It’s Aster Time!
The word aster has a Greek origin and means “star”, which is what the flowers resemble. There are many varieties to choose from — I planted the Monch Aster in my garden a couple of years ago, but for this post, I’m going with the New England Aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae) for its striking and contrasting colors of purple and orange-yellow. These asters have hairy stems and leaves, and they possess an abundance of purple rays set against a beautiful deep yellow-orange center. Each time you see this flower you’ll be powerless to avert your gaze, go ahead, it’s one of the times that staring is okay, even encouraged! You may even want to get close enough to count the flower’s purple rays, which can number anywhere between 50-100. The average height is between 3-4 feet (some are known to grow as tall 5-6 feet,) and they attract all kinds of garden friends, including butterflies, and both honey and bumble bees. This aster is non-invasive, prefers full sun, blooms from August through October, and can survive with some morning shade.