Few perennials bring such late-season brilliance, pollinator value, and sheer resilience as Aster ‘Raydon’s Favorite’. With its electric violet blooms and sweetly aromatic foliage, this cultivar adds a final flourish to the fall garden.
History
‘Raydon’s Favorite’ has a charming backstory. It was discovered by Raydon Alexander of San Antonio, Texas, who selected it from the wild and passed it along to Allen Bush of Holbrook Farm and Nursery. From there, it entered the horticultural world and quickly gained recognition for its outstanding garden performance.
In 2016, it was honored as The Garden Club of America’s Plant of the Year, thanks to its:
- Late-season floral display,
- Fragrant foliage,
- Wildlife appeal,
- And tough, adaptable nature.
Botanical Profile
- Botanical name: Symphyotrichum oblongifolium var. angustifolium ‘Raydon’s Favorite’ (formerly known as Aster oblongifolius)
- Common names: Aromatic Aster, Raydon’s Favorite
- Height & Spread: 2–3 feet tall, 1–2 feet wide
- Bloom Time: Late September through November
- Flower: Abundant daisy-like violet-blue flowers with golden yellow centers
- Foliage: Oblong, mint-scented leaves that are aromatic when touched or brushed
Why Gardeners Love It
Reliable Late-Season Blooms
‘Raydon’s Favorite’ shines when most perennials are fading. It kicks off its bloom in early fall and continues until frost, filling a vital floral gap.
Pollinator Magnet
This aster is a fall nectar powerhouse:
- Attracts monarchs during their southern migration
- Supports native bees and other beneficial insects
Tough and Low-Maintenance
This plant is a champion for difficult spots:
- Drought-tolerant
- Deer and rabbit resistant
- Thrives in poor or rocky soils
- Handles full sun and dry conditions with ease
Neat Growth Habit
Compared to similar cultivars, ‘Raydon’s Favorite’ is taller, more upright, and less prone to flopping, even in lean soils.
How to Grow Raydon’s Favorite Aster
Ideal Conditions
- Sun: Full sun is best for maximum blooms
- Soil: Well-drained; tolerates clay, gravel, and sand
- Watering: Minimal once established
Planting Tips
- Space plants 18–24 inches apart
- Pinch back once in June or early July to promote bushiness and prevent legginess
- Cut back to the ground in late fall or early winter after blooming ends
Propagation
- Division: Every 3–5 years in spring or fall
- Cuttings: Softwood cuttings in early summer
- Seeds: May self-sow if spent flowers are left standing
Why It Deserves A Place In Your Garden
‘Raydon’s Favorite’ isn’t just another pretty flower—it’s a plant with purpose:
- Extends bloom season
- Feeds pollinators
- Fights back against drought, deer, and neglect
- Thrives with little effort
If you’re looking for a low-fuss perennial with high visual impact, few match the charm and strength of Aster ‘Raydon’s Favorite’.