Symphyotrichum oolentangiense, or Sky Blue Aster, is a native North American perennial that adds a delicate, airy touch to the fall garden. This aster species typically grows 1-3 feet tall and 1-2 feet wide, forming an upright, bushy clump of narrow, lance-shaped leaves. The plant's foliage has a distinctive blue-green hue and tends to be slightly hairy, giving the leaves a soft, velvety appearance. In late summer to fall, Sky Blue Aster is adorned with an abundance of showy, sky-blue daisy-like flowers. These ray florets surround a yellow center disk, creating an eye-catching display that attracts a variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and moths. Adaptable and low-maintenance, Symphyotrichum oolentangiense thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained, average to dry soil conditions. Its compact, upright habit makes it well-suited for use in border plantings, rock gardens, or naturalized in meadows and prairies. To maintain the plant's tidy appearance and encourage repeat blooming, deadhead spent flowers and cut back the foliage in early spring before new growth emerges. Division every 2-3 years can also help rejuvenate older clumps. With its long flowering period and delicate, airy blooms, Sky Blue Aster is a valuable addition to sustainable, pollinator-friendly landscapes.
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Attracts Butterflies, Deciduous, Dry, Full Sun, Good for Rain Garden, Illinois Native, Medium, Native to North America, Partial Shade, Partial Sun, Perennial, Popular For Fall
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