Raydon's Favorite Aster

Raydon’s Favorite is an aromatic aster with a rounded, branching form and violet-blue daisy flowers centered in yellow. Its late-season bloom is useful in sunny borders and pollinator plantings, when many summer flowers are fading. The foliage has a mint-like scent when handled. ## Garden use and seasonal interest Use it in a border, meadow edge, or naturalistic grouping. [University of Arkansas Extension reports flowering from late summer until frost](https://www.uaex.uada.edu/yard-garden/resource-library/plant-week/fragrant-aster.aspx). Mature plants can reach about 3 feet tall and 2–3 feet wide, so allow lateral room near paths. ## Siting and soil Choose full sun and well-drained soil. [Mt. Cuba Center’s evaluation](https://mtcubacenter.org/plants/raydons-favorite-aromatic-aster/) reports performance in average-to-dry conditions and drought tolerance once established; newly planted asters still need regular water while roots settle. ## Maintenance Water during establishment and extended drought. If the mound needs refreshing or division, separate plants in spring or fall; Arkansas Extension suggests division about every three years. Leave some hollow stems standing through winter where native bees use them, then cut back in spring.