Symphyotrichum 'Wood's Blue'

Small-space gardens or small spaces in larger ones can rely on a boost of late season color from compact, floriferous Symphyotrichum 'Wood's Blue,' a dwarf Aster that produces masses of small, purple-blue flowers with sunny golden centers while also providing a critical source of food for pollinators at a time when many plants in the garden are subsiding. ‘Wood’s Blue’ begins its flower show in late summer and continues blooming nonstop into fall. The flowers on this Michaelmas Daisy top sturdy stems, which makes them ideal for late-season bouquets. Try this New York Aster at the edge of a sunny border where moisture is steady.

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.