Alpine aster and Bushy aster are often considered for the same spot in the garden (flowers, pollinator friendly, container). The data below shows where they differ: size, hardiness, care, toxicity and price.
Aster alpinus 30 cm × 40 cm after 10 years
A low, cushion-forming perennial that carries large yellow-centred daisies in violet, blue, pink or white in late spring and early summer, which makes…
Aster dumosus 40 cm × 50 cm after 10 years
A low, dense, cushion-forming perennial that is smothered in purple, pink, blue or white yellow-centred daisies from late summer to mid-autumn, when…
Bushy aster grows larger: 40 cm × 50 cm after ten years, against 30 cm × 40 cm for Alpine aster.
Bushy aster is hardier: down to -34 °C, against -29 °C for Alpine aster.
Alpine aster needs less care than Bushy aster.
|
Feature
|
Alpine aster
|
Bushy aster
|
|---|---|---|
| Group | Perennial | Perennial |
| Size after 10 years | 30 cm × 40 cm | 40 cm × 50 cm |
| Ultimate size | 15–40 cm × 15–60 cm | 20–60 cm × 30–75 cm |
| Growth rate | Medium | Medium |
| Light | Full sun | Full sun, Part shade |
| Soil | Average garden soil, Calcareous | Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy, Calcareous |
| Hardiness | down to -29 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7) | down to -34 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7) |
| Foliage | Deciduous | Deciduous |
| Flowering | May–July, purple, blue, pink, white | August–October, purple, pink, blue, white |
| Water need | Medium | Medium |
| Drought tolerance | Medium | Medium |
| Maintenance | Low | Medium |
| Planting distance | 30 cm | 30 cm |
| For dogs | Non-toxic (uncertain) | no data |
| For cats | Non-toxic (uncertain) | no data |
| For children | Non-toxic | Non-toxic |
| Typical price | approx. €4.70 | approx. €4.70 |
Prices are rounded, indicative values. Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor. Data updated: October 13, 2026
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