Aster 'Wood's Purple'

Aster dumosus 'Wood's Purple': Jewel-Toned Finish for Fall

Compact and vibrant, Aster 'Wood's Purple' delivers a lush display of violet-purple blooms just as the garden begins to wind down. Its dense, rounded habit stays neat without pruning, while masses of golden-centred flowers light up the plant from early to mid-fall. Perfect for edging sunny borders or adding a bold pop to containers, this mildew-resistant selection supports late-season pollinators and brings reliable structure to low-maintenance plantings.

Plant Characteristics:

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

Uses and Benefits: Aster 'Wood's Purple' is ideal for front-of-border placements, fall containers, and pollinator gardens. Its low, mounded habit and rich colouring make it a natural companion to grasses and upright fall bloomers. Deer-resistant and long-blooming, it adds reliable late colour with little care—perfect for gardeners seeking compact perennials with strong seasonal impact.

Companion Plants: Pair with the golden sprays of Solidago 'Golden Baby', the wine-tinted blades of Panicum 'Shenandoah', and the dramatic foliage and dusky blooms of Sedum 'Dark Magic' for a richly textured, colour-forward fall planting that supports pollinators and provides lasting visual appeal.

Care Instructions: Plant in full sun with well-drained soil. Water during establishment; drought-tolerant once settled. No pinching needed—this cultivar holds its form naturally. Cut back after flowering or leave for winter interest. Divide every few years in spring to maintain vigour and density.

History: Part of the popular Wood’s series of compact asters, 'Wood's Purple' was bred for garden performance, mildew resistance, and heavy flower set. It descends from the North American native Aster dumosus (now Symphyotrichum dumosum), a species known for its autumn bloom and tidy size.

Final Thoughts: With its vivid colour, compact shape, and season-extending bloom, Aster 'Wood's Purple' is a polished performer that makes a big impact in small spaces—bringing reliable beauty and vital pollinator support to the fall garden.