Purple Dome Aster

Symphyotrichum novae-angliae 'Purple Dome'

Family: Aster

Type: Perennial

Other Common Name: New England Aster, Michaelmas Daisy

Purple Dome Aster is a vibrant perennial, celebrated for its dense, daisy-like purple flowers. It blooms profusely in late summer and fall, adding a splash of color when many other plants are fading.

This plant is compact and mounded, typically growing 18 to 24 inches tall and wide. It’s perfect for small spaces and containers, bringing life to any garden setting.

Purple Dome Aster is low maintenance and hardy. It thrives in various conditions, making it a go-to choice for gardeners at all experience levels.

Needs & Preferences

Hardiness Zone: 2b-3a

Deer Resistant: Yes

Pet Friendly: Yes

Moisture Preference: Average to moist

Sun Needs: Full sun to partial shade

Growth

Growth Rate: Medium

Average Height (feet): 1.5

Average Spread (feet): 3

Average Life Span (years): 10

Form: Mounded

Ornamental

Flower Color: Purple

Flower Eye Color: Yellow

Flower Shape: Daisy

Bloom Season: From late summer to late fall

Foliage Color: Green

Foliage Shape: Narrow

Products That Feature This Plant

Landscaping Your Yard With Purple Dome Aster

Integrating Purple Dome Aster into your landscape creates a stunning sea of purple in late summer and fall. It’s great for borders, beds, and as a complement to autumnal decor.

Plant them in groups for a more dramatic effect. Their compact size and vibrant blooms create an eye-catching display that’s hard to miss.

Combine them with other late bloomers or grasses. This creates a diverse, textured look that keeps your garden interesting beyond summer.

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Suitable Garden Styles

Cottage Garden

Purple Dome Aster fits perfectly in a cottage garden setting. Its informal, abundant blooms blend well with other perennials, creating a charming, old-world feel.

Butterfly Garden

This aster is a butterfly magnet. Including it in a butterfly garden ensures a lively, fluttering display of visitors, enhancing the garden's dynamic appeal.

Contemporary Garden

In a contemporary garden, Purple Dome Aster adds a pop of color. It contrasts well with minimalist, structured designs, softening the overall look with its natural form.

Purple Dome Aster Landscaping Ideas

Mass plantings of Purple Dome Aster make for a striking ground cover. Their dense blooms create a lush, purple carpet that’s truly spectacular.

Use them to line walkways or patios. Their compact size and vibrant color create a welcoming and cheerful pathway.

Incorporate Purple Dome Aster into perennial borders. They provide a late-season color burst that reinvigorates your garden as other plants begin to fade.

Create your own garden design!

Select our pre-made garden layouts to create a landscape that’s uniquely yours. Simple, smart, and customizable!

Seasonal Interest

Spring

In spring, Purple Dome Aster starts as a neat clump of green foliage. This period is about growth and preparation for the spectacular flowering to come.

Summer

Throughout summer, the plant remains a tidy mound of green, slowly gearing up. By late summer, the first hints of purple begin to appear.

Fall

Fall is when Purple Dome Aster shines. The plant becomes a vivid mass of purple blooms, making it the star of the autumn garden.

Winter

During winter, Purple Dome Aster dies back. It's a time for rest, with the foliage retreating, waiting to burst forth again in spring.

Planting Tips

Where to Plant

Purple Dome Aster thrives in locations with ample sunlight. Ideal spots are open areas in your garden that receive full sun for most of the day, ensuring vibrant blooms and healthy growth.

Light

These asters need full sun to flourish. A minimum of six hours of direct sunlight daily is crucial for abundant flowering and to maintain their compact form.

Soil

Well-drained, fertile soil is best for Purple Dome Aster. They're adaptable but prefer a neutral to slightly acidic pH. Avoid waterlogged soils to prevent root rot.

Spacing

Space Purple Dome Asters about 18 to 24 inches apart. This spacing allows for full growth and proper air circulation, reducing the risk of disease.

When to Plant

Plant in early spring or fall. Cooler temperatures allow the plants to establish roots without the stress of summer heat.

How to Plant

Plant at the same depth they were in their pots. Loosen the soil around the roots when planting and water thoroughly to encourage establishment.

Plant Care Tips

Watering

Regular watering is key, especially during dry spells. Ensure the soil remains moist but not waterlogged to promote healthy growth.

Fertilizing

Feed with a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer in spring to support robust growth. Avoid over-fertilizing, which can lead to leggy plants and fewer flowers.

Pruning

Prune back in late winter or early spring. Cutting back the dead foliage before new growth starts keeps the plants tidy and encourages bushier growth.

By Season

Spring Care

In spring, clean up any dead material and start regular watering as new growth appears. This is also the time to apply a balanced fertilizer.

Summer Care

Maintain consistent moisture in summer, especially during hot, dry periods. Mulch can help retain soil moisture and keep roots cool.

Fall Care

As the plant blooms, deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms. Reduce watering as the weather cools.

Winter Care

After the first frost, cut the stems back to the ground. Mulch over the area to protect the roots during the coldest months.

FAQ

How long do Purple Dome Asters bloom?

They typically bloom from late summer into fall. With proper care, these asters can provide vibrant color for several weeks.

Are Purple Dome Asters deer resistant?

Yes, they are generally deer resistant. Their foliage isn’t a preferred choice for deer, making them a good option for deer-prone gardens.

Can Purple Dome Asters be grown in containers?

Absolutely! They do well in containers, provided they have enough room to grow and proper drainage. Just keep an eye on watering, as container plants dry out faster.

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