Aster novae-angliae 'Vibrant Dome' is a compact mounding selection of New England aster prized for its profuse dome shaped clusters of vivid magenta pink flowers. Unlike taller varieties, it remains tidy and bushy without staking, making it well suited to front of border plantings. Its late season bloom provides a critical nectar source as other flowers fade, while its dense habit resists flopping and maintains strong ornamental appeal through autumn.
Height & Spread: 18 - 24 in x 18 - 24 in
Bloom Time: Late summer to fall
Light Requirements: Full sun
Soil Preference: Average to moist, well drained soil
Watering Needs: Moderate; more frequent during dry spells to prolong flowering
Deer Resistance: Deer resistant
Native Status
This cultivar is derived from the native New England aster, Aster novae-angliae, which is widespread in eastern North America and supports a wide range of native pollinators.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Butterflies
- Visited by late season butterflies such as Monarchs, Painted Ladies, and Pearl Crescents seeking abundant nectar in autumn.
Moths
- Supports caterpillars of several moths including the Wavy Lined Emerald and Yellow Bear Moth, which use aster foliage as a host.
Bees
- Highly attractive to native bees including sweat bees, long horned bees, and bumblebees, which forage heavily on its nectar rich blooms.
Birds
- Goldfinches and other small songbirds feed on the seeds once the flowers fade, while the dense growth habit offers cover for ground feeding birds.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations:
- Space 18 - 24 in apart to allow for a dense, mounded form without crowding.
Landscape Placement:
- Ideal for pollinator gardens, cottage borders, fall displays, and naturalistic plantings where compact height and vivid color are desired.
Companion Plants
- Symphyotrichum oblongifolium 'Raydon’s Favorite' - Aromatic, low growing aster that blooms late with complementary blue purple flowers.
- Schizachyrium scoparium (Little Bluestem) - Adds vertical structure and blue green foliage that turns bronze in fall, echoing aster tones.
- Coreopsis verticillata 'Zagreb' - Finely textured foliage and bright yellow blooms pair well with the magenta flowers of 'Vibrant Dome'.
- Eutrochium dubium 'Little Joe' - Provides soft mauve pink flowers on upright stems that attract the same pollinators earlier in the season.
- Solidago rugosa 'Fireworks' - Golden blooms arch outward like sparklers and bloom in sync with New England asters for strong contrast.