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Plant Particulars Zones: 2 to 8 Height: 6 inches to 8 feet Spread: Varies among species Shape: Varies among species Color: Blue, purple, red, pink, or white flowers; green leaves Bloom time: Late summer to late fall Light needs: Full sun to light shade Soil: Average; moist but well drained
Bushy and beautiful, asters offer masses of showy, daisylike blooms that are ideal for edgings, containers, meadow and woodland gardens, and at the backs of beds and borders. Although you might think of asters as being primarily fall plants, many varieties begin blooming in late summer—and they come in a rainbow of colors. To create layers of texture and color, try backing pink asters with Russian sage and yellow coneflowers. Asters also pair well with ferns and wildflowers.
Tall asters probably will need staking. You also can cut them back by half in midsummer to promote sturdier stems and more branching. For bushier fall plants, pinch or shear asters in the spring or early summer. Divide plants every year or two to control their spread, rejuvenate overgrown clumps, or increase your plantings. To avoid powdery mildew, avoid wetting the leaves when watering.
