The cheerful California Aster (Symphyotrichum chilense) is a member of the Sunflower family that’s native to coastal California. This perennial blooms from summer to fall, making it a good garden companion for other plants that have a spring blooming season. Its petite flowers bloom in subtle shades of blue and lavender. Butterflies and moths are attracted to the nectar. California Aster is a host plant for several species of both insects. Birds eat the seeds after blooming.
California Aster likes loamy clay soil and full or partial sun exposure. It does well in moist soil,but is also drought-adapted and can tolerate receiving little to no supplemental summer water. Cut this plant back to the ground in late fall or early winter. Deadheading produces more flowers, but in wildlife gardens it is often left to go to seed. New growth appears in late winter. This plant grows from rhizomes, so some form of edging to contain its eventual spread and keep it in bounds should be considered when planting. The low-growing ‘Point Saint George’ cultivar is often used as a groundcover plant.