Showy Aster (Western Showy Aster)
Eurybia conspicua
Family:
Aster family - Asteraceae
Showy Aster adds dramatic height and late-season blooms to the garden, offering crucial support to pollinators as they prepare for winter.
Woodland garden
Rain garden
Pollinator garden
Flood tolerant
High-value
Late season star
Details
Emerges
April
Seed collection
Flowers
July, August, September
Purple
Height
60
-
90
cm
Lifecycle
Perennial
Width
-
cm
Habit
Forbs
Upright
Rhizomatous
Spreading
Herbaceous
Ecology
Supports
Bees
Butterflies & Moths
Providing
Pollen source
Nectar source
All asters are important sources of nectar and pollen for late-season and overwintering native bees.
Habitat
Typically found in
open woods, disturbed areas
Common along the edges of woods, this robust plant is a pioneer that grows readily on disturbed ground in semi-shade.
In the Garden
Growing Conditions
Moisture
Average
Moist
Light
Full sun
Part sun
Part shade
Soil
Average garden soil
Propagation
Via
Seeds
Division
Sowing Recommendations
Fall planting
Low or difficult germination
Landscape
Use for:
Back of bed
Fall colour
Growing Tips
A tall, robust plant that looks best at the back of the border or in front of shrubs.
Will spread by rhizomes into a large clump. Divide clumps in early spring to manage spread and rejuvenate older plants.
Prefers moist, well-drained soil but can tolerate drier conditions once established.
Like all asters, it has low germination rates, so plant more than you need.
Description
Showy Aster's early growth adds greenery to the garden long before the plant blooms. It becomes a garden highlight in the autumn, blooming with vibrant blue to purple flowers that provide a striking contrast against its lush green foliage.
A larger, versatile aster, it adapts well to a variety of garden settings, from semi-shaded woodland areas to sunny borders.
Like other asters, it attracts a flurry of activity from pollinators, particularly native bumblebees, as they prepare for winter. In fact, young bumblebee queens may tuck in to hibernate amongst the roots.