Aster oblongifolius 'Twilight Sky'
Aster oblongifolius 'Twilight Sky' is a compact native aster with fragrant gray green foliage and masses of lavender blue flowers with yellow centers that cover the plant in fall. Its rounded habit, aromatic foliage, and late season blooms bring lasting color to sunny gardens while providing valuable nectar when many other perennials have finished flowering.
Height & Spread: 18 - 24 in x 18 - 24 in
Bloom Time: Late summer to fall
Light Requirements: Full sun
Soil Preference: Average to dry well drained soil
Watering Needs: Low; drought tolerant once established
Deer Resistance: Deer resistant
Native Status
This selection is a cultivated form of Symphyotrichum oblongifolium, a species native to much of the central and eastern United States. It is valued in native plantings for its late season flowers, drought tolerance, and support of pollinators.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Butterflies
- Provides an important late season nectar source for butterflies including Monarchs, Painted Ladies, and Swallowtails preparing for migration or winter survival.
Bees
- Attracts native bees, bumblebees, and honeybees which forage on the abundant fall blooms when fewer nectar sources are available.
Birds
- Produces seeds that can support songbirds later in the season while its dense growth provides additional garden habitat.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations
- Space 18 - 24 in apart to allow its naturally rounded habit to develop while maintaining good air circulation.
Landscape Placement
- Ideal for native gardens, sunny borders, rock gardens, and meadow style plantings where its fall blooms provide color and support for pollinators.
Companion Plants
- Schizachyrium scoparium (Little Bluestem) - Adds upright native grass texture and warm seasonal color that complements the lavender blue flowers.
- Solidago rugosa 'Fireworks' (Goldenrod) - Provides golden fall blooms that pair with the aster while extending pollinator resources late into the season.
- Rudbeckia fulgida 'Goldsturm' (Black Eyed Susan) - Brings bright yellow flowers and a similar preference for sunny, well drained conditions.
- Penstemon digitalis 'Husker Red' (Beardtongue) - Adds contrasting foliage color and upright flower spikes earlier in the season.
- Pycnanthemum tenuifolium (Slender Mountain Mint) - Offers aromatic foliage and additional pollinator value while complementing the aster’s native prairie character.