Symphyotrichum oblongifolium, or Aromatic Aster, is a hardy native perennial that offers an abundance of late-season color and fragrance. This aster species typically grows 1-3 feet tall and 1-2 feet wide, forming a bushy, mounding clump of narrow, oblong leaves. The plant's foliage has a distinctive, slightly hairy texture and releases a pleasant, anise-like aroma when crushed or brushed against. In late summer to fall, Aromatic Aster is smothered in clusters of showy, lavender-blue daisy-like flowers. These ray florets surround a yellow center disk, creating an eye-catching display that attracts a variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and moths. Adaptable and low-maintenance, Symphyotrichum oblongifolium thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained, average to dry soil conditions. Its compact, mounding habit makes it well-suited for use in rock gardens, along borders, or naturalized in meadows and prairies. To maintain the plant's tidy appearance and encourage repeat blooming, deadhead spent flowers and cut back the foliage in early spring before new growth emerges. Division every 2-3 years can also help rejuvenate older clumps. With its long flowering period, fragrant foliage, and pollinator-friendly blooms, Aromatic Aster is a valuable addition to sustainable, low-maintenance landscapes.
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Adaptable, Attracts Bees, Attracts Butterflies, Attracts Pollinators, Attracts Wildlife, Deciduous, Deer Resistant, Full Sun, Good for Beginners, Good for Butterfly Garden, Good for Cut Flowers, Good for Mass Planting, Low Maintenance, Medium, Nativar, Perennial, Popular For Fall, Showy Flowers, Tolerant of Hot Dry Site
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