A Complete Guide to 11 Beautiful Pink Aster Varieties
Pink flowers are a delightful addition to any summer or fall garden. With a range of shades from light to dark, pink asters can add a pop of color that complements other seasonal hues.
Asters belong to the large Asteraceae family of flowering plants, but not all plants commonly referred to as asters are classified in the Aster genus. Over time, botanists have refined the classification to distinguish “true” asters from other related flowers.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore 11 exceptional pink aster varieties that will brighten up your garden and attract pollinators. From US native species to European and Chinese varieties, there are options to suit every gardener’s preferences.
The Top 11 Pink Aster Varieties
- Andenken an Alma Potschke
- Audrey
- Barr’s Pink
- Harrington’s Pink
- Jewelaster Rose
- KICKIN® Pink Chiffon
- Milady Rose
- Pink Zenith
- September Ruby
- Wargrave Variety
- Wood’s Pink
Let’s dive into the details of each variety and discover why they are popular choices for pink aster enthusiasts.
1. Andenken an Alma Potschke
Andenken an Alma Potschke is a New England aster cultivar known for its vibrant fuchsia flowers with yellow centers. This aggressive grower blooms from late summer to early fall and thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 4 to 8. It prefers full sun and moist, well-draining soil.
2. Audrey
Audrey is another US native perennial aster cultivar with pale pink flowers clustered on slender, branched stems. Ideal for Zones 4 to 8, this dwarf variety reaches a height of 12 to 18 inches. It tolerates salt and dry conditions while enjoying full sun and rich soil.
3. Barr’s Pink
Barr’s Pink is a New England native aster cultivar with large semi-double blossoms in a bright lavender-pink shade. Blooming in early to mid-fall, this variety grows up to 5 feet tall and thrives in Zones 4 to 8. It can tolerate some shade and excess moisture.
4. Harrington’s Pink
Harrington’s Pink is a vigorous New England aster cultivar that blooms from late summer to late fall. With cotton candy-like flowers and upright branching foliage, this variety reaches a height of 4 to 6 feet. It prefers full sun and moist, well-draining soil.
5. Jewelaster Rose
Jewelaster Rose is a low-profile dwarf China aster cultivar that blooms abundantly from late summer to late fall. With frilly rose petals surrounding sunny centers, this annual plant is perfect for Zones 3 to 9. It thrives in full sun with well-draining, moderately moist soil.
6. KICKIN® Pink Chiffon
KICKIN® Pink Chiffon is a petite New England aster cultivar that blooms from late summer to early fall with pastel pink flowers fading to white at the edges. At just 12 to 18 inches tall, this variety is ideal for Zones 4 to 8 and prefers full sun with rich, well-draining soil.
7. Milady Rose
Milady Rose is a China aster cultivar with large, full-double blossoms resembling chrysanthemums. Blooming from early summer to fall, this compact dwarf plant reaches 10 inches in height. It thrives in full sun with rich, well-draining soil.
8. Pink Zenith
Pink Zenith or Rosa Erfüllung is a perennial European Michaelmas daisy cultivar with mauve petals surrounding yellow disks. Suited to Zones 5 to 8, this variety grows 1 to 2 feet tall and prefers full sun with well-drained soil. It tolerates drought well.
9. September Ruby
September Ruby is a bold New England native aster cultivar with magenta flowers surrounding orange-yellow centers. Suitable for Zones 3 to 9, this moderately vigorous plant grows to 3 to 4 feet tall. It thrives in full sun with well-draining, moist soil.
10. Wargrave Variety
Wargrave Variety is an alpine aster cultivar with lavender-pink rays and prominent gold centers. Growing 8 to 12 inches tall, this perennial plant blooms from late spring to early summer in Zones 4 to 7. It prefers full sun and average soil that drains well.
11. Wood’s Pink
Wood’s Pink is a dwarf New York native aster cultivar with semi-double fuchsia flowers around gold disks. Reaching 12 to 18 inches tall, this fast-growing variety forms a bushy habit and thrives in Zones 4 to 8. It prefers full sun and rich, moist soil.
Choosing the Right Pink Aster for Your Garden
Adding pink asters to your garden can brighten up the landscape and attract pollinators like bees and birds. Consider the size of your garden space and the growing conditions when choosing the right variety for your needs.
Dwarf varieties are perfect for small spaces and containers, while large native species are ideal for naturalizing areas or meadows. Experiment with different pink aster varieties to create a vibrant and inviting garden that you’ll enjoy all season long.
We hope these 11 exceptional pink aster varieties inspire you to get creative in your garden this year. Share your experiences and favorite varieties in the comments below!
