Showmakers Magenta Aster
Showmakers Magenta Aster
Vivid Magenta Blooms When the Garden Needs Them Most
Showmakers Magenta Aster (Symphyotrichum 'Showmakers Magenta') smothers itself in bright magenta, yellow-centered daisies in late summer and fall, just as most perennials wind down. This native-type aster is a critical late-season fuel stop for migrating monarchs and native bees, and its tidy, mounded habit keeps it looking neat in borders and containers. A pollinator powerhouse for Edina, Maple Grove, and Woodbury fall gardens.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Symphyotrichum 'Showmakers Magenta' |
| Mature Size | 16–20 in tall and wide |
| Hardiness Zone | Zone 4–8 (hardy across most of Minnesota) |
| Light | Full sun to part shade |
| Bloom Time | Late summer to fall |
| Flower Color | Vivid magenta with yellow centers |
| Soil | Average, well-drained; tolerates clay |
Landscape Uses
Use Showmakers Magenta in pollinator and native gardens, mixed borders, and containers for a burst of late-season color. It pairs beautifully with ornamental grasses, sedum, and goldenrod for a classic fall combination.
Best Time to Plant
Plant in spring or early fall. Spring planting gives the longest establishment window before winter.
How to Plant
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep. Set the crown level with the soil, backfill, water in well, and mulch 2–3 inches deep, keeping mulch off the stems.
Watering
First Year: Water deeply 1–2 times per week to establish the roots.
After Year One: Water during dry spells. Asters are fairly drought tolerant once established but bloom best with occasional water.
Drip Irrigation: A drip line keeps moisture even without wetting foliage, which helps prevent mildew.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does it bloom?
Late summer into fall, providing crucial late-season nectar for pollinators.
Is it good for pollinators?
Yes, asters are among the most important fall nectar sources for monarchs and native bees.
Is it hardy in Minnesota?
Yes, hardy to Zone 4 and reliable across most of the state.
Is it deer resistant?
Yes, deer tend to avoid asters.
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Pair Showmakers Magenta with our other asters, ornamental grasses, and fall-blooming perennials for a pollinator-friendly autumn display.
How Many Showmakers Magenta Asters Do I Need?
Space plants about 18 inches apart for a connected drift of fall color. For a run of bed:
| Run Length | Plants Needed (18 in spacing) |
|---|---|
| 5 ft | 4 |
| 10 ft | 7 |
| 15 ft | 11 |
| 20 ft | 14 |
For a natural look in a border, plant in odd-numbered groups of 3–5; single plants read as a tidy 16–20 in mound.
Showmakers Magenta Aster Season-by-Season in Minnesota
- Spring: A low, leafy green mound emerges—quietly building while spring bloomers take the stage.
- Summer: The mound bulks up into a dense, rounded clump and sets buds; pinching in early summer keeps it compact.
- Fall: The show arrives—the whole plant smothers itself in magenta, yellow-centered daisies, a critical late-season nectar stop for migrating monarchs and native bees.
- Winter: Leave the spent stems standing for structure and seed; cut back in early spring as new growth appears.
At a Glance
✔ Pollinator-Friendly ✔ Deer-Resistant ✔ Drought-Tolerant
Plant It With
- Woods Purple Aster — a shorter purple aster that extends the same fall daisy show.
- Magnus Coneflower — a prairie partner that hands the pollinator baton from summer to fall.
- Autumn Fire Sedum — rusty-rose flower heads that echo the warm fall palette.
- Little Bluestem — a native grass whose copper fall color sets off the magenta.
Is Showmakers Magenta Aster Right for Your Yard?
It thrives in full sun to light shade in average, well-drained soil—and it shrugs off the clay common across the metro. Deer leave it alone, and it asks for little once established. It is not a fit for deep shade (where it stretches and blooms sparsely) or constantly wet ground, which can rot the crown over winter.