Symphyotrichum patens: Late Purple Aster
Latin name: Symphyotrichum patens
Common name: Late Purple Aster
Flowers: Thin rayed purple17
Fruit: Not noticeable17
Height & Width: 3’ x 3’17
Type: Perennial17
Habit: Forb/herb17
Wetland indicator category**: N/A
Texture: Coarse17
Growth rate: Moderate17
Light: Full sun17
Moisture: Medium17
Soil: Coarse to medium soils17
Zones: 7 to 817
Origin: Southwest to eastern United States17
Features: This flower is a much more common aster than the Georgia aster also found in these gardens. It is common throughout South Carolina and often found growing along roadsides and ditches. It blooms September through October.11
Siting: Asters prefer full sun. The soil should be well drained, but maintain a moist root zone. Coarse to medium soils are ideal for this.11
Care: Plant in suitable site with adequate soil organic matter so that the crown of the plant is at the soil surface18. Ensure the soil is adequately moist immediately after planting. Keep soil moist but not soggy until plant is established. Once plant is established water deeply but infrequently whenever the soil surface is dry or almost dry 2” below the soil surface.18
Pests: Plants are relatively pest resistant if cultural preferences are met.9
Author: Alexander Smolka
Sources 1-18 found on Sources page