Aster 'October Skies'

Aster oblongifolius 'October Skies': Autumn Air in Bloom

Low, bushy, and billowing with colour, Aster 'October Skies' delivers a dense flush of fragrant, sky-blue flowers just as the garden leans into autumn. This compact selection of aromatic aster forms a rounded mound of finely textured foliage that stays tidy without pinching. The blooms attract bees and butterflies in abundance, bringing soft movement and essential nectar to the late-season border. Cool-toned and luminous, it's a staple in naturalistic and pollinator-friendly plantings.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 45–60 cm
• Spread: 60–75 cm, forming a dense, rounded clump
• Flower Colour: Sky blue with golden centres
• Flowering Period: Early to mid-fall
• Foliage: Fine, aromatic, deep green leaves; densely branched
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun
• Soil Requirements: Well-drained soil; tolerates drought and lean conditions

Uses and Benefits: Aster 'October Skies' is ideal for sunny borders, pollinator gardens, and low-maintenance prairie-style plantings. Its naturally compact habit makes it easy to place at the front of a bed or along a path, where its colour and fragrance can be fully appreciated. Tolerant of heat and drought once established, it provides long-lasting beauty and reliable structure as the season winds down.

Companion Plants: For a glowing autumn mix, combine with the bright gold blooms of Solidago 'Little Miss Sunshine', the upright blue-green blades of Schizachyrium 'Standing Ovation', and the rich raspberry-pink flowers of Echinacea 'Magnus Superior'. Together, they create a vibrant and dynamic planting full of texture and seasonal rhythm.

Care Instructions: Plant in full sun with well-drained soil. Water regularly during establishment, then sparingly. No pinching required—this cultivar maintains a dense form naturally. Cut back in late fall or leave standing through winter for wildlife interest. Divide every few years in early spring to refresh growth and prevent crowding.

History: A cultivated selection of the North American native Aster oblongifolius (now Symphyotrichum oblongifolium), 'October Skies' was introduced for its improved form, earlier bloom, and exceptional garden performance. It maintains the species’ drought tolerance and wildlife value with a more refined appearance.

Final Thoughts: Soft as the season it’s named for, Aster 'October Skies' brings colour, fragrance, and form to the autumn garden—an effortless favourite for those who garden with both beauty and biodiversity in mind.