Fantastic butterfly magnet in fall...I've had up to 8 Monarchs in 1 photo frame. Attracts Monarchs, Red Admirals, Painted Ladies, Skippers (various kinds including Silver Spotted, European, and Peck's), Sulphurs (Clouded, Cloudless, and Orange), Cabbage Whites and Checkered Whites, Swallowtails, Hairstreaks, Buckeyes, Question Marks and Commas, Pearl Crescents, and moths (day time ones).
VERY much a bee magnet. Mine grows much taller than the 2'.. more like 4'.
Surely Aster frikartii Monch must be a contender for one of the top ten garden perennials. A superb mildew resistant variety which is one of the first Asters to flower and has a very long flowering period. In late summer and autumn it is covered in masses of rich lavender blue, yellow centred daisy-like flowers. It makes a wonderful companion plant in the border and combines well with oranges and reds. Attractive to insects. Awarded the RHS Award of Garden Merit. Introduced in 1918 by Swiss plantsman Frikart and named after a mountain.
According to NPIN, Symphyotrichum oblongifolium has special value to native bees and supports conservation biological control by attracting beneficial insects to the garden.
Valuable source of nectar and pollen for honey bees
Aromatic Aster (Symphyotrichum oblongifolium) 'October Skies' is a low-growing aster with light blue lavender blossoms that appear in late summer to early fall. 'October Skies' spreads out rather than growing tall. It is a nectar source for butterflies and has special value to native bees. Aromatic aster also supports conservation biological control by attracting beneficial insects to the garden. The seedheads may be enjoyed by birds.
Honey bees get nectar from this plant
According to NPIN, Symphyotrichum laeve has special value to native bees.
Honey bees get nectar from this plant.
Honey bees get nectar from this plant.
