Heath Aster (Symphyotrichum ericoides) is a gorgeous native perennial that delivers a spectacular show when most of the garden is beginning to wind down. This perennial features a compact and bushy form with needle-like green leaves that resemble Heath and give the plant its name. But don't let the sharp look of these leaves fool you, they are quite soft to the touch! In late summer and fall Heath Aster is covered with hundreds of tiny white flowers that create a cloud-like display of solid white and attract bees and butterflies in droves!  Use Heath Aster to bring softness, movement, and late season color to large garden beds and borders, meadow and prairie plantings, cottage gardens, pollinator gardens, and naturalized landscapes. Due to its ability to spread through both seeds and rhizomes, this plant should be planted in larger garden areas with other competitive perennials, containers, or with rhizome barrier to prevent taking over smaller spaces. Spent blooms can be deadheaded to prevent over-abundant seeding. While Heath Aster can adapt to different levels of moisture, giving too much water will encourage this spread more, as will planting in rich soil. Heath Aster responds well to the "Chelsea Chop" method of cutting it back earlier in the season to encourage a smaller, more compact habit that resists flopping.
Photo Credit: David Stang