Bigleaf aster (Aster macrophyllus) Genus:  Aster This striking, richly-textured, deciduous ground cover has heart-shaped leaves that turn mauve in autumn. Purple, blue, or white flowers appear in late summer to early fall. Noteworthy Characteristics:  Native to eastern North America. Attracts butterflies. Care:  Do not overwater. Grow in light to full shade. Propagation:  Rootball division. Problems:  Asters are sometimes plagued by fungal diseases. The most common are wilt disease, powdery mildew, and botrytis. May be affected by Verticillium wilt, gray mold, powdery mildew, rusts, white smut, aster yellows, stem cankers. Prone to rosy blister gall, aphids, tarsonemid mites, slugs, snails, and nematodes.

Overview

Height 1 ft. to 3 ft. Spread 1 ft. to 3 ft. Growth Habit Clumps Light Part Shade to Full Shade Moisture Medium Moisture Characteristics Attracts Butterflies, Native, Showy Flowers Bloom Time Early Fall, Fall, Late Summer, Summer Flower Color Blue, Purple, White Uses Beds and Borders, Cut Flower, Ground Covers Style Cottage Garden Seasonal Interest Summer Interest Type Perennials