Choosing planting

7 Early-flowering autumn asters

For a garden in bloom from early autumn

Contents

Modified the 20 January 2026 by Angélique 4 min. Difficulty: Débutant

With their daisy-like flowers and a varied colour palette ranging from mauve to pink, as well as white and blue, Asters enchant gardens. Floriferous and melliferous, these perennial plants colour the beds for almost all seasons, since there are spring asters, summer asters and autumn asters. The latter offer a long flowering, which, depending on the species, begins in August or September and continues until the first frosts. Easy to grow, they prefer a sunny position and well-drained soil. Discover our selection of early autumn asters to grow in your garden or on your balcony.

Difficulty

Aster ageratoides 'Ashvi' - white autumn aster

The Aster ageratoides ‘Ashvi’ – white autumn aster is one of the early autumn asters, which bloom from August through October. This plant forms a compact bush about 60 cm high at maturity. It is covered in numerous small white star-shaped flowers with yellow centres from late summer through late autumn. Undemanding, it can establish even in shade and is resistant to powdery mildew. It grows quickly, and its upright, stiff stems carry matt green, deeply divided, deciduous foliage. It fits wonderfully into a natural-style border.

Pair this plant with roses that flower at the same time in September and October, such as the old rose ‘Pink Ghislaine de Féligonde’ to create a romantic, bohemian atmosphere.

autumn perennials

Aster cordifolius Little Carlow - autumn aster

The Aster cordifolius ‘Little Carlow’ is prized for its beautiful bright lavender-blue colour, which catches the eye in the garden. It blooms from September through October, enlivening borders with its striking colour. It reaches a height of up to 90 cm and bears purplish-green stems with dark green deciduous foliage. The clusters of small blue daisies with brownish-yellow centres brighten the borders in autumn. It is also notable for its excellent resistance to disease. To ensure a good flowering, mulch the base of the plant from June onwards.

In a border, pair this aster with the flamboyant colours of a Cotinus or the variegated foliage of a spindle, such as the Euonymus fortunei ‘Emerald Gaiety’ – Spindle.

autumn flowers

The Aster dumosus 'Jenny' - dwarf aster

Reaching 30 cm at maturity, the Aster dumosus ‘Jenny’ is a dwarf aster that brings lively colour to borders, to the front of beds or even in autumn flowering pots. This perennial compact and floriferous is covered with small daisy-like flowers in a deep, vibrant pink from August to October. The flowers consist of a double row of petals and a yellow centre. Easy to grow and hardy, it prefers cool soil and a sunny or partially shaded position.

Pour mettre en valeur la gaieté de son coloris, associez-cette plante vivace avec des graminées comme la Stipa pennata.

flowering plants

The Aster ericoides 'Lovely'

The Aster ericoides ‘Lovely’ produces bouquets of small daisies in a striking violet-pink that sets the eye alight, from September onwards. To complete the picture, these small flowers, which last until November, bear a yellow centre that shades to old-rose. Its habit and the fineness of its foliage evoke heathers. This perennial, easy to grow, reaches up to 50 cm in height. It tolerates heat, drought and even poor or calcareous soil.

In a border, create tiers of asters in a variety of colours and plant small Aster ericoides ‘Lovely’ beside Aster ericoïdes prostratus ‘Snow flury’.

autumn aster

Aster novae-angliae 'Andenken an Alma Pötschke'

Aster novae-angliae are essential for a colourful autumn display. The Aster novae-angliae ‘Andenken an Alma Pötschke’ is a reliable choice, offering bright pink to vivid red flowering from September to October. It should be planted in full sun in fresh to moist, rich, clay soil. It reaches a height of 1.5 metres. Its stems hold up very well and do not need staking. Disease-resistant, it stands out for its striking ruby-red colour.

In a naturalistic garden, plant it with other asters in white, as well as cornflowers and swaying ornamental grasses.

late-summer flowers

The Aster novi-belgii Marie Ballard - Tall autumn aster

The Aster novi-belgii ‘Marie Ballard’ is a large autumn aster with flowers of a very bright pale blue. In September and October, this perennial plant bears a multitude of small double daisies on a ramified bed of lanceolate, dark green, glossy leaves. It reaches a height of 1 metre and thrives in full sun or partial shade. Keep it sheltered from strong winds and in cool, rich soil.

Easy to grow, it can be planted in a border with other late-flowering plants to extend the flowering period, such as coneflowers.

blue aster

The Aster laevis 'Calliope' - Giant Autumn Aster

Original, elegant and magnificent, the Aster laevis ‘Calliope’ is a giant plant that blooms in autumn. It reaches 1.3 metres in height, has black stems, purple foliage and an abundant display of mauve-blue daisies with a yellow centre that turns purple. It blooms from August to October and brightens the back of borders with its contrasting colours. To best enjoy its beauty, give it a spot in full sun and soil that is not too heavy.

To echo its wild yet refined appearance, pair it with rudbeckias and shrubby salvias.

For more information on growing asters, see our complete guide to planting and caring for asters.