Purple Dome Fall Aster

‘Purple Dome’ is a low, compact New England aster that forms a rounded clump of green foliage and produces deep purple, yellow-centered daisies in late summer and fall. Its tidy scale makes it useful near the front of sunny or lightly shaded perennial borders and in pollinator plantings. ## Form and flowers The [Royal Horticultural Society](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/340029/symphyotrichum-novae-angliae-purple-dome/details) describes this deciduous cultivar as clump-forming, to about 60 cm high and across, with semi-double flowers from late summer into autumn. It lists sun or partial shade and moist but well-drained soil. The [University of Missouri Extension](https://extension.missouri.edu/news/mums-forgotten-cousin-bursts-with-fall-color) also describes ‘Purple Dome’ as a compact purple mound and notes the late-season color. Botanical references use *Symphyotrichum novae-angliae* for New England aster, with *Aster novae-angliae* as a familiar synonym. ## Siting Plant in fertile soil that holds moisture while draining freely. Full sun generally supports the strongest bloom, while partial shade is tolerated. This cultivar is substantially shorter than the tall species form, so use its clump as a front or middle border accent rather than relying on species height. ## Maintenance Cut back old stems in late autumn or before new growth begins. Divide established clumps about every three years to maintain vigor. Allow spacing and air movement around the foliage; asters can develop powdery mildew, especially in crowded or stressful conditions.