Wood's Pink Aster
Wood's Pink Aster
A Compact, Mildew-Resistant Native Aster in Pink
Wood's Pink Aster (Symphyotrichum dumosum 'Wood's Pink') is a tough, low-mounding native-type aster covered in soft pink, yellow-eyed daisies in late summer and fall. Like its siblings it's bred for excellent mildew resistance, so the foliage stays clean while the blooms deliver vital late-season nectar to monarchs and bees. Compact, dependable, and easy, it's a lovely pollinator pick for Edina, Maple Grove, and Woodbury gardens.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Symphyotrichum dumosum 'Wood's Pink' |
| Mature Size | 12–18 in tall and wide (compact) |
| Hardiness Zone | Zone 4–8 (hardy across most of Minnesota) |
| Light | Full sun to part shade |
| Bloom Time | Late summer to fall |
| Flower Color | Soft pink with yellow centers |
| Soil | Average, well-drained; tolerates clay |
Landscape Uses
Use Wood's Pink at the front of borders, in pollinator and native gardens, and in containers. Its mildew resistance and tidy habit pair beautifully with ornamental grasses, sedum, and other asters.
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
Is Wood's Pink mildew resistant?
Yes, the Wood's series is known for clean, mildew-resistant foliage.
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 statewide.
Is it deer resistant?
Yes, deer tend to avoid asters.
You May Also Like
Pair Wood's Pink with Wood's Purple and Wood's Blue, ornamental grasses, and fall perennials for a pollinator-friendly autumn display.
How Many Wood's Pink Aster Do I Need?
Wood's Pink Aster stays a compact 12–18 in mound, so space plants about 16 inches apart for a solid front-of-border edge. For accents, plant in groups of 3–5.
| Bed / Run Length | Plants Needed (at ~16 in apart) |
|---|---|
| 5 ft | 4 plants |
| 10 ft | 8 plants |
| 15 ft | 11 plants |
| 20 ft | 15 plants |
Wood's Pink Aster Season-by-Season in Minnesota
- Spring: A tidy, mildew-resistant green mound fills in.
- Summer: Foliage stays clean and compact, building toward bloom.
- Fall: Soft pink, yellow-centered daisies smother the mound late summer into fall — vital nectar for migrating monarchs and native bees.
- Winter: Cut back after frost; the crown overwinters dormant and returns each spring.
At a Glance
✔ Pollinator-Friendly ✔ Deer-Resistant ✔ Drought-Tolerant ✔ Shade-Tolerant
Plant It With
- Wood's Blue Aster — a Wood's-series sibling for a multi-color sweep of mildew-resistant asters.
- Wood's Purple Aster — another Wood's aster to mass the late-season pollinator show.
- Prairie Dropseed — a fine-textured native grass that frames the low aster mounds.
- Autumn Fire Sedum — rosy late-season heads that complement the pink daisies.
Is Wood's Pink Aster Right for Your Yard?
This Wood's-series aster is an easy front-of-border pollinator plant for full sun to part shade in average, well-drained Minnesota soil, and its bred-in mildew resistance keeps the foliage clean all season. It's not a fit for deep shade or constantly wet ground.