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Bluebird Smooth Aster

Symphyotrichum laevis 'Bluebird'

$13.99
$13.99 $0.00
per Plant - 5" Deep Pot
Sale |
ZONES  4-8 | Good to grow! Zone
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Symphyotrichum laeve var. laeve 'Bluebird' (Smooth Aster) covers itself with a profusion of violet-blue flowers that bloom in late summer through fall. It is a highly-rated wildflower that attracts all types of native bees and butterflies including migrating Monarchs.
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Description

Symphyotrichum laeve var. laeve 'Bluebird' (Smooth Aster) is one of the very best of our native Asters, providing a profusion of 1-inch violet-blue flowers held in clusters at the tips of the growing stems. Attractive blue-green foliage provides garden interest prior to the showy flowers. 'Bluebird' was introduced by Dr. Richard Lighty of the Mt. Cuba Center botanical gardens where it was rated as the #1 performing Aster in their garden evaluation of the genus. Asters should be a mainstay of the late summer and fall garden—they’re easy-to-grow and invaluable nectar sources for all types of native bees and butterflies, including migrating Monarchs. Growing readily in a wide range of soil types including clay, Bluebird Smooth Aster is a care-free perennial that should be planted in every garden. 

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 (802) 227-7200 or contact us by email or chat.

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Key Features

Advantages

  • Attracts Butterflies
  • Native
  • Mass Plantings
  • Long Bloom Time
  • Easy To Grow
  • Low Maintenance
  • Cut Flowers
  • Erosion Control
  • Deer Resistant

Light Requirements

  • Morning Sun & Afternoon Shade
  • Full Sun

Bloom Time

Late summer to late fall

Additional information

Planting Time

  • Spring / Summer

Soil Moisture

  • Average
  • Waterwise

Water Tolerance

Low-Water

Soil Type

  • Average Soil
  • Sandy Soil

Mature Height

36-48" tall

Mature Spread

24-36" wide

Growing Zones

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

Ideal Region

  • Midwest
  • Northeast
  • Pacific Northwest
  • Southeast
  • Southwest
  • West

Non-GMO

No

Ships As

Potted Plant
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