Symphyotrichum oblongifolium 'Raydon's Favorite'

Masses of Daisy-like, lavender-blue blooms on this multi-stemmed aromatic Aster enliven the autumn garden while attracting butterflies. 'Raydon's Favorite', a highly reliable native, has a pleasing mounded form that looks superb in company of Rudbeckias, Ornamental Grasses, and Perovskias. Designated the Garden Club of America’s 2016 Plant of the Year and rated among the most reliable Aster varieties by Mt. Cuba Center and the Chicago Botanic Garden.

Symphyotrichum is primarily native to North America, with a few species occurring in South America and Eurasia. This large genus within the Aster family includes over 90 species of mostly perennial plants that are hardy in Zones 3 through 8. Profuse, Daisy-like flowers bloom in late summer to fall, presenting a palette of colors, typically in shades of blue, purple, white, and pink. These blooms play a crucial role in supporting pollinators—such as bees and butterflies—when other blooms are diminishing. Plants prefer full sun to partial shade and thrive in well-drained soil, although they are adaptable to a variety of moisture levels and soil types. Symphyotrichums create a naturalistic planting and are a vibrant addition to perennial borders, providing both late-season color and an essential food source for wildlife.

For more information on growing and care, click Growing Guide.