Aster Varieties: 25 Types of Aster Flowers For Your Garden

Swooping in to hog the garden spotlight just when other flowers are beginning to fade, aster flowers are the ‘star’ of zone 3-9 landscapes in late summer to early fall. With thousands of cultivars and hybrids derived from more than 150 species, these cheerful perennials are diverse in size and color. They even come in true blue varieties, the most elusive of all flower hues.

Ranging in height from 6 inches to 8 feet with a spread of 1 to 3 feet, asters grow on multi-stemmed bases and feature daisy-like rays extending from yellow-orange centers. The varieties we see most often in the landscape are sorted into New York or New England subspecies. It can be quite difficult to distinguish between the two, but both types are easy to grow.

With so many varieties to choose from, there’s certainly an aster variety for every sunny spot in the garden. Read on to explore some popular cultivars in the New York and New England categories as well as a few other, more obscure flowers. We’ll look at key characteristics from each to help you find an aster or two that you may want to try at home!

New England Asters

Also known as Symphyotrichum novae-angliae (formerly in the Aster genus) in botanical terms, New England Asters are the most popular variety that you’ll seen in the United States. These flowers are perennials, and are grown quite commonly in perennial gardens across around the world. A few points about New England Asters:

• Typically taller, but there are exceptions.
• Flowers are small and simple in form.
• Leaves are hairy.
• Stems are thick and also hairy.

Let’s look at the most popular New England Aster varieties you’ll come across in many flower gardens. They are also very popular in native wildflower gardens in the United States.

‘Harrington’s Pink’

	bloom colors Bright pink
	height 4 to 6 feet tall, 1 to 2 feet wide
	hardiness zones 4-8

This variety has a large presence in the garden with numerous, bright pink florets on branching stems. A butterfly favorite for its stature, this variety might need staking, especially in windy locations. Delicate, 1-inch rays droop and close slightly at night when the sun is down, but will reopen the next day.

‘Purple Cloud’

	bloom colors Purple-blue
	height 3 to 4 feet tall, 2 to 3 feet wide
	hardiness zones 4-8

Masses of purple-blue rays cover this plant’s base in late summer and bloom for at least 4 weeks. Radiating out from a central, yellow-orange disk, flowers are supported by sturdy, hairy stems. Purple cloud delivers a long pop in the late season garden and provides valuable nectar for pollinators. Consider pinching them to encourage a bushier, rather than leggier habit.

‘September Ruby’

	bloom colors Ruby red
	height 3 to 4 feet tall, 1 to 2 feet wide
	hardiness zones 4-8

Abundant, ruby-red flowers cover this New England aster for an extended period of time in fall. Flowers are small but bright and cheerful. Stems are dense and bushy. Excellent cutting garden flower for small arrangements or accents. Stake for stability or pinch in July to promote a rounder shape. Make sure they get plenty of sun.

‘Pink Victor’

	bloom colors Medium pink
	height 3 to 4 feet tall, 1 to 2 feet wide
	hardiness zones 4-8

Terminal sprays of multi-layered, delicate pink flowers emanate from a strong central disk on Pink Victor. Foliage is strappy and stems are short. Bloom time is extra long at 4-plus weeks in fall. Divide every few years to encourage healthy flowering cycles. Plant in well drained soil.

‘Kickin® Lilac Blue’

	bloom colors Blue
	height 2 to 3 feet tall, 2 to 3 feet wide
	hardiness zones 4-8

Flower clusters are so abundant on Kickin® Lilac Blue that you can barely see the stems beneath them. One of the rare true blue flower offerings, this one blooms from late summer to mid fall. Stake for stability or plant with supporting materials in front and behind. Does well in both mixed borders and large containers.

‘Purple Dome’

	bloom colors Deep purple
	height 1 to 2 feet tall, 1 to 2 feet wide
	hardiness zones 4-8

Masses of semi-double, deep purple rays extend from yellow centers. Stems are sturdy and hairy. Purple Dome is one of the aster varieties that can handle a little shade, so if you’re concerned that your planting location may not get the full 6 hours of sun, this might be a good choice for you.

‘Lou Williams’

	bloom colors Ruby to purple-red
	height 5 to 6 feet tall, 1 to 2 feet wide
	hardiness zones 3-8

Rich-hued, daisy-like flowers are more than 2 inches wide with broad petals. One of the larger aster varieties, this one has a sturdy stalk that doesn’t typically need staking unless it’s in a location where high winds will be the norm. Great fall color, a tall stature, and a tolerance for extra cold climates make this perennial a standout.

‘Hella Lacy’

	bloom colors Violet
	height 3 to 5 feet tall, 1 to 2 feet wide
	hardiness zones 3-8

Thin, strappy petals in a light shade of violet give these flowers a whimsical appearance. Lasting long into the fall, Hella Lacy offers a great contrast to autumnal oranges and yellows. Stake for stability or pinch in mid summer to encourage a more compact habit with more terminal flowers. Makes a nice addition to the cutting garden.

‘Honeysong Pink’

	bloom colors Pink
	height 2 to 3 feet tall, 2 to 3 feet wide
	hardiness zones 3-9

Soft pink, narrow petals and rich golden centers make Honeysong pink a pollinator favorite. Dense, semi-woody stems are sturdy but may require support if they are not sandwiched between other plants. This is one of the aster varieties that will tolerate wetter soil conditions, so use it if drainage is less than ideal.

‘Treasure’

	bloom colors Lilac
	height 4 to 5 feet tall, 1 to 2 feet wide
	hardiness zones 3-9

Featuring extra large flower heads with razor-thin strappy petals, Treasure makes a statement in the perennial garden. Golden, almost rust-colored centers are large and attract butterflies for at least four weeks in fall. Flowers droop and close up at night, but open again when the sun returns. Larger than your average aster flower, Treasure is a florist’s favorite for mixed bouquets.

‘Lachsglut’

	bloom colors Bright Pink
	height 2 to 4 feet tall, 1 to 2 feet wide
	hardiness zones 3-9

Vivid pink rays radiate from bright yellow centers in this eye-catching cultivar. Lachsglut offers an old country cottage vibe and lasts well into mid-fall. This variety will tolerate some shade, so choose it for locations that might not meet full sun requirements. Bees, butterflies, and birds will flock to Lachsglut’s candy-colored florets.

‘Mrs. S.T. Wright’

	bloom colors Violet blue
	height 3 to 5 feet tall, 1 to 2 feet wide
	hardiness zones 3-9

This clump-forming New England aster delivers plentiful sprays of violet to blue colored flowers in late summer. Petals are extra thin and flower heads are large, making this one a natural choice for mixed bouquets. Golden centers age to brown, giving Mrs. S.T. Wright a nice autumn profile.

New York Asters

New York Asters are shorter, and more compact varieties. They flower in many different colors and are also becoming a garden favorite in many perennial gardens. They are also botanically known as Symphyotrichum novi-belgii (also formerly in the Aster genus). A few notes about New York Asters:

• Typically smaller, more compact.
• Flowers are slightly larger, and showier.
• Leaves are smooth.
• Stems are thin and also smooth.

While not quite as common as New England varieties, these flowers are also gaining in popularity. Let’s look at some of the most common varieties.

‘Ada Ballard’

	bloom colors Lavender to blue
	height 3 to 4 feet tall, 1 to 2 feet wide
	hardiness zones 4-8

Large double-flower heads span 3 inches on Ada Ballard, giving it a dramatic presence in the late season garden. This aster blooms on slender stems and makes a fine addition to the cutting garden. Plant in well drained soil and keep moist.

‘Brigitte’

	bloom colors Blue
	height 1 to 3 feet tall, 1 to 3 feet wide
	hardiness zones 3-8

With pastel blue, semi-double flowers set against dense, dark green foliage on a compact plant, Brigitte is a show stopper. Her central disk is green with a pale yellow surround that is joined by some of her strappy petals. At home in coastal or cottage gardens, as well as urban containers, this variety will tolerate some shade and lasts long into October in most regions.

‘Chatterbox’

	bloom colors Lilac-pink
	height 1 to 2 feet tall, 1 to 2 feet wide
	hardiness zones 4-8

Masses of fluffy, semi-double flowers are lilac to pink on this dwarf aster with a large personality. Thin, gray-green leaves give its bushy base an unusual color and provide nice contrast in mixed borders. Known to be deer and rabbit-resistant, Chatterbox is a cottage garden favorite. Make sure it gets plenty of sun to reduce the chances of mildew problems.

‘Royal Ruby’

	bloom colors Mulberry to red
	height 1 to 2 feet tall, 1 to 2 feet wide
	hardiness zones 4-8

This variety is one of the most vivid offerings in the New York family. Large masses of semi-double, pink-red flowers bloom from slender stems with rich, dark leaves. Centers are golden and large. Butterflies flock to its bold presence during late summer and early autumn. Equally at home in mixed borders or containers, Royal Ruby is versatile and eye-catching.

‘Professor Anton Kippenberg’

	bloom colors Blue-lilac
	height 1 to 2 feet tall, 1 to 2 feet wide
	hardiness zones 4-8

Easy to grow and long blooming, Professor Anton Kippenberg features thin blue-lilac petals radiating from a central disk that gets larger as the season progresses. This makes it a pollinator favorite and an ideal addition to the butterfly garden. Foliage is dark and bushy. Give this one plenty of space between its neighbors to discourage powdery mildew. Cut back completely in late fall when flowering is complete.

