Riptide Stoke's Aster hits the garden like a summer swell on steroids: massive 2½–3" periwinkle-blue flowers explode across the plant in relentless waves from early June straight through August, refusing to quit even in brutal heat and humidity. This totally tubular selection from NC State outshines the straight species with heavier branching, darker foliage, and a rock-solid, compact mound that stays neat and tidy through summer. It delivers non-stop color that flaunts at the front of borders and powers up pollinator patches.
Conditions: Full sun; well-drained soil, average to moist moisture; drought tolerant once established
Size: 2' tall, 3' wide
Zone: 5 - 9
Wildlife Value: Flowers attract bees and butterflies
Photo: Samantha Nestory