ASTER PUNICEUS / SWAMP ASTER

ASTER PUNICEUS / SWAMP ASTER

A Native Perennial with Bright Purple Flowers and Wetland Adaptability

Aster puniceus, commonly known as Swamp Aster, is a native perennial valued for its vivid purple daisy-like flowers with yellow centers that bloom in late summer to fall. Its upright growth habit and glossy green foliage make it ideal for pollinator gardens, wetland edges, and naturalized landscapes. Thriving in full sun to partial shade with moist, well-drained soils, Swamp Aster adds vibrant color, wildlife value, and seasonal interest to wet or damp garden areas.

Why Choose Swamp Aster?

Pollinator Friendly: Attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.
Wetland Tolerant: Thrives in moist to wet soils, ideal for pond edges and rain gardens.
Long Blooming Season: Produces bright flowers from late summer through fall.
Low Maintenance: Adaptable to a range of soil conditions and easy to grow.

Key Features:

Foliage Color: Medium to dark green, lance-shaped leaves.
Flower Color: Bright purple daisy-like flowers with yellow centers.
Height and Spread: Typically grows 3–6 feet tall and 2–4 feet wide.
Hardiness: Hardy to USDA Zones 4–8.
Sunlight: Prefers full sun to partial shade.
Soil Requirements: Moist to wet, well-drained soils; tolerant of clay, loam, and sandy conditions.

Specifications:

Plant Size: 3–6 feet tall, 2–4 feet wide.
Growth Habit: Upright, clump-forming perennial.
Hardiness: USDA Zones 4–8.
Flowering: Late summer to fall with abundant purple blooms.

Ideal Uses:

Pollinator & Butterfly Gardens: Supports late-season pollinators.
Wetland & Rain Gardens: Thrives along pond edges, streams, and damp areas.
Borders & Naturalized Areas: Adds height, color, and structure to perennial plantings.
Low-Maintenance Landscapes: Reliable and attractive in native and wetland-style gardens.

Swamp Aster is a versatile and ecologically valuable native perennial. Its bright purple flowers, tolerance of wet soils, and support for pollinators make it an excellent choice for native gardens, naturalized landscapes, and moisture-retentive plantings.