Heart Leaved Aster
The delicate pale blue flowers of Aster cordifolius are small and numerous, forming a large cone-shaped cluster along the top of the stem. The distinctively heart shaped leaves are larger around the base of the stem and become smaller as they progress…
| Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand |
|---|---|
| Soil Moisture | Dry, Medium |
| Sun Exposure | Partial, Shade |
| Height | 2' - 3' |
| Bloom Color | Lavender, Blue |
| Bloom Time | Aug, Sep, Oct |
| Spacing | 1' |
| Hardiness Zones | 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 |
| Root Type | Rhizome |
| Benefits | Birds, Pollinators, Host Plant |
The delicate pale blue flowers of Aster cordifolius are small and numerous, forming a large cone-shaped cluster along the top of the stem. The distinctively heart shaped leaves are larger around the base of the stem and become smaller as they progress upward. Typically around 3’ high, Heart Leaved Aster is a versatile species: it prefers medium to medium-dry soils including clay. Partial shade is ideal but either full shade or full sun are also tolerated. Perfect for extending color and interest in the woodland shade garden, this late season aster continues to bloom in October.
Heart Leaved Aster will self-seed readily, and creeps slowly by rhizome as well. Controlling spread can be an issue in some settings. Unwanted spread is controlled by removing the spent flower clusters before they go to seed. This aster is a good choice for naturalizing areas that are difficult to cultivate in dry shade.
An essential for late season pollinators, Heart Leaved Aster is also a host plant for the Pearl Crescent butterfly and the Wavy-Lined Emerald moth.
