New England Aster is a herbaceous perennial with showy, deep pink to purple flowers that are attractive to wildlife including songbirds, butterflies and several specialized bees  It is easily grown in rich, moist soil in full sun, but will tolerate clay soil.  Pinching back stems before mid-July may keep plants shorter and delay flowering, and cutting back after flowering will promote strong new growth. Maintain good air circulation to help prevent mildew.
 
Direct sow outdoors in late fall and barely cover with soil.  Keep soil consistently moist and thin seedlings to 6-8 inches apart. Will self-seed. If started indoors, seed will need 60 days of cold, moist stratification.