October Skies Aster Has a Low Habit and Blue Flowers
Virtues: We love Aster ‘October Skies’ for its bundles of lavender blue flowers with golden centers that bloom during late summer into fall. Aromatic, bushy rich blue-green foliage creates the…
Virtues: We love Aster ‘October Skies’ for its bundles of lavender blue flowers with golden centers that bloom during late summer into fall. Aromatic, bushy rich blue-green foliage creates the perfect backdrop to the charming flowers.
Common name: ‘October Skies’ aster or aromatic aster
Botanical name:Aster oblongifolius 'October Skies'; Symphyotrichum oblongifolium ‘October Skies’
Flowers: Throughout late summer into fall, clumps of radiant, rich purple-blue flowers with deep yellow centers bloom atop a heap of lustrous, fragrant foliage.
Foliage: Profuse, low-mounding, mint-scented leaves.
Habit: With a low, mounding habit these compact herbaceous perennials typically reach 1 to 2 feet in height with a similar spread.
Season: Aster ‘October Skies’ has tons of fall interest with gorgeous flowers that resemble the beautiful, clear blue October skies of New England – keeping true to its namesake.
Origin: Cultivar of a species native to North America
How to grow Aster ‘October Skies’: Aromatic asters grow successfully in most well-drained, average to dry soils. They are drought tolerant and are known for attracting butterflies. These easy-to-grow perennials thrive in full sun and should be cut back after flowering. USDA Zones 3–8.
Image courtesy North Creek Nurseries
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