Alma Potchke New England Aster (Aster novae-angliae 'Alma Potchke')

Alma Potchke New England Aster (Aster novae-angliae 'Alma Potchke') is a perennial with a dense, mounded habit and tightly packed, deep green, lance-shaped foliage. Large, saturated pink flowers with yellow centers bloom in clusters from late summer into fall.

The flowers attract butterflies and bees, bringing activity and late-season color to garden plantings. The species is native to North America, including the Southeast.

Growing details

• Plant type: Perennial
• Species origin: North America, including the Southeast
• Mature height: 2.5–3.5 feet
• Mature spread: 1.5–2 feet
• Spacing: Approximately 2.5 feet apart
• Hardiness: USDA zones 3–8
• Light: Full sun to part sun; best in full sun
• Soil: Rich, moist soil
• Flowers: Saturated pink blooms with yellow centers
• Bloom season: Late summer into fall
• Foliage: Deep green, lance-shaped leaves

Care and garden use

This low-maintenance perennial can self-seed. Cut back flower stalks after flowering to prevent self-seeding where it is unwanted.

Use as an accent or in grouped plantings, borders, wildlife gardens, naturalized areas, or containers with room for its mature size. Pair with fleabane, Stokes' aster, or fountain grass for contrasting flowers and textures.

Image credit: Prides Corner, Aster novae-angliae 'Alma Potchke'. Plants naturally vary in appearance and may differ from the images shown.