Island™ Samoa Fall Aster

Island™ Samoa is a clump-forming New York aster in the Island Series, with semi-double flowers that range from mid-purple to pinkish-purple around golden centers. The RHS lists the named selection as Samoa (Dasthree) and describes late-summer-to-autumn flowering; Ballyrobert reports August through October and a mature size around 30–60 cm. The two sources give different size ranges, so use those measurements as guidance rather than a fixed limit. ## Form and Placement This deciduous perennial suits the front of a border, patio containers, and cut-flower displays. Its compact clump keeps the stems together, while the bright centers give the flowers contrast in late-season plantings. ## Growing Conditions Grow in full sun or partial shade in fertile, moisture-retentive soil that drains well. Water newly planted asters and keep the root zone slightly moist during dry weather. The RHS notes that New York asters benefit from moisture-retentive soil. ## Maintenance Divide established clumps every few years in spring to renew vigor. Cut back old flowered stems in late autumn and leave enough air around the foliage to reduce mildew pressure. [Ballyrobert Gardens cultivar profile](https://www.ballyrobertgardens.com/collections/plants/products/symphyotrichum-novi-belgii-samoa-island-series) · [RHS Samoa profile](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/340483/symphyotrichum-novi-belgii-samoa-dasthree-island-series/details) · [RHS Aster growing guide](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/aster/growing-guide)