The stunning deep purple daisy flowers of 'Purple Dome' New England Aster appear in August on compact upright plants. A wonderful introduction from a wonderful plantsman, Dr. Richard Lighty, and the Mt. Cuba Center.  Asters naturally grew in moist prairies and meadows in the eastern US thriving in full sun.  Great for erosion control and pollinators love it.  Pinch back stems before mid summer to promoter fuller more floriferous plants, this will also control the height and prevent if from flopping.  Can self-seed so it is best to cutback after flowering to prevent seedling varieties in the garden.  New England Aster is a larval host to the Pearl Crescent Butterfly caterpillar and the Checkerspot Butterfly caterpillar.  It provides nectar for bees, hoverflies, skippers, and butterflies and is especially important as a late-season nectar source for migrating butterflies. (New name is Symphyotricum novae-angliae.)

• Category: Perennials
• Alternate Cultivar: Purple Dome
• Hardiness Zone: 3
• Height: 24 Inches
• Spread: 18 Inches
• Bloom Color: Purple