Symphyotrichum 'Wood's Blue,' commonly known as Wood’s Blue Aster, is a stunning, compact perennial that brings vibrant color to gardens, particularly in the late summer and fall. This plant is a cultivar of the native New England aster, specifically bred for its resistance to disease and its ability to thrive in various conditions. Here's why 'Wood's Blue' should have a spot in your landscape:
Wood’s Blue Aster forms neat mounds of foliage that grow up to 12-18 inches tall and 12-24 inches wide. Its deep green, lance-shaped leaves create a dense, bushy appearance, serving as the perfect backdrop for its striking flowers. The plant is covered in dainty, lavender-blue flowers with yellow centers from late summer through fall, adding much-needed color to the garden during this transitional period. These flowers are about 1 inch in diameter and are highly attractive to pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
Symphyotrichum 'Wood's Blue' is incredibly versatile, fitting into a wide range of garden styles. Its compact size makes it ideal for front borders, rock gardens, and even containers. Its late-season blooms provide essential nectar for pollinators, making it a valuable addition to wildlife-friendly landscapes.
One of the standout qualities of Wood’s Blue Aster is its adaptability. It performs well in full sun to part shade and can tolerate a variety of soil types, from sandy to clay soils. Once established, it is drought-tolerant, making it a low-maintenance choice for homeowners looking to conserve water. Additionally, it’s deer-resistant, which is a huge plus for gardeners dealing with frequent wildlife visitors.
Symphyotrichum 'Wood's Blue' is a top pick for gardeners seeking a reliable, beautiful, and wildlife-friendly perennial. With its disease resistance, low-maintenance nature, and adaptability, it’s a fantastic addition to any landscape. Whether used as a border plant, in containers, or as part of a pollinator garden, Wood’s Blue Aster delivers beauty and value throughout the growing season.
Other Plants You May Be Interested In:
Dryopteris erythrosora 'Brilliance'
About RightPlantz - RightPlantz is your go-to source for all things gardening. RightPlantz grows better gardeners.
Symphyotrichum 'Wood's Blue,' commonly known as Wood’s Blue Aster, is a stunning, compact perennial that brings vibrant color to gardens, particularly in the late summer and fall. This plant is a cultivar of the native New England aster, specifically bred for its resistance to disease and its ability to thrive in various conditions. Here's why 'Wood's Blue' should have a spot in your landscape:
Wood’s Blue Aster forms neat mounds of foliage that grow up to 12-18 inches tall and 12-24 inches wide. Its deep green, lance-shaped leaves create a dense, bushy appearance, serving as the perfect backdrop for its striking flowers. The plant is covered in dainty, lavender-blue flowers with yellow centers from late summer through fall, adding much-needed color to the garden during this transitional period. These flowers are about 1 inch in diameter and are highly attractive to pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
Symphyotrichum 'Wood's Blue' is incredibly versatile, fitting into a wide range of garden styles. Its compact size makes it ideal for front borders, rock gardens, and even containers. Its late-season blooms provide essential nectar for pollinators, making it a valuable addition to wildlife-friendly landscapes.
One of the standout qualities of Wood’s Blue Aster is its adaptability. It performs well in full sun to part shade and can tolerate a variety of soil types, from sandy to clay soils. Once established, it is drought-tolerant, making it a low-maintenance choice for homeowners looking to conserve water. Additionally, it’s deer-resistant, which is a huge plus for gardeners dealing with frequent wildlife visitors.
Symphyotrichum 'Wood's Blue' is a top pick for gardeners seeking a reliable, beautiful, and wildlife-friendly perennial. With its disease resistance, low-maintenance nature, and adaptability, it’s a fantastic addition to any landscape. Whether used as a border plant, in containers, or as part of a pollinator garden, Wood’s Blue Aster delivers beauty and value throughout the growing season.
Other Plants You May Be Interested In:
Dryopteris erythrosora 'Brilliance'
About RightPlantz - RightPlantz is your go-to source for all things gardening. RightPlantz grows better gardeners.
Planting Location: Plant in full sun to part shade for best blooming results. Ensure the location provides at least 6 hours of sunlight daily.
Soil Requirements: Prefers well-drained soil but can tolerate a variety of soil types, from sandy to clay. Adding organic matter, like compost, will help improve poor soils.
Watering: Water regularly when establishing, but once established, the plant is relatively drought-tolerant. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Avoid waterlogged conditions, which can lead to root rot.
Mulching: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the plant to help retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds.
Pruning: In early summer, consider cutting back the plant by about a third to promote bushier growth and more compact form. Deadheading spent blooms will encourage prolonged flowering.
Fertilization: Fertilize lightly in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer. Over-fertilizing can cause leggy growth, so it's best to keep fertilization minimal.
Division: Divide clumps every 2-3 years in early spring to maintain vigor and prevent overcrowding. This will also encourage better airflow and reduce the risk of disease.
Pest and Disease Control: Keep an eye out for pests like aphids and spider mites, though this cultivar is generally disease-resistant, especially to powdery mildew. If pests become an issue, treat them with insecticidal soap or a strong water spray.
Winter Care: Once the blooming season is over, cut the plant back to about 3 inches from the ground after the first frost. Mulching heavily in colder climates will protect the roots through winter.
