'Bluebird' is a superlative selection of the native Smooth Aster introduced by Dr. Richard Lighty of the Mt.Cuba Center. This tall vased-shaped wildflower has large 1" diameter blue flowers held in cloud-like clusters at the tips of the arching branches. You can pinch back the young shoots in June for denser habit and more flowers, but it is not essential. Staking is helpful by late summer if you forget to pinch. Perfectly clean foliage makes for easy maintenance in production and in the landscape. Aster laevis is a great source of nectar for migrating monarchs and other late season butterflies.
Height
3-4 Feet
Bloom Color
Lavender
Interesting Notes
This smooth aster cultivar is a robust, upright plant with arching stems. Typically grows to 3' tall. Loose panicle-like clusters of 1" diameter asters with violet blue rays and yellow centers cover the upper parts of this plant in a profuse September-October bloom. Smooth, mostly toothless, blue-green foliage (to 4" long). Attractive to butterflies. Kemper Center for Home Gardening
Growing and Maintenance Tips
Smooth Aster is agreeably tolerant of a range of soils and moisture levels, but it grows best in full sun and average to dry soil. 'Bluebird' will grow and bloom in part shade, but may need support and its blooms will be fewer.
