Aster 'Wood's Pink'

Aster dumosus 'Wood's Pink': Rosy Cheer in a Compact Form

Charming and reliable, Aster 'Wood's Pink' brings a fresh flush of daisy-like pink blooms to the autumn garden when many perennials are winding down. Its neat, compact form stays naturally rounded and dense, with clean foliage and excellent resistance to powdery mildew. From early to mid-fall, it's covered in soft pink flowers with sunny yellow centres—offering vital nectar to bees and butterflies during their final foraging weeks.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 30–40 cm
• Spread: 40–50 cm, forming a dense, rounded mound
• Flower Colour: Bright to soft pink with yellow centres
• Flowering Period: Early to mid-fall
• Foliage: Small, dark green, lance-shaped leaves; clean and mildew-resistant
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun
• Soil Requirements: Well-drained, average soil; tolerates drought

Uses and Benefits: Aster 'Wood's Pink' is a go-to for low-maintenance colour in borders, foundation plantings, containers, and pollinator gardens. Its compact size makes it easy to tuck into tight spaces, and its tidy form adds structure to late-season compositions. Ideal for gardeners seeking long-lasting colour with minimal care, this dwarf aster is a pollinator magnet in a neat little package.

Companion Plants: Combine with the golden blooms of Solidago 'Little Miss Sunshine', the red-flushed foliage and upright form of Panicum 'Prairie Fire', and the dusky pink blooms of Sedum 'Autumn Fire' for a glowing, textural mix that peaks in early fall and supports end-of-season pollinators.

Care Instructions: Plant in full sun with well-drained soil. Water regularly during establishment, then only during prolonged dry spells. No pinching needed—plants stay naturally compact. Deadhead to extend bloom or cut back after flowering. Divide every few years in early spring to maintain vigour and shape.

History: A member of the widely admired Wood’s series, 'Wood's Pink' was selected for its compact growth, strong bloom set, and improved disease resistance. It descends from the native Aster dumosus (now Symphyotrichum dumosum), a species known for its compact stature and fall flowering power.

Final Thoughts: With its vibrant pink blooms and polished form, Aster 'Wood's Pink' is a joyful punctuation in the fall garden—easy to grow, eager to please, and a late-season treat for pollinators and gardeners alike.