Aster novae-angliae:
‘Purple Dome’. The plant is also known as a New England Aster. A compact cultivar grows to 20 inches. A deep purple flower in contrast to its rich green foliage. This species forms a perfectly shaped mound that is mildew resistant. It blooms in September and October. Good for USDA Zones 4 to 8.
Aster novi-belgii also known as Michaelmas daisies was introduced to England in 1637. These are good garden plants, although not as good for cutting. This variety is known as the New York aster. The following cultivars belong to this family.
‘Lambada’ produces single, light pink, daisy-like flowers with yellow centers. This plant grows to 24 inches and can be planted in USDA Zones 4 to 8.
‘Nesthakchen’ bears rather striking pinkish-red blooms and forms a compact plant. It is best planted in the front of the garden, grows to 18 inches, requires no staking and is mildew resistant. Good for USDA Zones 4 to 9.
‘Newton Pink’ displays many pink flowers and is best planted in the front of the garden, growing to 12 to 15 inches. Requires no staking and is mildew resistant. Good for USDA Zones 4 to 8.
‘Professor Anton Kippenburg’ produces blue-violet, daisy-like flowers with yellow centers, growing to nine to 12 inches. Grows in USDA Zones 4 to 8.
‘Schone von Dietlikon’ has light blue-violet, daisy-like flowers with yellow centers. Grows to 36 inches and can be planted in USDA Zones 4 to 8.
‘White Swan’ produces the largest flowers of white aster varieties and is the best selling white variety in Europe for greenhouse pots. Staking is not necessary if one-third of the plant height is removed by pinching before mid-July. The plant grows to 24 inches and may be planted in USDA Zones 4 to 8.
