Aster 'Wood's Light Blue'

Aster dumosus 'Wood's Light Blue': Soft Skies in the September Border

Neat, luminous, and full of charm, Aster 'Wood's Light Blue' brings a soft wash of pastel-blue daisies to the garden in early fall. This compact, mound-forming aster is covered in masses of blooms with golden-yellow centres, lighting up borders just as summer colour begins to fade. Its tidy habit and excellent mildew resistance make it a reliable choice for small gardens, containers, and the front of sunny beds. Loved by pollinators, it’s a gentle and effective way to support late-season wildlife.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 30–40 cm
• Spread: 40–50 cm, forming a dense, rounded mound
• Flower Colour: Light lavender-blue with yellow centres
• Flowering Period: Early to mid-fall
• Foliage: Deep green, small and lance-shaped; mildew-resistant
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun
• Soil Requirements: Well-drained, average soil; tolerates light drought

Uses and Benefits: Aster 'Wood's Light Blue' is perfect for edging sunny borders, filling gaps in late-season displays, or brightening rock gardens and containers. Its compact size makes it highly versatile, while its prolific bloom offers reliable colour and pollinator value. With clean foliage and a naturally tidy habit, it requires minimal maintenance to look its best from year to year.

Companion Plants: Pair with the compact golden plumes of Solidago 'Golden Baby', the brilliant pink blooms of Sedum 'Neon', and the upright, airy foliage of Panicum 'Prairie Sky' for a dynamic and long-lasting autumn palette that hums with pollinators and glows in fall light.

Care Instructions: Plant in full sun and well-drained soil. Water during establishment; once established, it tolerates dry spells well. No pinching is needed—plants maintain a tight habit naturally. Deadhead to prolong bloom or cut back after flowering. Divide every few years in early spring to maintain vigour and prevent overcrowding.

History: Part of the Wood’s series of dwarf asters bred for strong form, improved disease resistance, and abundant bloom, 'Wood's Light Blue' is a modern selection rooted in the native Aster dumosus (now Symphyotrichum dumosum), a species valued for its compact, floriferous nature.

Final Thoughts: Soft, steady, and richly rewarding, Aster 'Wood's Light Blue' is a little powerhouse for the autumn garden—bringing light, life, and late-season elegance in a compact, carefree form.