Growing Tips for Late Summer to Fall Blooming Boltonia asteroides

The light airy flowers of Boltonia add some late season beauty to the garden and food for a variety of pollinators and songbirds.

Boltonia, also known as false aster, is hardy in zones 4 to 9. It can grow up to 6 feet tall and 4 feet wide. Its white daisy like flowers appear in late summer and continue until frost.  You may find plants with petals tinged pink, purple or lilac.

Boltonia prefers full to part sun and moist well-drained soil. In wet locations, plants are more likely to flop and need staking. In dry soil the plants will be more compact, but the flowers may be less showy. Trim back plants by a third in late spring to encourage sturdier more compact growth that requires less support. Divide plants every 4 to 5 years to encourage vigorous growth and contain its spread.

A bit more information: Try these cultivars for lower maintenance and a colorful display. Snowbank has white flowers, grows 3-4' tall but usually does not require staking.  Pink Beauty as the name implies has pink flowers and grows 3-4' tall. Jim Crockett, named for the former Victory Garden host, is compact, growing just 18-24" tall with lavender blooms.

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flowers-ornamental-grasses boltonia

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