Common Name(s): New England Aster Botanical Name: Aster novae-angeliae Type: Herbaceous Perennial Hardiness: Zones 4 to 8 Light: Full sun Water: Moderate Bloom Colors: Deep Violet Bloom Period: Late summer to fall Height: 36 to 48 inches Spacing: 36 inches Features: Showy blooms, late season interest Precautions: None known Description: This late season bloomer can reach a height of 5 feet in optimum conditions. This New England native wildflower is a wonderful addition to the home landscape and can be pinched back in mid-season to maintain a more moderate height and additional blooms. Plants have straight, lightly pubescent stems and 4-5 inch long, alternate, lanceolate, very hairy leaves that clasp tightly to the stem. Blooms consist of 40-50 thin purple ray flowers encircling orange and yellow button-like centers. The two-inch diameter flowers occur in clusters from late summer well into fall and provides a beautiful accent to chrysanthemums and ornamental grasses. Uses/Culture: Mixed beds and borders, accent planting, fall color, cut flower arrangements, wildflower and meadow gardens. Plants prefer full sun and a moderately moist but well-drained soil but is reasonably drought tolerant once established. Ideal for fall or winter sowing, otherwise a 8 week period of cold stratification is necessary for germination. Germination Requirements: An 8 week period of cold stratification is required for germination. Germination occurs in 2-4 weeks.

• Seeds per packet: About 50

Seeds per packet: About 50