Asters are known as fall bloomers, but in truth, if left unpinched they bloom earlier. However they will also get tall and gangly and since it only takes a moment to pinch back the stems, it's worth the effort. You'll get sturdier, fuller plants with many more blooms. And they will burst into rich fall colors just when you need them to.
The New England Aster shown here will keep the color going in this corner or the garden, as the Phlox plants begin to fade for the season.
Aster novae-angliae 'Purple Dome' (USDA Zones 3 - 9, 24" x 24", Purple Blooms: Aug. - Sept.)
Alternative
- Aster x frikartii 'Monch' (USDA Zones 5 - 7, 24" x 18", Purple Blooms: June - Sept.)