4" Fall Aster
Aster oblongifoliu
Fall Aster is a well-behaved perennial native plant that is surprisingly easy to grow. It is hardy all the way from our Zone 8 up to Zone 4, which, in our Texas panhandle
Almost evergreen, the fall aster produces fragrant purple daisy-like flowers with yellow centers. It is one of the last plants to bloom before freezing temperatures begin, September through November. Its flowers and stems release a balsam-like fragrance when crushed. It can reach a height of 1-3 feet tall but usually grows only 1 foot tall.
Asters perform best with at least 4 hours of sun. It doesn’t matter if it’s morning or afternoon sun; asters are very adaptable. This wildflower works well as a ground cover for dry, sunny areas and grows well with native grasses. It is perfect in the rocky limestone or shale soils in the Hill Country, preferring well-drained soil with very little water once established.