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Tatarian aster

Aster tataricus

ASS-ter tah-TAR-ih-kus Audio

Tatarian aster is an impressive, stately perennial with a flowering height of 3 to 6 feet. It can look you in the eye yet require no staking. More important, this aster flowers longer than any other garden aster, beginning in late September and early October and continuing into November. The 1-inch-wide, light lavender flowers are a magnet for local and migrating monarch butterflies. This plant tolerates many soil types, can form large colonies in a few years, and is easily divided.

Noteworthy CharacteristicsThis tall, late-flowering aster attracts butterflies and blooms for many weeks.

CareProvide full sun and well-drained soil. Hardy to Zone 3, this plant thrives in heat and humidity and adapts readily to soil extremes from wet clay to dry sand (it may spread a little too rapidly in light soil, however). This species needs plenty of room to grow.

PropagationMost asters require frequent division.

ProblemsAsters are sometimes plagued by fungal diseases. The most common are wilt disease, powdery mildew, and botrytis.

  • Genus : Aster
  • Plant Width : 1 to 3 feet
  • Zones : 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
  • Plant Height : 6 to 10 feet
  • Bloom Time : Early Fall, Fall
  • Tolerance : Frost Tolerant
  • Light : Full Sun to Partial Shade
  • Maintenance : Low
  • Moisture : Medium Moisture
  • Plant Type : Perennials
  • Plant Seasonal Interest : Summer Interest
  • Flower Color : Yellow

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