What: A lovely North American native, Aster divaricatus rambles and tumbles through the garden bed. In late summer a profusion of lacey small white flowers top the lax purple-black stems. The frothy flowers peek out from between its neighbors and weave the garden together. This is one of the few asters that will also tolerate some shade. This plant is also known as Symphyotrichum divaricatus.
Where: White wood aster thrives in light to open shade in rich well-drained soil.
Size: This perennial will grow to be 1 foot 9 inches tall and 3 feet wide when mature.
Care: Once established, it will grow with only occasional watering. Although it may produce seedlings, it does not become aggressive in the garden. Resist the urge to stake it, or you’ll spoil its carefree appearance. Allow it to mix and weave through other garden plants.
— Richie Steffen,
Great Plant Picks
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