‘Jenny’

	bloom colors Bright pink to rose
	height 1 to 2 feet tall, 1 to 2 feet wide
	hardiness zones 3-8

A prolific flowerer with bright pink to rose colored petals, Jenny holds its color and commands attention for up to 4 weeks in fall. This variety, known for its delicate, dark green foliage, is often planted in groups to create a dramatic effect. But it’s also at home in a small container. Jenny is relatively low maintenance but needs full sun to thrive.

‘Coombe Fishacre’

	bloom colors Lilac-pink
	height 2 to 3 feet tall, 1 to 2 feet wide
	hardiness zones 4-8

One of the taller New York family asters, Coombe Fishacre has pale lilac rays that extend from brownish-pink centers. Flowers cover most of the exterior of this round, shrub-like aster for an exceptionally long time. It is one of the aster varieties that can tolerate clay soil, so gardeners without perfect drainage might want to give this one a try.

‘White Swan’

	bloom colors White
	height 1 to 2 feet tall, 1 to 2 feet wide
	hardiness zones 3-9

Often mistaken for miniature daisies, White Swan asters feature a traditional ray-form flower with strappy white petals and bright yellow centers. Their crisp white color holds well throughout the season and provides nice contrast to other, more colorful perennials in the late garden. Pinch them in early summer to promote a compact, bushy habit. Make sure they get plenty of sun.

Other Asters

There are several aster varieties that are lesser known, but have quite popular cultivars. Some lesser-known asters include Symphyotrichum oblongifolium (formerly known as Aster oblongifolius), Aster amellus, and Aster x frikartii. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the most popular cultivars of each more obscure variety.

‘October Skies’

	bloom colors Sky blue to lilac
	height 1 to 2 feet tall, 1 to 2 feet wide
	hardiness zones 3-8

This aster differentiates from New York and New England varieties by possessing strong aromatic qualities. Petals read sky blue to lilac in color and are thin and somewhat separate, giving Symphyotrichum oblongifolium ‘October Skies’ a unique flower profile. Yellow centers turn brown in late fall and are attractive to pollinators. Perfect choice for small borders or containers.

‘Fanny’s Aster’

	bloom colors Light purple
	height 2 to 3 feet tall, 2 to 3 feet wide
	hardiness zones 3-9

Symphyotrichum oblongifolium ‘Fanny’s Aster’ opens later in the season than New York or New England varieties and blooms for a shorter time (roughly 3 weeks), but it does have a higher heat tolerance than other varieties. Flowers are light purple and sweet smelling, making it a good choice for a patio or porch planting. Use it in warmer zones, where the sun may be intense.

‘King George’

	bloom colors Violet
	height 1 to 2 feet tall, 1 to 2 feet wide
	hardiness zones 5-8

One of the first asters to bloom, Aster amellus ‘King George’ is a member of the Italian aster family. It features a profuse mound of star-shaped, violet flowers that typically span 2 to 3 inches in width. Foliage is oval and dark with a compact, bushy habit. Stems are sturdy and do not typically need support or staking. This variety is not suitable for climates with extreme winter temps.

‘Grunder’

	bloom colors Rich lavender
	height 2 to 3 feet tall, 1 to 2 feet wide
	hardiness zones 5-8

Thin, strappy petals in a rich hue of lavender are offset brilliantly by a sunny yellow center on this Italian variety. Also an early bloomer, Aster amellus ‘Grunder’ can be counted on to pack a colorful punch for about three weeks in late summer. Stems are strong and do not typically need staking. Use it in the back of mixed aster borders or in the cutting garden.

‘Monch’

	bloom colors Lavender to blue
	height 2 to 3 feet tall, 2 to 3 feet wide
	hardiness zones 5-9

One of the first aster varieties to bloom, Aster x frikartii ‘Monch’ brings 2-inch, striking blue sprays to the garden in mid-summer. Flowering time is extra long and heat tolerance is high, making this a good choice in warmer regions. Stems are sturdy and habit is dense. Monch is known for being mildew-resistant and easy to grow.

Choosing an Aster Variety

When planning a garden to include four season interest, asters are a go-to for late-season charm and minimal maintenance. With a broad color spectrum and a prolific blooming habit, asters pack a punch in the garden just when it’s needed most.

When selecting a variety to try in beds or containers, pay attention to mature height and stem strength. If a more compact shape is desired, pinch the tops off in mid summer to encourage side branching. When a taller, specimen plant is desired for back or middle borders, let them go but provide support when they get leggy.

Take some time to get to know this reliable perennial and choose a variety that suits your particular garden needs. You’ll be glad you did.