White Wood Aster

White Wood Aster (Aster divaricatus)

White Wood Aster is a woodland perennial featuring clouds of small white daisies with yellow to purplish centers from late summer into fall. Wiry, dark stems and heart-shaped basal leaves create an airy, natural look for shade borders and woodland edges.

Distinctive Features

Delicate, branching sprays provide light texture late in the season, and the clean, white bloom contrasts well with dark stems and green foliage.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Partial shade to shade; morning sun with afternoon shade is ideal.
• Soil: Well drained, humus-rich woodland soil that retains consistent moisture.
• Water: Moderate; keep evenly moist during establishment and in dry spells.
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 3 to 8.
• Mature Size: 1.5 to 2.5 ft tall and 1.5 to 2.5 ft wide.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Airy white flowers brighten shaded beds and paths late in the season.
• Woodland Borders: Naturalizes among ferns, hostas, and spring ephemerals.
• Pollinator Gardens: Late nectar supports bees and butterflies.
• Ground Layer: Fills gaps beneath shrubs with fine texture.
• Cut Flowers: Graceful sprays add lightness to informal arrangements.

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Water regularly the first season; provide supplemental water during extended drought.
• Pruning: Shear lightly after peak bloom to tidy and encourage fresh foliage.
• Fertilizing: Top-dress with compost in spring; additional fertilizer is rarely needed.
• Mulching: Apply a 2 to 3 in mulch layer to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
• Notes: Divide clumps every 3 to 4 years to maintain vigor and flowering.

Why Choose White Wood Aster?

• Late-Season Interest: Provides reliable bloom when many shade plants are fading.
• Shade Adapted: Performs in dappled conditions where sun-loving asters struggle.
• Naturalistic Style: Airy habit complements woodland and meadow designs.
• Pollinator Value: Supports beneficial insects in late summer and fall.
• Easy Care: Low input plant once established in suitable soil.

Plant in partial shade with rich, well drained soil, and maintain steady moisture for the longest, freshest display.