Aromatic Aster

Growth habit

Herbaceous

Perennation

Long-lived polycarpic perennial

Location

Houston and Grossman Ponds

Source of plant

Bluebird Nursery Inc., Avant Gardens, Sunny Border Ohio

Description

‘October Skies’ is a low, rhizomatous, slowly spreading aster with aromatic foliage that grows more compact than the species and features attractive deep sky blue flowers. Stems typically grow to 18” tall. Small, daisy-like flowers to 1” across with blue to blue-purple rays and yellow center disks bloom in profusion in fall. Untoothed, oblong, dark green leaves to 3” long. Leaves are fragrant when crushed. Flowers are attractive to butterflies and insects. Sky color in October is reportedly a darker blue than at other times of the year, hence the cultivar name for this plant.

USDA Hardiness Zone

3