Aster oblongifolius (Symphyotrichum oblongifolium) 'October Skies' (aromatic aster)

'October Skies' is a compact cultivar of aromatic aster, an aster species that gets its common name from the sweet scent of the foliage. October Skies is a vibrant low-growing, bushy plant that is covered in late summer with hundreds of daisy-type blue-lavender flowers with yellow centers. This is the pretty little aster seen flowering late in the season in the Arboretum's pollinator garden. Flowers last until the first hard frost. It grows easily and quickly in dry to average conditions and tolerates clay and sandy soils but will benefit from added compost. Give it full sun or part shade. Grows to 12–18" tall. Slowly colonizes by stolons, so be sure to thin it regularly to control it. Good for perennial borders, groups in the garden, and edging. Not a deer favorite.

Aromatic aster is native to parts of the eastern and central U.S. It is found in open, dry habitats such as pastures, roadsides, and prairies. It attracts native bees and other pollinators. A good source of bee forage late in the season.

Photo by Kellen McCluskey

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