New England Aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae)
New England Aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae), Description: Hardy, North American perennial - Lavender to deep purple, daisy-like flowers in late summer to early fall Habit: Grows 3-6' high and 2-3' wide; upright, clump-forming Culture: Prefers full sun and moist but well-drained garden loam Hardiness: Cold hardy to USDA Zone 4 Origin: North America Attributes: Attracts butterflies and bees. Cut flowers North American asters ranked as the premier native plant introduced into Europe during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. British patron Peter Collinson wrote to Philadelphia plant collector and nurseryman John Bartram, "your country in inexhaustible in asters", and Lady Jean Skipwith included "asters of various kinds" in her southern Virginia garden during the late 1700's. New England Aster was included on the 1806 list of Philadelphia nurseryman Bernard McMahon and in the 1818 catalogue of the William Prince Nursery on Long Island, New York. This species remains a choice perennial in today's flower border as it is attractive to butterflies and makes a good cut flower.Arrives in a 1 quart pot.