{"product_id":"aster-laevis-bluebird","title":"Aster laevis 'Bluebird'","description":"\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAster laevis ‘Bluebird’\u003c\/strong\u003e is a refined selection of Smooth Aster known for its tall, graceful form and profusion of vivid lavender blue blooms in fall. Chosen for its rich flower color and strong stems, this plant lights up the late season garden just as summer plants are fading.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"626\" data-end=\"694\" style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"626\" data-end=\"645\"\u003eHeight \u0026amp; Spread\u003c\/strong\u003e: 3 - 4 ft x 2 ft\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"697\" data-end=\"762\" style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"697\" data-end=\"711\"\u003eBloom Time\u003c\/strong\u003e: Late summer (September to October)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"765\" data-end=\"820\" style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"765\" data-end=\"787\"\u003eLight Requirements\u003c\/strong\u003e: Full sun to very light shade\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"823\" data-end=\"921\" style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"823\" data-end=\"842\"\u003eSoil Preference\u003c\/strong\u003e: Prefers medium to dry, well drained soils; tolerant of clay and poor soils\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"924\" data-end=\"997\" style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"924\" data-end=\"942\"\u003eWatering Needs\u003c\/strong\u003e: Low to moderate; drought-tolerant once established\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1000\" data-end=\"1077\" style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1000\" data-end=\"1019\"\u003eDeer Resistance\u003c\/strong\u003e: High; foliage and stems are typically avoided by deer\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003eNATIVE STATUS\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eCultivar of a North American native species, \u003cem data-start=\"1186\" data-end=\"1208\"\u003eSymphyotrichum laeve\u003c\/em\u003e. The species is native to prairies, open woods, and roadsides across much of the eastern and central United States.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003eWILDLIFE \u0026amp; INSECTS\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1480\" data-end=\"1597\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1480\" data-end=\"1495\"\u003eButterflies\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1480\" data-end=\"1597\"\u003eProvides a rich nectar source for migrating Monarchs, Painted Ladies, and other fall butterflies.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1600\" data-end=\"1743\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1600\" data-end=\"1608\"\u003eBees\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1600\" data-end=\"1743\"\u003eAttracts a variety of native bees including bumblebees, sweat bees, and long tongued bees that depend on asters for fall foraging.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1746\" data-end=\"1981\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1746\" data-end=\"1763\"\u003eOther Insects\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1746\" data-end=\"1981\"\u003eSupports predatory wasps, beetles, and syrphid flies, contributing to overall insect diversity.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1746\" data-end=\"1981\"\u003eWhile not a major larval host, it aids adult pollinators and overwintering insects with its dense structure and nectar.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003eSPACING \u0026amp; LANDSCAPE USE\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003eSpacing Recommendations\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"p1\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eSpace plants 18 - 24 inches apart to allow for upright growth and flowering without crowding.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003eLandscape Placement\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"p1\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eBest used mid to back of borders, in sunny meadows, native plantings, or pollinator strips. Use for vertical accent, seasonal color, and to extend habitat value into late fall.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003eCOMPANION PLANTS\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"2896\" data-start=\"2795\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2896\" data-start=\"2797\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2838\" data-start=\"2797\"\u003eEutrochium purpureum (Joe-Pye Weed)\u003c\/strong\u003e - tall moisture tolerant native for late-summer bloom.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"3004\" data-start=\"2897\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3004\" data-start=\"2899\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2944\" data-start=\"2899\"\u003eSolidago rugosa (Wrinkleleaf Goldenrod)\u003c\/strong\u003e - vibrant yellow counterpart with strong pollinator draw.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"3097\" data-start=\"3005\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3097\" data-start=\"3007\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"3043\" data-start=\"3007\"\u003eLiatris spicata (Blazing Star)\u003c\/strong\u003e - spiky summer bloomer with similar cultural needs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"3190\" data-start=\"3098\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3190\" data-start=\"3100\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"3140\" data-start=\"3100\"\u003eAndropogon gerardii (Big Bluestem) \u003c\/strong\u003e- structural native grass with rich fall color.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"3296\" data-start=\"3191\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3296\" data-start=\"3193\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"3250\" data-start=\"3193\"\u003ePycnanthemum tenuifolium (Narrowleaf Mountain Mint)\u003c\/strong\u003e - aromatic foliage and high wildlife value.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Cicconi Farms","offers":[{"title":"2 Gallon","offer_id":45901836026017,"sku":"ASTER LAEVIS BLUE BIRD","price":12.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0359\/3329\/0634\/products\/astrbubrd.jpg?v=1585593488","url":"https:\/\/cicconi-farms.myshopify.com\/products\/aster-laevis-bluebird","provider":"Cicconi Farms","version":"1.0","type":"link"}