Raydon's Favorite Aromatic Aster

About this plant

As the garden begins to wind down for fall, 'Raydon's Favorite' Aster bursts onto the scene, creating a dazzling display of color that invigorates the landscape. Its prolific, daisy-like blossoms with bright yellow centers appear in late summer and continue through autumn, offering a much-needed pop of lavender-blue when many other plants are fading. This robust and reliable perennial forms a neat, mounded habit, making it an excellent choice for borders, rock gardens, and mass plantings. Its aromatic foliage adds another layer of interest, releasing a pleasant scent when brushed. Exceptionally adaptable, it thrives in a variety of conditions, tolerating both heat and drought once established. Beyond its ornamental appeal, 'Raydon's Favorite' Aster is a vital component of a healthy ecosystem. Its nectar-rich flowers are a magnet for bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, making it an ideal plant for pollinator gardens and wildlife habitats.

Installation timing

When we're in season, outside of the winter months, our goal is to get your plants installed within about two weeks. That window gives us enough time to secure your plants from our supplier and find a spot on the schedule. Throughout the process we stay in touch through notifications and your existing client portal on the main A Cut Above website, which is separate from this landscaping plants shop.

Care & maintenance

Easily grown in average to poor, well-drained soils. Once established, 'Raydon's Favorite' Aster is quite drought tolerant. Keep consistently moist during its first growing season. No serious insect or disease problems. Can be cut back in late spring or early summer to encourage a bushier habit and more blooms.

Watering suggestions

Proper watering is the single most important factor in your plant's survival after installation. Newly installed plants have a limited root system and rely on you for consistent moisture while they establish.

• First 2 weeks: Water deeply every day (or every other day in cooler, wet weather), soaking the root ball and surrounding soil.
• Weeks 3–12: Water deeply 2–3 times per week, adjusting for rain, heat, and soil drainage.
• After establishment: Water deeply about once a week during the growing season, and more often in extreme heat or drought.
• How to check: Stick a finger 2–3 inches into the soil near the roots — if it's dry, it's time to water. Deep, less-frequent watering encourages strong roots; shallow daily sprinkles do not.
• Avoid: Overwatering (soggy, waterlogged soil) is just as harmful as underwatering and can drown roots.

Watering needs vary by plant, season, soil, and exposure. Because proper watering is the customer's responsibility after installation, please make sure you understand and can follow these suggestions before ordering.

Good to know: plants and trees purchased from and installed by A Cut Above include a one-year limited warranty from the date of installation. Because plant survival depends heavily on proper watering and care after installation, losses caused by improper care, neglect, animal or chemical damage, or extreme weather are not covered, and we must be given the chance to inspect a struggling plant before it's removed or replaced. Coverage is one replacement per plant. Read our warranty info.