Aster

The Grand Finale of the Garden

When the rest of the garden is fading in late September and October, Asters are just getting started. These native perennials explode with hundreds of daisy-like flowers in shades of purple, blue, and pink. They are the single most important nectar source for Monarch butterflies migrating south for the winter.

Why You Need It:

• Late Season Color: Extends your garden's bloom time right up to the first hard frost.
• Pollinator Critical: Literally a life-saver for late-season bees and butterflies.
• No-Fuss Native: Hardy, reliable, and generally ignored by deer.

Planting Tips:

Asters love Full Sun. To keep them compact and bushier, you can pinch back the stems by one-third in mid-June (the "Chelsea Chop").