Smooth Blue Aster (Symphyotrichum laeve) is an extremely attractive and showy native aster that brings beauty and ecological benefits at the end of the growing season! Foliage is blue-green to green and attractive all year, growing in an upright clump and adding texture to plantings long before the plant is in bloom. At the end of summer, a profusion of small blue/purple daisy-like flowers appear and cover the plant for several weeks, providing a valuable pollen and nectar source for many local pollinators. Add Smooth Aster to garden beds and borders, cottage gardens, pollinator gardens, and meadow and prairie plantings. Smooth Aster will spread, but not aggressively, and is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution.
Expected 2025 Availability- Late April to early May
Smooth Blue Aster
Irrigation Requirement: Very low (Water to Establish) (water during dry summers), Low (1/2" every 10-14 days), or Moderate (1/2" every 7-10 days)
Mature Size: 2 - 4' tall and wide
Spacing: 18-36" apart
Bloom Colors: Blue/Purple
Bloom Season: August - October
Hardiness Zone: 3 - 8
Light Requirement: Full Sun or Partial Shade
Deer Resistant: Moderately. Deer will browse it, but the plant is tolerant of browsing.
Salt Tolerant: Yes
Soils: Tolerates a wide range of soils, including sand, loam, or clay soils if well-drained.
Plants in the Symphyotrichum genus are known host plants for 1 local pollinator. Smooth Blue Aster is a valuable pollen and nectar source for many native pollinators, including specialist bees. It also provides habitat and seeds for birds.