Do you have the quintessential fall native flower in your garden? Raydon’s Favorite Aromatic Aster is a classic fall flower with striking violet-blue, daisy-like flowers. This fall-blooming aster is a sure winner in any garden with its abundant flowers and orderly mounded habit that reaches 2 – 3 feet in height. Raydon’s Favorite Aromatic Aster is a favorite of butterflies and other pollinators with its outstanding floral display from late summer into fall. Raydon’s Favorite Aromatic Aster gets its namesake by being a favorite of Raydon Alexander of Texas who shared a cutting with the nursery that first sold the plant.
Raydon’s Favorite Aromatic Aster is deer and rabbit resistant. The plant helps with erosion control through its deep native root system. Raydon’s Favorite Aromatic Aster is a vigorous grower that is great in mixed borders, native gardens, and mass plantings. This easy-to-grow perennial is native to dry prairies and rocky slopes of the Eastern US and hardy from zone 3-8. It has an extended bloom time, prolonging the enjoyment of its flowers into late fall! Flowers have a sweet, balsam-like fragrance.
Raydon’s Favorite Aromatic Aster Care
Raydon’s Favorite Aromatic Aster prefers a location with full sun. They can withstand difficult growing conditions and tolerate many different soil types. They will perform best in well-drained soil that is alkaline to slightly acidic. Raydon’s Favorite Aromatic Aster is drought tolerant and has low water needs. Fertilize in the fall with compost and a balanced, granular fertilizer
Pinch the central leader of Raydon’s Favorite Aromatic Aster when the plant is small to promote a bushier habit with more branching and flowers later in the season. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage reblooming; cutting back flower stems will prevent self-seeding if you do not want the plant to spread. Cut the plants back to 1-2 inches above the ground in winter or early spring.
Raydon’s Favorite Aromatic Aster Spacing
Raydon’s Favorite Aromatic Aster will reach 24-36 inches tall with a spread of 12-24 inches. Space plants 18 inches apart for a mass planting.
Raydon’s Favorite Aromatic Aster Information
USDA Hardiness Zones: 3 – 8
Plant Type: Perennial
Light Exposure: Full Sun (At Least 6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)
Mature Height: 2 – 3 Feet
Mature Spread: 12 – 15 Inches
Spacing: 15 – 18 Inches
Habit: Mounded
Flower Color(s): Purple
Flower Description: Purple
Bloom Period:
Foliage Type: Herbaceous
Foliage Color(s): Green
Foliage Description: Grey Green
Seasonal Interest: Fall Flowering
Watering: Low
Resists: Deer, Rabbit, Disease, Pests & Insects
Tolerates: Drought, Salt
Attracts: Butterflies
Container Role:
Uses: Borders, Containers, Mass Planting
Features: Attracts Pollinators, Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Low Maintenance, Award Winner
