ASTER MACROPHYLLUS / BIG LEAF ASTER

ASTER MACROPHYLLUS / BIG LEAF ASTER

A Bold, Shade-Tolerant Perennial with Large, Attractive Foliage

Aster macrophyllus, commonly known as Big Leaf Aster, is a striking perennial that thrives in shaded or woodland gardens. It is known for its large, broad leaves and clusters of delicate, pale purple to white flowers that bloom in late summer to fall. Its bold foliage and ability to thrive in low-light conditions make it a great choice for adding texture and color to shaded areas of your landscape.

Why Choose Big Leaf Aster?

• Late-Season Blooms: Offers beautiful pale purple to white flowers in late summer to fall when many other plants are fading.

• Shade Tolerant: Ideal for shaded or woodland areas, where it thrives in low-light conditions.

• Bold Foliage: Large, attractive leaves add texture and interest to shaded gardens, even when it’s not in bloom.

• Low Maintenance: This easy-to-grow plant requires minimal care once established, making it a great addition to low-maintenance gardens.

Key Features

• Pale Purple to White Flowers: Clusters of small, daisy-like flowers with yellow centers provide a soft, calming color contrast to the foliage.

• Large, Heart-Shaped Leaves: Big, bold leaves create a dramatic effect in shaded garden spaces, providing visual interest throughout the growing season.

• Spreading Growth Habit: Grows in a spreading form, making it ideal for groundcover or filling in garden beds.

• Deer Resistant: Big Leaf Aster is known for being relatively resistant to deer browsing.

Specifications

• Plant Size: Typically grows 2–3 feet tall and 18–24 inches wide.

• Hardiness: USDA Zones 4–8, adaptable to a variety of temperate climates.

• Sunlight: Prefers partial to full shade, thriving in low-light conditions.

• Soil Requirements: Moist, well-drained soil; tolerates slightly acidic to neutral pH.

Ideal Uses

• Woodland Gardens: A perfect addition to shaded or woodland areas, where it thrives under tree canopy or in naturalized settings.

• Shaded Borders & Groundcover: Its spreading habit makes it great for groundcover in shady spots or as a low-maintenance border plant.

• Pollinator Gardens: Attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects with its late-season blooms.

• Texture & Foliage: Provides bold texture and visual interest, even when not in bloom, making it a great year-round garden plant.

Aster macrophyllus, or Big Leaf Aster, is a great choice for gardeners looking to add texture, color, and late-season blooms to shaded spaces. With its large, striking foliage and easy care, it thrives in woodland gardens and shaded borders, offering beauty with minimal effort.

NATIVE TO ONTARIO