Henry™ III Purple Aster

Aster is a tried and true star of the late summer and fall garden. Henry™ III Purple Aster sports a fully double flower in lavender shades, providing a fresh shot of color late in the season. The luscious lavender flowers combined with deep green foliage are sure to attract butterflies, hummingbirds, and songbirds even after the first light frosts of fall. Aster novi-belgii is also commonly known as Michaelmas Daisy or New York Aster and is native to the East Coast of North America from Nova Scotia to South Carolina. Henry™ III Purple Aster is a cultivar bred specifically for the home garden. 

Asters are tough and dependable bloomers that can tolerate a wide range of climates from zones 5a-9b. Herbaceous perennials like the Henry™ series of asters have a relatively short period of flowering, although this one likes to wait until the end of summer to show color. The green foliage can help fill the spaces in a perennial border full of early blooming plants. Plant asters at the edges of a woodland garden, in a meadow setting, or alongside rock garden specimens to provide color late in the season. 

Henry™ III Purple Aster Care

Plant Asters where they will receive at least 6 hours of direct sun. The soil type can be anything from heavy clay to light sand, as long as it drains well. Heavy fertilizing is not necessary to encourage profuse blooming. Consistent watering is key to helping this perennial establish and develop a strong root system. Mulch yearly with organic compost or another organic material to aid in moisture retention and suppress annual weeds. 

Deadheading is not required for Henry™ III Asters. The smallish flowers cover every inch of the plant when in full bloom and are generally self-cleaning. This cultivar does not produce much seed, and any unwanted seedlings can be easily pulled as they emerge in spring. Cut back the spent top growth in late winter or early spring, so that wildlife can feed on any seeds and use the foliage as shelter over the winter. 

Divide plant clumps every 3-4 years or as necessary to keep the plants growing vigorously. Asters spread by underground rhizomes and spread out from the middle of the plant, often leaving the middle section bare or sparse looking. Dividing and replanting will keep plants full and dense and flowering at their best. 

Henry™ III Purple Aster Spacing

The smaller size of Henry III Purple Aster makes it easy to add to established plantings or a container at the end of summer. Space plants 18 inches apart when creating a ground cover or mass planting. Increase the spacing to 24 inches when planting near other established perennials or shrubs.

Henry™ III Purple Aster Information