Perennial · Asteraceae family
New York aster
Symphyotrichum novi-belgii
In short a 10-second read
New York aster (perennial) grows to 0.6–1.5 m tall and 0.4–0.6 m wide when mature. It grows best in full sun, in average to moist soil. It flowers in September–October; the flowers are purple, pink, blue or red. Hardy to −32 °C.
× spread 0.4–0.6 m
Where to plant
Sun, soil, frost.
It grows best in full sun, in average to moist soil. Hardy to −32 °C.
Sun
Elsewhere it will grow less well.
Soil and water
average to moist · watering: moderate
Soil: loamy, humus-rich
Frost
It copes with a normal winter outdoors.
How much space it takes
Mature size.
The mature plant next to a person (175 cm).
Next to a person
Reaches maturity in about 2–5 years. The final size depends on the cultivar and the spot — we give the range from smallest to largest.
Calendar
What to do and when.
Months for Central Europe. The line shows the current month.
The year at a glance
Flowers
September–October · purple, pink, blue or red
Pruning
cut back to the ground (October–November)
Planting
container plant: March–May, September–November
Winter protection
not needed
Overwintering
It copes with winter on its own.
It overwinters outdoors without protection, hardy to −32 °C.
- Needs no protection
- Hardy to −32 °C
- Dies back in winter and regrows in spring
What to combine it with
Same needs, different flowering.
They share the same sun and soil and flower in other months — so the bed flowers for longer.
Frequently asked
Quick answers.
When does New York aster flower?
In September–October; the flowers are purple, pink, blue or red.
Does New York aster tolerate shade?
No, it needs full sun.
How much space does New York aster need?
At maturity 0.4–0.6 m wide and 0.6–1.5 m tall; recommended spacing 45 cm.
Does New York aster survive winter outdoors?
Yes, without protection, hardy to −32 °C.
Where the data comes from
The data is indicative — we are still comparing it with further sources. Last checked 28 September 2026.
Show sources (13)
- NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
- RHS Plant Finder
- Plants For A Future
- BfN — Gefäßpflanzen
- EPPO Reporting Service — The German lists of invasive alien plants
- Info Flora (CH) — národná botanická autorita
- BOTANY.cz — Symphyotrichum novi-belgii
- EPPO Global Database
- Neobiota Austria — Neophyten der Unionsliste
- AOPK ČR — invazní druhy z unijního seznamu
- ŠOP SR — invázne druhy rastlín SR
- Iowa State Extension - How to Plant Perennials
- RHS - How to grow perennial plants
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