• late-flowering hardy perennial
• blooms mid-late September through ’til hard frosts
• easy, full sun to part shade
• will tolerate most soils but grows bigger and better in well drained semi- moist loam
• bees love it
• many varieties of Fall Asters
• this one is tall 1m x 1m or 3′ x 3′
• will spread gradually
• should be divided every 3-5 years

Celebrated on September 29, Michaelmas, or The Feast of Michael and All Angels is a Christian Festival and signifies the end of the harvest, the start of autumn and the beginning of the shorter days. Hence the name of this favourite fall flowering plant. I think I love Michaelmas Daisies as much as the bees because of its association with fall, smell of its flower, falling leaves and crisp air.

There are many varieties of Fall Asters and Chrysanthemums. I have had this one for as long as I can remember and have no idea from whence it came. They come in all shades of pinks and purples. Be wary when buying Fall Mums in the supermarkets because not all Mums and Fall Asters are as hardy as this one and frequently those on sale at this time of year were bred just for the season. By all means plant them out but they may not survive zone 3. Check the labels.