Tatarian Aster

Tatarian Aster (Aster tataricus)

Full to part sun, medium to moderately moist moisture level, adaptable to a wide range of soils including clay, moderately acid to neutral pH.

4–6 feet tall, blooms late September through October with lavender-blue daisy-like flowers; spreads by rhizomes to form expanding colonies over several seasons.

Division every 3–4 years in spring maintains vigor; stem cuttings root readily in early summer.

Native region: Not native to Tennessee; ornamental introduction from northeastern Asia (Siberia, China, Korea, Japan).

Tatarian aster is one of the latest-blooming perennials in Middle Tennessee, extending color into October when most perennials have finished. Its tall stature — often reaching 5–6 feet in the humid, fertile conditions of Middle TN — may require staking or should be planted against a fence or wall. Basal foliage is coarse and somewhat unattractive early in the season; planting mid-height companions in front masks the lower stems until bloom time. Rhizomatous spread can be aggressive in moist, enriched soils; divide clumps every few years to manage spread. Attracts migrating butterflies and late-season bees.