This perennial forms a leafy low clumping habit. It has lanced-shaped green leaves and the daisy-like blue, purple, mauve, pink and white flowers appear above the foliage on a slender stem during late summer. The many cultivars range in size, colour and flower types.

Hardiness zones 4 to 9

Aster novi - belgii is naturally found in eastern North America growing in disturbed soil commonly along roadsides. It prefers a well drained, fertile moist light soil with a pH range from 5.5 to 7.0 in an open sunny position and is frost and drought tender.

The New York Aster is grown for its flowers and is planted along perennial borders in small or cottage gardens. It is also grown commercially as a cut flower and plants may require staking. It establishes in one season and can be grown in tubs or planter boxes. There are many varieties available and during cultivation mulch and keep the soil moist. ID 370

Aster (ass-ter) novi - belgii(NŐ-vee-BEL-gee-eye)

'Aster': a star; 'novi-belgii': New York.

Asteraceae (ass-ter-AY-see-ee)     
(Compositae)
Sunflower Family