Wood's Pink Fall Aster

Wood’s Pink is a compact New York aster with glossy green leaves that can turn burgundy-red in autumn. The Royal Horticultural Society describes lilac-pink flowers with yellow centers from late summer into autumn and a height of about 30 cm ([RHS](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/243168/aster-woods-pink/details)). The RHS lists a possible spread of 0.1–0.5 m, while Brooklyn Botanic Garden identifies the named selection as Symphyotrichum novi-belgii ‘Wood’s Pink’ ([Brooklyn Botanic Garden](https://plants.bbg.org/taxon/25332/symphyotrichum-novi-belgii-woods-pink)). ## Form and Placement Place the neat mound near the front of a sunny border or in a container, where its late flowers can be seen. The published spread range is about 4–20 inches, so allow room for the plant to form a clump. ## Growing Conditions Grow in full sun or partial shade in fertile, moist but well-drained soil. Avoid waterlogged winter soil. The RHS notes possible pest and foliar disease problems, along with good resistance to powdery mildew. ## Maintenance Water during establishment and extended dry spells. Cut stems close to the ground in late autumn after flowering. Divide established clumps every few years in spring, replanting vigorous young divisions. Remove spent or diseased foliage as needed.