‘Lady in Black’ Aster is a dramatic twist on typical aster flowers with purplish-black foliage contrasting with delicate white flower clusters. Inside these beautiful flowers stands a large rosy-pink center full of nectar, attracting various butterflies and other pollinating insects. After blooming, the exposed seed heads are quite a delight to local birds as well. This native perennial is overall low-maintenance, deer-resistant, and easy to grow, with no trimming or shaping required to keep it looking full and neat. Try planting along a border for striking color that will stun garden goers (and pollinators) in fall!
Vital Details:
Plant size: 2-3’ tall x 3’ wide
Light: Sun (6+ hrs/day) to part-sun (4-6 hours sun)
Water: Average moisture. It can adapt to dry or moist conditions but cannot tolerate standing water.
Season of interest: Fall
Hardiness: 3-8 (Find your hardiness zone)
Pollinator value: Attracts butterflies of all types and other pollinating insects. Also attracts birds who feed on its seed heads!
Host plant to the following: Larval host plant to several pollinating insects, including Pearly Crescent, Painted Lady, Silvery Checkerspot butterflies.
Notable Features: Native, deer-resistant, drought-tolerant, fall-interest, long-blooming, easy to grow, pollinator-friendly
Pot Size: One quart
Plant Name: Symphyotrichum lateriflorum ‘Lady in Black’, also known as calico aster