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Aster macrophyllus (Bigleaf aster)

Aster macrophyllus Photo/Illustration: Courtesy of Bluestone Perennials


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Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Botanical Name: Aster macrophyllus Common Name: Bigleaf aster Genus: Aster
This striking, richly-textured, deciduous ground cover has heart-shaped leaves that turn mauve in autumn. Purple, blue, or white flowers appear in late summer to early fall.
Noteworthy characteristics: Native to eastern North America. Attracts butterflies.
Care: Do not overwater. Grow in light to full shade.
Propagation: Rootball division.
Problems: Asters are sometimes plagued by fungal diseases. The most common are wilt disease, powdery mildew, and botrytis. May be affected by Verticillium wilt, gray mold, powdery mildew, rusts, white smut, aster yellows, stem cankers. Prone to rosy blister gall, aphids, tarsonemid mites, slugs, snails, and nematodes.
Height 1 ft. to 3 ft.
Spread 1 ft. to 3 ft.
Growth Habit Clumps
Light Part Shade to Full Shade
Moisture Medium Moisture
Characteristics Attracts Butterflies; Native; Showy Flowers
Bloom Time Early Fall; Fall; Late Summer; Summer
Flower Color Blue Flower; Purple/ Lavender Flower; White Flower
Uses Beds and Borders, Ground Covers, Cut Flower
Style Cottage Garden
Seasonal Interest Summer Interest, Fall Interest
Type Perennials

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