Bluebird Smooth Aster (Symphyotrichum laeve 'Bluebird')

Bluebird Smooth Aster (Symphyotrichum laeve 'Bluebird', also known as Aster laevis 'Bluebird') is a perennial with smooth, blue-green foliage that forms a basal rosette. Small, soft blue-violet flowers with yellow centers cover the plant in branched clusters from late summer through fall.

The species is native to eastern and central North America, including Georgia. This selection grows best in full sun and dry to medium-moisture, well-drained soil and offers good heat and drought tolerance.

Growing details

• Plant type: Perennial
• Species origin: Eastern and central North America, including Georgia
• Mature height: 3–4 feet
• Mature spread: 2–3 feet
• Spacing: Approximately 2.5 feet apart
• Hardiness: USDA zones 4–8
• Light: Full sun to part sun; best in full sun
• Soil: Dry to medium-moisture, well-drained soil
• Flowers: Soft blue-violet blooms with yellow centers
• Bloom season: Late summer through fall
• Foliage: Smooth, blue-green leaves
• Additional traits: Heat and drought tolerance

Care and garden use

This low-maintenance perennial may need staking. Watch for caterpillars.

Use as an accent or in grouped plantings, borders, naturalized areas, woodland gardens, rock gardens, or containers with room for its mature size. Pair with salvia, dianthus, or phlox for contrasting flowers and textures.

Image credits: David J. Stang, Symphyotrichum laeve var. laeve Bluebird 1zz and Symphyotrichum laeve var. laeve Bluebird 3zz, CC BY-SA 4.0; Mark Levisay, D75_9895-1. Plants naturally vary in appearance and may differ from the images shown.