Plant Type

Perennial

 

Height Range

1-3'

 

Flower Color

Blue

 

Flower Season

Summer

 

Leaf Color

Green

 

Bark Color

n/a

 

Fruit Color

n/a

 

Fruit Season

n/a

Sun

Full, Half

 

Water

Medium, High

 

Growth Rate

Moderate

 

Soil Type

Clay, Loam

 

Soil Condition

Average, Rich, Well-drained

 

Soil pH

Neutral

 

Adverse Factors

n/a

Design Styles

English Cottage, Meadow

 

Accenting Features

Showy Flowers

 

Seasonal Interest

Spring, Summer

 

Location Uses

Perennial Border, Patio

 

Special Uses

Cut Flowers, Small Spaces

 

Attracts Wildlife

Butterflies

Not really an aster, this lovely perennial looks a cross between a Scabiosa and a Cupid's Dart. Though petaled like a daisy, they are more separated than in daisies, and also are toothed at the tips. Typically a soft, corn-flower blue, they are also sometimes found in white, soft purple, and pink. Blossoms appear in May, and intermittently until July. Foliage forms dense rosettes of bright green leaves; though evergreen in milder climates, it will usually go dormant here in our cold winters. It grows about 18 to 24 inches tall and about 12 to 18 inches wide.

Grow in average, medium, well-drained soils in full sun. Tolerates filtered sunlight, but prefers full sun. Prefers moist soils, but has surprisingly good drought tolerance. Wet soil in fall/winter is the main cause of death for this plant. A well-drained soil is essential. Make certain to refresh the mulch around it in the fall to facilitate it over-wintering. Deadhead individual spent flowers and remove spent flowering stems to encourage additional bloom.