Plant Type

Perennial

 

Height Range

3-6'

 

Flower Color

Lavender

 

Flower Season

Fall

 

Leaf Color

Green

 

Bark Color

n/a

 

Fruit Color

n/a

 

Fruit Season

n/a

Sun

Full

 

Water

Low, Medium

 

Growth Rate

Moderate

 

Soil Type

Sandy, Clay, Loam, Rocky, Unparticular

 

Soil Condition

Average, Poor, Well-drained, Dry

 

Soil pH

Neutral

 

Adverse Factors

n/a

Design Styles

English Cottage, Meadow, Ranch

 

Accenting Features

Showy Flowers

 

Seasonal Interest

Fall

 

Location Uses

Background, Perennial Border, Shrub Border, Foundation, Patio, Walls / Fences

 

Special Uses

Cut Flowers, Hedge, Small Spaces

 

Attracts Wildlife

Butterflies

Tatarian aster is an erect, tall-growing species, 3 to 6 feet tall and 2 to 3 feet wide, though it rarely needs staking due to thick, sturdy stems. Distinctive paddle-shaped, lower leaves are up to 24 inches long and 6 inches wide, but leaves are significantly smaller in size higher up on the plant. Small but abundant flowers with deep lavender to blue rays and yellow centers appear in flat-topped clusters in autumn. A late blooming aster that still looks fresh at time of first frost. Attractive to butterflies. Use at the back of a perennial border or tucked in among the ornamental grasses.

Grow in average, medium to dry, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Pinching back stems in late spring will lower overall plant height, but will also delay bloom onset and increase branches, increasing the number of blooms. A light winter mulch will help protect crowns. Cut stems to the ground in early spring before new growth appears. Wet soils in winter can be fatal.