Bluebird Smooth Aster

Aster is a perennial that helps to bridge the change of season from summer to fall. Bluebird is a North American native plant that should be included in every cottage and meadow garden. The large pale blue blooms float on tall stems about fine, ferny foliage from  August until the first frosts. Bluebird Smooth Aster is a great contrast to other fall bloomers such as Mums and Sedums. This herbaceous perennial has attractive, ferny foliage throughout the summer that is a nice backdrop to other summer perennials. Bluebird Smooth Aster has a more open, branching habit than other varieties of Aster. This gives Bluebird a lovely carefree feel that works in the meadow  or in a container planting in the filler position. All of the beneficial insects as well as hummingbirds and butterflies love Aster for much needed late season nutrition. Bluebird Smooth Aster CareBluebird Smooth Aster is a very easy going native that requires very little care. The soil pH range is wide. Anywhere from slightly acidic soil to slightly alkaline soil is acceptable. Well drained, moist soil is a plus although when well established this perennial will handle short periods of drought with ease. A sunny spot or a partly shady spot is equally good. Fertilizing is rarely needed for native plants. It will encourage weak, excess growth of foliage, not more blooms. Bluebird can be kept to a more mounded shape if desired by regular pinching out of branches in the early summer. Similar to Fall blooming Mums. Deadheading will keep Aster blooming longer in the fall and also help to keep it from self seeding. Bluebird Smooth Aster SpacingThe mature height for Bluebird is 4 feet, while the width is 20 inches. This plant is great as a filler in a meadow planting or even on the outside edges and transition zones of a Rain Garden. Spacing when planting is recommended at 16 inches on center.Bluebird Smooth Aster InformationUSDA Hardiness Zones: 4 – 8Plant Type: PerennialsLight Exposure: Partial Sun to Full Sun (At Least 5 Hours of Direct Sunlight)Mature Height: 30 – 36 InchesMature Spread: 24 – 30 InchesSpacing: 24 – 30 InchesHabit: Mounded, UprightFlower Color(s): BlueFlower Description: Violet-BlueBloom Period: Foliage Type: HerbaceousFoliage Color(s): GreenFoliage Description: Seasonal Interest: Summer Flowering, Fall FloweringWatering: AverageResists: DeerTolerates: Heat, DroughtAttracts: Bees, Birds, ButterfliesContainer Role: Uses: Borders, Containers, Mass Planting, Wildlife GardensFeatures: Attracts Pollinators, Low Maintenance, Native to North AmericaBrand: Common Name: Bluebird Smooth AsterOther Name(s): Scientific Name: ASTER LAEVIS `BLUEBIRD`