Douglas Asters are somewhat inconspicuous plants until they burst into bloom at the end of summer. This perennial is an important food source for skipper butterflies and many other late season pollinators.
Latin
Symphyotrichum subspicatum
Family: Asteraceae
Difficulty
Moderately challenging
Season & Zone
Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Hardiness: Hardy to Zone 5
Timing: Sow indoors 5-6 weeks before transplanting after the last frost date. Or simply direct sow in spring. Seeds can be slow to germinate, so be patient.
Seeding: Barely cover the seeds, and keep soil moist until plants are established.
Growing: Grow in full sun to light shade, in fertile, moist soil. The plants spread very slowly by underground rhizomes. Clumps can be split up and replanted every 2-3 years. Although the plants are drought tolerant, they thrive in full sun in moist conditions.