Japanese aster and New York aster are often considered for the same spot in the garden (flowers, pollinator friendly). The data below shows where they differ: size, hardiness, care, toxicity and price.
Aster ageratoides 70 cm × 60 cm after 10 years
A very tough, late-flowering aster: from late summer until the frosts it is covered in a haze of pale lilac, white or pinkish flowers, in sun or…
Aster novi-belgii 1.2 m × 90 cm after 10 years
A tall, upright perennial that is covered in violet, blue, pink or white daisies from late summer to mid autumn, when little else is in flower, and…
New York aster: We do not recommend it because it is on the EU or the Hungarian list of invasive species.
New York aster is hardier: down to -34 °C, against -23 °C for Japanese aster.
Japanese aster tolerates drought better than New York aster.
Japanese aster needs less care than New York aster.
Japanese aster is cheaper: about HUF 2,000 at the size usually planted, against about HUF 3,000 for New York aster.
|
Feature
|
Japanese aster
|
New York aster
|
|---|---|---|
| Group | Perennial | Perennial |
| Size after 10 years | 70 cm × 60 cm | 1.2 m × 90 cm |
| Ultimate size | 0.4–1 m × 30–60 cm | 0.9–1.5 m × 30–90 cm |
| Growth rate | Fast | no data |
| Light | Full sun, Part shade | Full sun, Part shade |
| Soil | Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy, Calcareous | Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy |
| Hardiness | down to -23 °C (USDA 6, RHS H7) | down to -34 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7) |
| Foliage | Deciduous | Deciduous |
| Flowering | August–November, purple, white, pink | August–October, purple, blue, pink, white |
| Water need | Medium | Medium |
| Drought tolerance | Medium | Low |
| Maintenance | Low | Medium |
| Planting distance | 40 cm | 50 cm |
| For dogs | Non-toxic (uncertain) | Non-toxic (uncertain) |
| For cats | Non-toxic (uncertain) | Non-toxic (uncertain) |
| For children | Non-toxic | Non-toxic |
| Typical price | approx. HUF 2,000 | approx. HUF 3,000 |
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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