New england aster 'Purple dome'

Symphyotrichum novae-angliae

How to grow New england aster 'Purple dome'

  • Full Sun

  • Medium

Easily grown in average, medium to wet, well-drained soil in full sun. This dwarf cultivar typically grows 18-24" tall and up to 3’ wide with a low, bushy habit. Features a profuse bloom of dark purple flowers (to 1.5" across) which can entirely cover the plant with bloom from mid-August until early October. No staking is required. Attractive to butterflies. Low habit makes this a good fall blooming plant for the border front or butterfly garden. Also useful as an edger.

Plant in a location that enjoys full sun and remember to water moderately. Keep in mind when planting that Purple dome is thought of as hardy, so this plant will survive close to or on freezing temperatures.

Growing Purple dome from seed

Ensure a seed sowing distance of 11.7 inches (30.0 cm).

By our calculations, you should look at sowing Purple dome about 42 days before your last frost date.

Transplanting Purple dome

Pinch back and divide like mums for best display. Pinching should be done until the 4th of July and not after. This pinching will encourage more flowers and a bushy plant. Divide every two to three years in spring. Avoid wet overwintering conditions. Remove spent flowers to prevent reseeding.2

As Purple dome is hardy, ensure temperatures are mild enough to plant out - wait until after your last frost date to be on the safe side.

Harvesting Purple dome

Other Names for New england aster 'Purple dome'

Fall blooming aster

Footnotes

1 missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b550

2 bluestoneperennials.com/ASPD.html