Plant Type

Perennial

 

Height Range

3-6'

 

Flower Color

Pink

 

Flower Season

Summer, Fall

 

Leaf Color

Dark Green

 

Bark Color

n/a

 

Fruit Color

n/a

 

Fruit Season

n/a

Sun

Full

 

Water

Low, Medium

 

Growth Rate

Moderate

 

Soil Type

Clay, Loam

 

Soil Condition

Average, Rich, Poor, Well-drained, Dry

 

Soil pH

Neutral

 

Adverse Factors

n/a

Design Styles

English Cottage, Meadow, Mediterranean, Ranch

 

Accenting Features

Showy Flowers

 

Seasonal Interest

Summer, Fall

 

Location Uses

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

 

Special Uses

Cut Flowers

 

Attracts Wildlife

Butterflies

'September Ruby' is a aster cultivar that blooms from late summer to late fall, with vivid ruby rose flowers with large yellow-orange centers on tall arching stems with rich green, lance-shaped foliage. Wonderful at the back of a perennial border or in front of taller ornamental grasses, for a fabulous late season show. I've planted tricolor ajuga at its feet, and as it gets cold, the ajuga turns more pink and matches the pink of the aster. It was actually just dumb luck, and it was gorgeous.

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.