiple heights and widths, which makes it easy to fit them into your landscape plan. Finally, asters are quite low-maintenance, only requiring occasional trimming and occasional fertilizing for optimal growth.

Should aster flowers be grown in pots or in the ground?

Aster flowers can be grown both in pots and in the ground depending on the needs of the gardener. When grown in the ground, asters provide homeowners with a stunning border for flower beds or a vibrant addition to any garden. For those who prefer to have plants that move with them, or have limited outside space, asters can be grown in pots. Asters do need well-draining soil and adequate sunlight when planted outdoors, and a larger pot size will be needed to accommodate their deep roots. Whichever method you choose, make sure that your potted or in-ground asters receive the proper care and maintenance to keep them blooming brightly.

Is the aster flower a perennial or an annual plant?

The aster flower is a perennial plant, meaning that it will regrow each year for multiple years. Asters bloom in late summer and fall and can range in color from white and pale pink to deep purple. They are popular flowers for outdoor and indoor gardens, and since they are fairly hardy, they can thrive in a range of soils and temperatures.

Do aster flowers have a strong scent?

Aster flowers typically have a mild scent, though some varieties, such as the purple aster, may have a slightly stronger one. Astilbes, which are closely related to asters, are known to have a more "fragrant" smell. But overall, asters typically do not have an overpowering fragrance.

Should aster flowers be planted in the fall or spring?

Aster flowers should be planted in the fall. By planting asters in the fall, their roots will have time to become established during the colder winter months. This gives the flowers a head start when the warmer spring weather arrives. The blooms will then flower for several weeks. If asters are planted in the spring, they may not have enough time to become firmly established, compromising the flower's longevity and bloom size.

Could aster flowers grow in a rock garden?

Aster flowers can absolutely be grown in a rock garden. They are versatile and are able to adapt to many different growing conditions. The plants thrive in well-drained soil and appreciate the heat reflected off of rocks and stones. A moderate supply of water is required, so regular watering will be necessary. Rock gardens are becoming increasingly popular, and aster flowers are an ideal choice for this type of garden because of their bright colors and long lasting blooms.