Henry™ I Pink Aster (Aster novi-belgii ‘Henry I Pink’) is an autumn favorite, delivering a spectacular show of fully double pink flowers from late summer through fall. Each bloom reaches about 1.5 inches across, forming dense clusters atop mounded green foliage. Standing at 15 to 18 inches tall with a spread of up to 18 inches, this compact aster fills borders, containers, and mass plantings with soft, cheerful color. Its early flowering period makes it a standout for extending the garden’s seasonal appeal.
This aster’s tidy growth habit and profusion of flowers make it an excellent choice for pollinator-friendly gardens, attracting butterflies, bees, and other beneficial insects. Resistant to deer and rabbits, Henry I Pink is a reliable, low-maintenance plant that thrives in sunny locations with well-drained soil. Its rich pink blooms pair beautifully with ornamental grasses, coneflowers, and sedum, creating striking autumn displays. Originally bred for its abundant flowering and neat form, it adds charm to small garden spaces and patios.
Henry I Pink Aster Care
Henry I Pink Aster performs best in full sun, requiring at least six hours of direct light daily, though it can tolerate light shade in warmer regions. Plant it in moderately fertile, well-drained soil with a pH between 5.5 and 7.5. Water regularly during the growing season, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. A balanced, slow-release fertilizer applied in early spring will support healthy growth and abundant blooms. Mulching can help retain moisture and control weeds around the base.
Pinch back the stems in early summer to promote a fuller, bushier shape and increase flower production. After the first frost, cut the plant back to the ground to prepare it for winter dormancy. For containers, ensure proper drainage and use a quality potting mix to prevent soggy roots. In colder climates, move potted asters to a sheltered location for added winter protection.
Henry I Pink Aster Spacing
Space plants 18 inches apart for optimal airflow and to allow their mounded form to spread without overcrowding. In mass plantings or borders, closer spacing of 12 inches will create a lush, cohesive display. When planting in containers, use a pot at least 12 inches in diameter to support a healthy root system.
Henry I Pink Aster Information
USDA Hardiness Zones: 4 – 8
Plant Type:
Light Exposure: Full Sun (At Least 6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)
Mature Height: 15 – 18 Inches
Mature Spread: 1 – 1.5 Feet
Spacing: 1 – 1.5 Feet
Habit: Mounded
Flower Color(s): Pink
Flower Description: Pink Shade
Bloom Period: Late Summer to Fall
Foliage Type: Herbaceous
Foliage Color(s): Green
Foliage Description: Green
Seasonal Interest: Fall Flowering, Fall Interest
Watering: Consistent
Resists: Deer
Tolerates: Heat
Attracts: Bees, Butterflies
Container Role: Filler
Uses: Borders, Combinations, Containers, Hanging Baskets, Mass Planting, Specimen or Focal Point
