October Skies Aromatic Aster (Aster oblongifolius 'October Skies')

October Skies Aromatic Aster (Aster oblongifolius 'October Skies') is a compact perennial with stiff, hairy, blue-green, lance-shaped foliage. Clusters of small sky-blue flowers with yellow centers bloom from late summer into fall, deepening in color in October.

The species is native to eastern and central North America, including the Southeast, and serves as a host for Silvery Checkerspot butterflies and several moths.

Growing details

• Plant type: Perennial
• Species origin: Eastern and central North America, including the Southeast
• Mature size: 1.5–2 feet tall and wide
• Spacing: Approximately 1.5 feet apart
• Hardiness: USDA zones 3–8
• Light: Full sun
• Soil: Dry to medium-moisture, well-drained soil
• Flowers: Sky-blue blooms with yellow centers, deepening in October
• Bloom season: Late summer into fall
• Foliage: Stiff, hairy, blue-green, lance-shaped leaves

Care and garden use

Provide good drainage and watch for powdery mildew. Cut back flower stalks after flowering to prevent self-seeding where it is unwanted.

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

Image credits: Andrey Zharkikh, Symphyotrichum oblongifolium 'October Skies' syn. Aster oblongifolius, 2014.09.18_18.31.51_DSCN1916, and 2014.09.18_18.31.02_DSCN1913; Ulimw, Symphyotrichum oblongifolium october skies aster oblongifolius Ulimw 2020, CC BY-SA 4.0; Quadell, October Skies Aster aster oblongifolius 1, CC BY 3.0. Plants naturally vary in appearance and may differ from the images shown.