How to Grow Aster 'Purple Pillar'
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Aster 'Purple Pillar'
Symphyotrichum ericoides 'Purple Pillar'
flowerPurple Pillar is a compact, upright cultivar of heath aster featuring delicate purple flowers with yellow centers that bloom prolifically in fall. This native North American aster is drought-tolerant and attracts pollinators, making it an excellent choice for garden borders and containers. Its columnar habit grows 2-3 feet tall and remains relatively narrow, earning it the 'pillar' designation.
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Example Aster 'Purple Pillar' timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Aster 'Purple Pillar'
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First Aster 'Purple Pillar' blooms
Around Jun 26≈ 70 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Aster 'Purple Pillar' dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Zones 3-9; thrives in cooler climates and tolerates occasional zone 9 heat with afternoon shade
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Get my Aster 'Purple Pillar' timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny green leaves emerge; plant is delicate with minimal growth
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Provide bright light. Thin seedlings to prevent crowding.
Vegetative Establishment
4-6 weeksBushy growth develops; plant establishes root system and foliage fills in; distinctive columnar shape begins forming
Water moderately; pinch back growing tips in early summer (before July) to encourage branching and compact shape. Apply balanced fertilizer monthly.
Pre-flowering
3-4 weeksPlant reaches near-full height; buds begin forming at stem tips in late summer; foliage darkens slightly
Reduce nitrogen fertilizer to encourage flowering over leaf growth. Maintain consistent moisture but allow drying between waterings. Stop pinching back.
Flowering
6-10 weeksAbundant small purple flowers with yellow centers blanket the plant from late August through November; peak bloom in September-October
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continued blooming. Water at base only. Avoid overhead watering. Stake if needed in windy locations.
Senescence & Dormancy
2-3 monthsFlowers fade; plant dies back after first hard freeze; seeds develop for natural regeneration
Cut back stems to 3-4 inches in late fall or early spring. Leave some stems standing through winter for wildlife benefit. Remove old material before new growth in spring.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Improve air circulation; avoid overhead watering; apply sulfur or neem oil spray; remove affected leaves; space plants adequately
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Use reflective mulches; spray neem oil or insecticidal soap; remove affected foliage; encourage beneficial insects
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Increase humidity by misting; spray with strong water stream; apply miticide if severe; improve air circulation
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Remove infected leaves promptly; improve drainage and air circulation; avoid wetting foliage; apply copper fungicide if necessary
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Use yellow sticky traps; spray neem oil or insecticidal soap; encourage natural predators like ladybugs
Uses
Edible Flowers
CulinaryAster flowers are edible with a mild, slightly bitter taste and can be used as garnish in salads or to decorate desserts. Some cultures use aster flowers in herbal teas for mild digestive support. [source]
Traditional Herbal Remedy
MedicinalAster species have been used in traditional Chinese medicine and Native American herbalism for respiratory support and to reduce inflammation. Modern herbalists sometimes recommend aster tea for mild cough and cold symptoms. [source]
Cut Flowers & Arrangements
HouseholdPurple Pillar produces abundant, long-lasting cut flowers ideal for fall floral arrangements, bouquets, and decorative displays. Its columnar form makes it particularly useful as a filler flower in mixed arrangements. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeAster ericoides is a native wildflower crucial for fall-migrating monarchs and other pollinators when few other blooms remain. It provides essential nectar and pollen in late summer and fall when food sources are scarce. [source]
Dried Flower Crafts
CraftThe delicate purple flowers dry beautifully and retain color well, making them ideal for dried flower arrangements, wreaths, and pressed flower crafts. Dried asters add texture to potpourri and decorative displays. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Asters are ornamental flowers; cut stems when flowers are fully open for fresh arrangements, which typically last 7-10 days in a vase. Cut from mid-morning after dew dries. For dried flowers, cut when fully bloomed and hang upside-down in a warm, dry location for 2-3 weeks. Leave some flowers on the plant for pollinators.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Purple Pillar's scientific name was reclassified from Aster ericoides to Symphyotrichum ericoides in 1994 based on genetic studies, though it's still commonly sold as 'Aster ericoides'
- 🌱 Heath asters are native to North America and were critical food sources for Monarch butterflies preparing for their multi-thousand-mile migration to Mexico in fall
- 🌱 The name 'ericoides' means 'resembling Erica' (heath), referring to its fine, needle-like foliage that looks delicate but is quite hardy and drought-tolerant
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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