Raydon's Favorite Aromatic Aster (Aster oblongifolius 'Raydon's Favorite')

Raydon's Favorite Aromatic Aster (Aster oblongifolius 'Raydon's Favorite') is a mounding perennial known for its mint-scented foliage. Hairy stems carry rough, hairy, lance-shaped green leaves and purple flowers with orange-yellow centers in fall.

The flowers attract butterflies and bees. The species is native to eastern and central North America, including the Southeast.

Growing details

• Plant type: Perennial
• Species origin: Eastern and central North America, including the Southeast
• Mature size: 2–3 feet tall and wide
• Spacing: Approximately 3 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: Purple blooms with orange-yellow centers
• Bloom season: Fall
• Foliage: Rough, hairy, lance-shaped green leaves with a minty scent

Care and garden use

This low-maintenance perennial tolerates light shade and is fairly drought tolerant, but excessively dry conditions can reduce flowering. 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, borders, wildlife gardens, naturalized areas, or containers with room for its mature size. Pair with Stokes' aster, switch grass, or bluestar for contrasting flowers and textures.

Image credits: cultivar413, 151029 127 Central Park - Conservatory Garden, South Garden, Symphyrotrichon oblongifolium 'Raydon's Favorite' Aromatic Aster, and 151029 125 Central Park - Conservatory Garden, South Garden, Artemisia 'Powis Castle', Symphyrotrichon oblongifolium 'Raydon's Favorite' Aromatic Aster; David J. Stang, Aster oblongifolius Raydons Favorite 1zz and Symphyotrichum oblongifolium Raydons Favorite 0zz, CC BY-SA 4.0. Plants naturally vary in appearance and may differ from the images shown.