Wartburg Star Aster

Wartburg Star is a low, spreading East Indies aster with vivid violet-blue flowerheads and warm yellow-orange centers. It flowers in summer, making it suited to early-season borders, rock gardens, and smaller grouped plantings. ## Garden use and seasonal interest Plant in a sunny border or rock garden where its low foliage and short flower stems can be appreciated. The [Chicago Botanic Garden recorded bloom from early June to mid-July](https://www.chicagobotanic.org/downloads/planteval_notes/no36_asters.pdf), while [Fort Collins lists July and August](https://apps.fcgov.com/plant-list/?view=170-wartburg-star-purple-aster), showing that local timing varies with climate. Published dimensions are roughly 1–1.5 feet tall and up to 24 inches wide. ## Siting and soil Provide full sun and well-drained soil; loam or sand is suitable. The [RHS plant profile](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/1787/aster-tongolensis/details) describes a deciduous perennial, so expect its aboveground mound to recede in winter. Moderate watering supports growth, but avoid persistently wet ground. ## Maintenance Water during establishment and dry spells, and remove spent flower stems after the main display. Keep neighboring plants from overtaking its low mound.