Compact color for the late-season garden

Aster ‘Woods Purple’ is a dwarf, mounding perennial covered with vibrant purple, daisy-like flowers from late summer through fall. Its compact habit fits neatly along walkways, at the front of borders, or in containers without overwhelming nearby plants. It’s known for being more disease resistant to mildew and rust than other types of asters.

Plant it in full sun for the best growth and heaviest flowering. The blooms provide welcome color when many summer plants are fading. As a North American native, asters offer a valuable late-season food source for bees and butterflies.

Planting & Care

1. Planting: Plant or repot within 4 weeks of arrival. Choose a full-sun location with well-drained soil. Set the plant at the same depth it was growing in its container and space it about 18 to 24 inches from neighboring plants to allow for its spreading, mounded form.

2. Watering: Water deeply after planting and keep the soil evenly moist while roots become established. Once established, water when the top inch of soil feels dry, avoiding consistently soggy conditions.

3. Pruning: Pinch back the stems once or twice before midsummer to encourage dense, compact growth and more blooms. Remove faded flowers to keep the plant tidy, then cut stems back near ground level after frost or in early spring.

4. Fertilizing: Apply a light layer of compost or a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring. Avoid excessive fertilizer, which can promote weak, leafy growth and reduce flowering.