Smooth Aster (Symphyotrichum laeve)

Smooth Aster (Symphyotrichum laeve, also known as Aster laevis) is a native perennial with smooth, blue-green foliage that forms a basal rosette. Loose clusters of small blue to purple flowers with yellow centers bloom in fall.

Native to eastern and central North America, including Georgia, it brings late-season color to borders and naturalized plantings. It 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
• Origin: Eastern and central North America; Georgia native
• Mature height: 2–4 feet
• Mature spread: 1–2 feet
• Spacing: Approximately 1.5 feet apart
• Hardiness: USDA zones 3–8
• Light: Full sun to part sun; best in full sun
• Soil: Dry to medium-moisture, well-drained soil
• Flowers: Blue to purple blooms with yellow centers
• Bloom season: 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 credit: Heike Löchel, Aster (Blume), CC BY-SA 2.0 DE. Plants naturally vary in appearance and may differ from the images shown.