Douglas Aster

Douglas Aster Symphyotrichum subspicatum Douglas aster is a showy Pacific Northwest native perennial that comes alive with lavender-blue flowers in late summer and fall. Its abundant blooms arrive when many other flowers are fading, making it an especially valuable late-season food source for native bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. It spreads gradually to form colorful colonies in the garden. Size at maturity: 2–4' tall, 2–3' wide Light: Full sun to part shade Water: Medium moisture; tolerates seasonal dryness once established Bloom time: August–October Wildlife: Excellent late-season resource for native bees, butterflies, and other pollinators Special features & uses: Long late-season bloom; native pollinator plant; naturalizes readily; excellent habitat plant Plant with: Swamp milkweed, geum, and self-heal for a long-blooming pollinator garden, or common rush for a moisture-loving habitat planting. Perfect for pollinator gardens, meadow plantings, rain gardens, and naturalized landscapes. Plant in groups to create a late-season burst of color and habitat.