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First Snow Heath Aster

Symphyotrichum ericoides 'First Snow'

$12.79
$12.79 $15.99
per Plant - 5" Deep Pot
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ZONES  4-9 | Good to grow! Zone
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Aster ericoides 'First Snow' (Heath Aster) is a star of the fall garden, that blooms with a profusion of tiny white flowers held on husky, densely branched stems. The nectar-rich flowers are magnets for attracting all kinds of bees and butterflies including migrating Monarchs. This native aster selection is a sun-lover and easily grown in all types of soil including clay. 'First Snow' Heath Aster is a must-have perennial for late season flowers.
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Description

Aster ericoides 'First Snow' (Heath Aster) bursts into flower in early fall with husky, densely branched sprays of small white flowers. It's a remarkable display and the plant attracts all types of bees and butterflies (including migrating monarchs) to its nectar-rich flowers.) An outstanding selection of the native heath aster, it's long-lived perennial, with attractive mid-green foliage and compact stems. The plant grows vigorously in full sun and partial shade and is a trouble-free performer in most any type of soil including clay. Recommended companion plants include the cobalt-blue flowering Autumn Sapphire Sage (Salvia reptans 'Autumn Sapphire'), Prairie Sage (Salvia azurea) and misty-pink Undaunted® Ruby Muhly Grass (Muhlenbergia reverchonii). 24-36" wide x 20-24" tall.


Planting & Care

Growing Aster (Aster)
These are late summer/fall blooming native wildflowers that are easy-to-grow and provide an ample late season nectar supply for butterflies and bees. As such, they are an indispensible perennial for late season color and for feeding migrating Monarchs. Asters are resistant to browsing rabbits.

  • They grow well in most any type of soil including clay.
  • Mulch with common mulching materials as well as gravel when planted in a xeriscape.
  • Most do well with regular irrigation to keep the soil moderately moist. Some species are more xeric.
  • Plant in full sun or part sun. Some varieties will stretch in too much shade
  • Just a few handfuls of compost and Yum Yum Mix in the planting hole is enough. Don't plant into a rich, highly amended soil.
  • Species that spread to form wide growing clumps can be divided in mid-spring.
  • Fertilize in the fall with Yum Yum Mix and good quality compost.
  • Deadheading is not necessary, but will reduce re-seeding of seed-grown varieties.
  • Leave standing over the winter months and cut back hard to 1 to 2" above the ground.
  • If foliage becomes affected with mildew at the end of the growing season, cut back to the ground and remove the leaves/stems to the compost pile or trash.

Shipping

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As soon as your order is placed you will receive a confirmation email. You will receive a second email the day your order ships telling you how it has been sent. Some perennials are shipped as potted plants, some as perennial roots packed in peat.  The ‘Plant Information’ section describes how that item will ship. All perennials and fall-planted bulbs are packaged to withstand shipping and are fully-guaranteed. Please open upon receipt and follow the instructions included.

Perennials and fall-planted bulbs are shipped at the proper planting time for your Growing Zone. Perennial and fall-planted bulb orders will arrive separately from seeds. If your order requires more than one shipment and all items are shipping to the same address, there is no additional shipping charge. See our shipping information page for approximate ship dates and more detailed information. If you have any questions, please call Customer Service at (801) 769-0300 or contact us by email or chat.

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Key Features

Light Requirements

  • Morning Sun & Afternoon Shade
  • Full Sun

Water Tolerance

Low-Water

Bloom Time

Early to mid fall

Advantages

  • Bee Friendly
  • Attracts Butterflies
  • Attracts Birds
  • Native
  • Mass Plantings
  • Low Maintenance
  • Container Planting
  • Deer Resistant

Additional information

Mature Height

20-24" tall

Mature Spread

24-36" wide

Soil Type

  • Average Soil
  • Loamy Soil
  • Sandy Soil
  • Clay Soil
  • Well-Drained Soil

Soil Moisture

  • Average
  • Waterwise

Planting Time

  • Fall

Growing Zones

  • Zone 4
  • Zone 5
  • Zone 6
  • Zone 7
  • Zone 8
  • Zone 9

Neonicotinoid Free

Yes

Ships As

Potted Plant

Can Send To PO Box

No

Ships to Hawaii & Alaska

No

Overall rating: 4.8 / 5 from 5 reviews.

AI Generated Review Summary

Summary topics

Review topics: ["flowers","growing"].

Review highlights

Reviews

A good grower

"This plant grows fast into a low, dense mat of juniper-like leaves. But the little starry flowers, when they arrive in mid-to late summer, are very attractive as they cover the mat of foliage. These plants will cover a lot of ground at the front of the border."

— Ginger (5/5)

Growing like wildfire

"I got 4 of these last fall and they had to over winter in the containers they arrived in. I planted them in a new garden bed as a ""green mulch"", wanting them to cover as much bare soil as they could. They have not disappointed! Growing to beat the band--about 5 times larger than when they were first planted in May. It is now July 1."

— Dashiell (5/5)

Simple instructions on plant care

"Easy to follow planting and care instructions. Very hardy and growing fast."

— Don S. (5/5)

Growing strong

"I put these plants through a lot (low water, moving around multiple times), and they've toughed it out and are growing like crazy now (watering 3x/week via dripline under mulch). No flowers yet, but I enjoy how compact and bushy they are, especially compared to taller aster varieties, and their foliage is unique. In the photo there's two of them, one in the fore and one in the back, between the artemisia. I can't wait for the flower show in a few weeks!"

— Ali (5/5)

So far so good

"I originally ordered this in early spring for placement in a garden in zone 10. It arrived dormant, and never sprouted. I received a replacement about 6 weeks later and it came with leaves and has done well. It won't bloom till late summer, so I can't address the bloom quality yet. Very much appreciate that high country gardens replaced the one that didn't make it. Also want to say the black eyed Susan's I received in early spring are doing great and I expect blooms by the end of the month! Thanks so much."

— Renee (4/5)

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