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-wisePlant Select®Deer-resistant
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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
- Planting spacing
- ~21–30 in apart
- Growth habit
- Spreading
- Foot traffic
- No foot traffic
- Winter cover
- Partial winter cover
- Lawn alternative
- No-mow lawn alternative
- Bloom length
- Long (several weeks)
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3–8
- Water needs
- low to medium water
- Sun
- Best in 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
- Firewise (defensible space)
- Zones 1–3 (can be planted near the house)
- Plant Select®
- Yes, Colorado's Plant Select® program
- Bloom color
- purple, blue
- Bloom time
- late summer, early fall, mid fall
- Pollinator value
- high
- Site uses
- Slopes & erosion control
Wildlife & ecology
- Pollinator value
- high
- Deer
- Generally deer-resistant
- Native ecoregion
- shortgrass prairie, foothills
Using Aromatic aster as a groundcover
Aromatic aster spreads steadily. It fills in to a moderately dense cover. On a slope it helps knit the soil together and control erosion.
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 a well-suited groundcover for Colorado's Front Range.
- How big does Aromatic aster get?
- It matures to about 12–24 in tall and 18–30 in wide.
- How far apart do I plant Aromatic aster?
- Space Aromatic aster about 21 in apart for a faster, fuller cover, or up to 30 in apart for a looser planting.
- Is Aromatic aster hardy on the Front Range?
- Aromatic aster is hardy in USDA 3–8. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range.
- 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.
- Is Aromatic aster deer-resistant?
- Aromatic aster is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.
- Is Aromatic aster a good firewise plant near the house?
- Aromatic aster is a lower-fuel choice suitable in defensible-space zones 1–3, it can be planted near the house when kept well irrigated and maintained. This is general suitability guidance based on CSU Extension firewise plant lists, not a guarantee that any plant won't burn, a well-irrigated, well-maintained plant is the goal. Follow CSU Extension defensible-space guidance and check with your local fire district before planting in the wildland-urban interface.
- Is Aromatic aster a Plant Select® winner?
- Yes. Aromatic aster is in Plant Select®, the plant-recommendation program run by Colorado State University and Denver Botanic Gardens to highlight plants that thrive in the region.
- Can you walk on Aromatic aster?
- Aromatic aster isn't meant for foot traffic, site it where you won't need to walk across it.
- Can Aromatic aster replace a lawn?
- Yes, Aromatic aster works as a no-mow lawn alternative on the Front Range. Expect a season or two of weeding and watering while it fills in before it reads as a lawn replacement.
- Will Aromatic aster spread or stay put?
- Aromatic aster is spreading. Give it room to fill in and edit the edges to keep it where you want it.
- Does Aromatic aster stay green in winter?
- Aromatic aster keeps partial cover through Front Range winters.
- Is Aromatic aster good for a slope?
- Yes. Aromatic aster helps hold soil on Front Range slopes and control erosion once its roots knit in.
- How long does Aromatic aster bloom?
- Aromatic aster blooms for several weeks, a long-season performer on the Front Range. Bloom timing shifts a week or two with elevation and spring weather.
