Common Name: Raydon’s Favorite Aster
Family: Asteraceae
Plant Type: Herbaceous Perennial
Native Range: Cultivar of a U.S. native species; native to the central and eastern U.S.
Hardiness Zones: 3–9
Height: 2.0 to 3.0 feet
Spread: 2.0 to 3.0 feet
Bloom Time: Late summer to frost (September to October in Nebraska)
Bloom Description: Masses of daisy-like, violet-blue flowers with yellow centers
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Water Needs: Low to medium
Soil Preference: Well-drained; tolerant of clay, loam, or sandy soils
Maintenance Level: Low
Suggested Use: Pollinator beds, native plantings, borders, fall interest gardens
Attracts: Butterflies, bees, beneficial insects
Tolerates: Drought, poor soils, deer
Notable Features: Fragrant foliage, long bloom season, excellent late-season pollinator source
Nebraska Growing Notes:
‘Raydon’s Favorite’ is a reliable fall-blooming perennial that performs exceptionally well in Nebraska’s climate. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, and once established, it can tolerate periods of drought, making it an excellent choice for low-input landscapes across the state.
This cultivar is prized for its compact, mounding form and profuse blooms, which provide vibrant color and ecological value well into October. Its aromatic foliage, which releases a pleasant minty scent when brushed, adds an extra sensory layer to garden beds.
It’s a pollinator magnet during a time when many other flowers have faded, making it vital for supporting migrating butterflies like Monarchs and late-season bees. Unlike many asters, it resists flopping and doesn’t require staking.
Landscape Use:
Perfect for pollinator gardens, native borders, foundation plantings, cottage gardens, and fall-focused displays. Pairs beautifully with goldenrods (like Solidago ‘Wichita Mountains’), ornamental grasses, Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’, and other late-season bloomers.
Caution:
Not considered toxic. Spreads slowly by rhizomes but is easy to control. No notable pests or diseases. Resistant to powdery mildew, a common issue in other asters.
Garden Locations: