Aromatic aster
Symphyotrichum oblongifolium
Aromatic aster (Symphyotrichum oblongifolium) is a Colorado-native groundcover suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 12–24 in tall and 18–30 in wide, needs low to medium water, and prefers full sun. Mound of fragrant foliage covered in lavender-blue daisies in fall. Pollinator powerhouse.
Colorado nativelow to medium water12–24 in tall and 18–30 in wideXeric / water-wiseDeer-resistant
Photos
At a glance
- Botanical name
- Symphyotrichum oblongifolium
- Variety / cultivar
- 'Raydon's Favorite', 'October Skies'
- Type
- Groundcover
- Mature size
- 12–24 in tall and 18–30 in wide
- Water needs
- low to medium water
- Sun
- full sun
- Colorado native
- Yes
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Soil
- clay, loam, sandy
- Soil pH
- 6.0–8.0
- Hail tolerance
- moderate
- Wind tolerance
- high
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
- Bloom color
- purple, blue
- Bloom time
- late summer, early fall, mid fall
- Pollinator value
- high
- Good for
- slope
Planting & establishment
Water deeply 1×/week first summer to establish. After establishment, water 1–2×/month during dry stretches.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Aromatic aster good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes. Aromatic aster is included in the Front Range Plant Finder as a groundcover suited to Colorado's Front Range.
- How big does Aromatic aster get?
- It matures to about 12–24 in tall and 18–30 in wide.
- How much water does Aromatic aster need?
- It needs low to medium water once established.
- Is Aromatic aster native to Colorado?
- Yes — it is a Colorado native.
