How to Grow New England Aster 'Barr's Blue'

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New England Aster 'Barr's Blue'

Symphyotrichum novae-angliae 'Barr's Blue'

flower

A stunning fall-blooming perennial cultivar with deep blue-purple flowers that arrive when many gardens are fading. 'Barr's Blue' is a compact selection of the native New England Aster, reaching 3-4 feet tall with daisy-like blooms that attract pollinators in late summer and autumn. This hardy, long-lived perennial thrives in most climates and requires minimal maintenance once established.

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Example New England Aster 'Barr's Blue' timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

Plant New England Aster 'Barr's Blue'
Around Apr 17

Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
Tend & protect
Late spring–summer

Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
First New England Aster 'Barr's Blue' blooms
Mid-to-late summer

Before the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact New England Aster 'Barr's Blue' dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily minimum; tolerates light afternoon shade

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Water: Moderate watering during establishment and growth; water deeply but allow soil to dry between waterings. Established plants are drought-tolerant once their root systems develop. Reduce watering in late summer to encourage bushier growth and better fall blooms.

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Spacing: 24 inches

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Days to maturity: First flowers appear in year one, full mature size by year two

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Planting depth: Plant transplants at the same depth as their container; seeds should be surface-sown or barely covered (needs light to germinate)

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy to sandy soil

pH: 6.0-7.5

Amendments:

compost aged manure perlite or coarse sand for drainage improvement

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives best in zones 4-8, hardy to zone 3

3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b

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Growth Stages

Establishment

4-6 weeks

Young transplants with basic foliage developing initial root systems

Water regularly to keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; pinch back once to encourage branching if desired. Avoid fertilizing excessively as it promotes weak, leafy growth.

Vegetative Growth

8-12 weeks (spring through early summer)

Bushy plant with dense green foliage, stems lengthening, no flower buds yet

Pinch back stems by 1-2 inches in early summer (before July 4th) to promote compact, branching growth and more blooms. Stop pinching by late July to allow flower buds to form. Water moderately and mulch around base.

Budding & Early Flowering

2-3 weeks

Numerous flower buds forming at branch tips; first blooms opening in late August to early September

Stake or support tall stems if necessary to prevent flopping in wind or rain. Continue moderate watering. Do not fertilize; excess nitrogen reduces blooming. Watch for early-season pests.

Peak Flowering

4-6 weeks (September through October)

Masses of deep blue-purple daisy-like flowers fully open across the plant, heavy pollinator activity

Deadhead spent flowers regularly to extend bloom time, though this is optional. Ensure consistent moisture during peak blooming. This is the showiest stage; enjoy the display and pollinator activity.

Seed Set & Senescence

6-8 weeks through first frost

Flowers fade and dry; seed heads develop; foliage may yellow or brown in frost

Leave seed heads for wildlife and winter interest, or cut back after frost. Stems can be cut to ground level in late fall or early spring. Divide mature clumps in early spring if desired.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Black-eyed Susan Coreopsis Sedum Salvia Russian Sage Coneflower Ornamental grasses Joe-Pye Weed Goldenrod Phlox

Avoid planting near:

Black Walnut (allelopathic) Plants requiring dry conditions (due to regular watering needs) Shade-loving plants (competition for light)

Common Pests

Improve air circulation by spacing adequately and pinching/pruning; avoid overhead watering; spray with sulfur or neem oil if severe; resistant cultivars like 'Barr's Blue' are less susceptible than species
Hand-pick in early morning and drop into soapy water; use pheromone traps away from plants; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap; encourage natural predators
Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; use reflective mulches; avoid excess nitrogen fertilizer which promotes tender growth
Ensure excellent drainage; avoid overwatering; thin dense growth for air circulation; remove and discard infected stems; fungicide application is rarely necessary with proper culture
Spray with strong water stream; use insecticidal soap; encourage ladybugs and lacewings; neem oil for severe infestations

Uses

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Cut Flower & Floral Arrangements

Craft

The vibrant blue-purple blooms are excellent for fresh bouquets and dried flower arrangements, providing color when many other plants are fading in fall. The flowers last well in the vase and dry beautifully for long-lasting displays. [source]

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Pollinator Support

Wildlife

Provides abundant nectar and pollen for bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects in late season when food sources are scarce. The seed heads also feed birds and small mammals through winter. [source]

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Garden Ornament & Landscape

Household

Adds striking color, texture, and height to fall gardens and mixed borders. Creates a vertical accent and works well in cottage gardens, native plant gardens, and meadow plantings. [source]

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Traditional Herbal Use

Medicinal

Native Americans traditionally used New England Aster in herbal preparations for respiratory and digestive support, though modern clinical evidence is limited. Consult healthcare providers before medicinal use. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

New England Asters are ornamental flowers, not harvested in the culinary sense. Cut stems for fresh floral arrangements once flowers are fully open; they last 1-2 weeks in a vase with fresh water. For dried arrangements, cut in peak bloom and hang upside-down in a dark, dry location for 2-3 weeks. Leave seed heads on the plant through winter for wildlife food and ornamental interest, or harvest seed heads in late fall by cutting stems and placing in a paper bag; seeds will drop as heads dry.

Fun Facts

🌱 'Barr's Blue' is a compact cultivar of the native New England Aster, which is not actually native to New England—it ranges from Nova Scotia to North Carolina and west to the Great Plains. The common name derives from early botanical work done in New England.
🌱 Asters bloom when most perennials are declining, providing critical late-season nectar for migrating monarch butterflies preparing for their long journey to Mexico. A single New England Aster plant can support dozens of pollinators simultaneously during peak bloom.
🌱 The genus name was recently changed from Aster to Symphyotrichum following DNA analysis; over 20 species formerly called Aster were reorganized into new genera, though many gardeners still use the old Aster name colloquially.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Cultivar Deadhead Full Sun Mulch Perennial Pinch Back Transplant

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