smooth aster Interesting Notes

Introduced by Dr. Richard Lighty of the Mt. Cuba Center, Aster laevis 'Bluebird', now Symphyotrichum laeve 'Bluebird', is the superlative selection of our native smooth blue aster. This tall, vase-shaped wildflower was discovered in a Connecticut garden and became the performing aster in Mt. Cuba's evaluations. It is recognizable for its clusters of large 1" diameter flowers, as clear sky blue as a ski bum's dream. The flowers in combination with its consistently clean foliage make for a very attractive and dependable landscape plant. Unlike the straight species, the form of this plant is upright and rarely requires staking or pinching for it to maintain an attractive habit. 

Symphyotrichum laeve is found native in mesic thickets, dry open woodlands and grasslands. We've observed Symphyotrichum laeve 'Bluebird' thriving in a range of soil moisture conditions and soil types, including dry sites.

Always a perennial pollinator favorite, the Aster family hosts over 109 species of caterpillars.

Aster laevis 'Bluebird' 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.