Wood's Light Blue Fall Aster

Wood's Light Blue is a compact, rounded aster with dense clusters of light blue flowers and yellow centers from late summer into fall. It adds a cool color note near the front of a sunny border and can also be grown in a large container. [Perennial Resource](https://www.perennialresource.com/variety.php?ID=ASTWL) lists this exact selection at 12–16 inches tall and 15–20 inches wide, while [NVK Nurseries](https://www.nvknurseries.com/plant/Aster-dumosus-Woods-Light-Blue) gives 30–40 centimeters tall and 40–50 centimeters wide. ### Placement and season Choose full sun and reasonably fertile, well-drained soil. Late summer and fall bloom is especially useful beside ornamental grasses or other perennials that peak earlier. Flowers are described as clear light blue, though some listings call them blue-purple; shade and lighting can shift how the petals appear. The exact botanical name is commonly given as Aster dumosus 'Wood's Light Blue'; some sources use the synonymous Aster novi-belgii name. ### Garden value The tight mound needs no routine staking in ordinary conditions. The [Perennial Resource profile](https://www.perennialresource.com/variety.php?ID=ASTWL) notes resistance to mildew and rust, butterfly interest, and suitability for cutting. Leave enough space for the clump to widen rather than crowding it against taller neighbors. ## Maintenance Water new plants until established and keep airflow around the foliage. Remove faded stems after bloom for a tidy winter appearance; divide older clumps in spring if the center thins or flowering declines.