13 Best Companion Plants for Late Season Asters

Late season asters are a wonderful addition to any garden, bringing with them masses of small blossoms and rich texture as summer transitions into fall. In this article, we will explore 13 companion plants that pair perfectly with these late season beauties.

Late season asters are perennials that thrive in USDA Hardiness Zones 3 to 8. They prefer full sun, organically-rich soil that drains well, and have moderate water needs. Once established, they exhibit above-average drought tolerance and are known for their shrubby growth habit and small daisy-like flowers. The blooming period typically starts in mid to late summer and continues until the first frost. With native and non-native species available, heights can range from one to four feet or more, making them a versatile addition to any garden.

Noteworthy late season aster species include:
– Calico aster (S. lateriflorum)
– New York aster (S. novi-belgii)
– Sky blue aster (S. oolentangiense)
– Tatarian aster (Aster tataricus)
– Stokes’ aster (Stokesia laevis)

Now, let’s explore the 13 best companion plants for late season asters:

1. Bachelor’s Button

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Bachelor’s button, also known as cornflower, is a reseeding annual with cool blue tones that bloom profusely throughout the summer and into the fall.
Available in various colors like cobalt blue, light blue, pink, purple, red, and white, with mature heights ranging from one to three feet.
Find bachelor’s button seeds at Burpee for your garden.

2. Black-Eyed Susan

This orange-yellow biennial or short-lived perennial features bold black center eyes and blooms from midsummer to early fall.
Mature heights reach two to three feet, making a striking statement in the garden.
Find black-eyed Susan seeds at Eden Brothers to add to your garden collection.

3. Coneflower

Perennial coneflowers feature drooping petals and protruding flower heads, available in a variety of colors from pale pink to bright red.
A favorite of foraging songbirds, coneflowers add a splash of color and texture to the late season garden.
Find coneflower seeds at Burpee to enhance your garden landscape.

4. Goldenrod

With cone-shaped clusters, perennial goldenrod adds emphatic drumbeats of color to late season gardens.
Paired perfectly with purple asters, goldenrods offer yellow disk centers that complement the asters perfectly.
Find goldenrod plants at Nature Hills Nursery for a vibrant addition to your garden.

5. Hydrangea

The queen of the cottage garden, hydrangeas feature big blossoms in blues, pinks, purples, and whites.
Fall-blooming varieties like Lavalamp Moonrock® make excellent companions to late season asters.
Find hydrangea plants at Nature Hills Nursery to create a harmonious garden design.

6. Joe-Pye Weed

Perennial Joe-Pye weed features clusters of tiny mauve blossoms atop towering stems that offer respite from the late season sun.
Heights range from four to seven feet, providing a dramatic backdrop to your garden.
Find ‘Gateway’ joe-pye weed plants at Nature Hills Nursery for a majestic addition to your landscape.

7. Marigold

Annual marigolds are reliable garden companions, blooming when asters are past their prime.
With heights ranging from six to 12 inches, marigolds add a pop of color to late season gardens.
Find marigold seeds at Eden Brothers to brighten up your garden space.

8. Montauk Daisy

Montauk daisies feature bold yellow centers surrounded by crisp white petals, making them a versatile addition to any garden.
Plants reach heights of 18 to 36 inches, playing well with other garden guests.
Learn more about growing Montauk daisies in our comprehensive guide.

Stay tuned for the second half of this article, showcasing the remaining companion plants for late season asters!