Simmond's aster (Symphyotrichum simmondsii)

Description:  A perennial aster to 2- 3 feet, flowering in late autumn, with a spreading branching habit, and multiple 1/2” wide light lavender to purple flowers.  Leaves slightly fleshy and larger than other local asters. Propagates by rhizomes, forming colonies several feet wide in good gowing conditions.  Widespread in peninsular Florida, but uncommon in Miami-Dade.

Natural Habitat: Found in moist and drier sites, including pinelands.

Planting and Care:  Water abundantly to establish, afterwards it tolerates dry to moist conditions long term. Flowers best with full sun. It will spread by rhizomes quickly if topsoil is loose or sandy, and intersperse amongst nearby plants and grasses without smothering them.  Can trim branches to ground yearly. 

Pros: Hardy, and tolerates wide variety of soil conditions. Though flowers are slightly smaller than those of S. adnatus or S. concolor, they can be abundant and very attractive on a sun-exposed plant. Attracts native pollinators.

Cons: Like other asters, it flowers almost exclusively in Autumn, or after a fire or severe trimming, and requires abundant sun for optimal blooming.  In constant partial shade it may decline and disappear.

Note on Size: These plants are young and still small, they come in pint-size containers. Please see the container photo to get a sense of their size as of February 2024.