Native Pollinator Drought Tolerant Deer-Resistant

Smooth Aster 'Bluebird'

Aster laevis ‘Bluebird’

$18.00 Sold out
1 Gallon USDA Zones 4–8 Full Sun and Part Shade Matures 3–4 Feet

Aster laevis 'Bluebird', a smooth aster, opens clouds of gold-centered violet-blue daisies in fall on clean, mildew-resistant, self-supporting stems.

Pickup currently unavailable at Aiken Nursery

Healthy-arrival guarantee Free shipping over $150
Roots wrapped in moist soil and padded for safe transit
Grown and shipped from our nursery in Aiken, SC
Shipping later in the season? Schedule your delivery date in your cart.

Smooth aster is one of the cleanest and most dependable of the fall natives, and 'Bluebird' is among the best forms. Aster laevis 'Bluebird' builds an upright, vase-shaped clump of smooth, blue-green foliage, then opens, in late summer and fall, sprays of violet-blue daisies centered in gold, a generous late feast for bees and butterflies as the season winds down.

A selection noted for sturdy, self-supporting stems and clean, mildew-resistant foliage that stays handsome where lesser asters tatter. Native to eastern North America, smooth aster thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, takes drought in stride once established, and asks very little. The smooth, almost waxy leaves are part of the appeal, cool blue-green all season.

Plant 'Bluebird' in a sunny border, a meadow, or a native planting, where the violet-blue haze can close the gardening year alongside goldenrod, grasses, and other late bloomers. Deer tend to leave the foliage alone, and the strong stems rarely need staking. A pollinator magnet exactly when the season's nectar runs short.

Will this plant thrive in your zone?

Plant Profile
At a glance
Hardiness
USDA Zones 4–8
Sun
Full Sun, Part Shade
Soil
Well-drained
Mature size
Height 3–4 Feet · Spread 2–3 Feet
Growth rate
Moderate
Seasonality
Dies back
Design Notes

A clean, sturdy native for a sunny border, a meadow, or a native planting, where the violet-blue haze closes the gardening year alongside goldenrod, grasses, and other late bloomers. 'Bluebird' holds its vase shape without staking, resists the mildew that tatters lesser asters, and feeds pollinators when little else remains. Deer tend to leave the foliage alone.

Flower, Fruit & Foliage

Violet-blue daisy flowers with golden centers, late summer to fall

Flowers. Sprays of small, daisy-like flowers with violet-blue rays and golden centers, opening in late summer into fall, a key late nectar source for bees and butterflies. Foliage. Smooth, almost waxy, blue-green leaves clasp the upright stems and stay clean and mildew-resistant through the season. Habit. An upright, vase-shaped clump on sturdy, self-supporting stems that rarely need staking.

Care

Read our full care guide

Light. Full sun to light part shade; full sun gives the sturdiest stems and best bloom.

Soil. Well-drained soil; adaptable to sandy, loamy, or clay ground.

Water. Water to establish; drought tolerant once settled, with steady moisture in dry spells repaid.

Pruning. Cut to the ground in late winter; an optional pinch in early summer makes a bushier clump.

Hardiness. USDA zones 4 to 8.

Here’s a closer look at how we produce our plants

From rooting to shipping, our top priority is ensuring you receive healthy, thriving plants for your garden’s success.

Woodlanders Growing Process

Because most of our plants are grown from rooted cuttings — alongside seed, air layering, and grafting chosen for each variety — you receive a stronger, true-to-type plant that establishes quickly in your garden.

Sustainable Growing Practices

Raised on organic soil blends and eco-friendly pest management — never harsh chemicals — your plant arrives healthy for your garden, your family, and the pollinators they feed.

Supporting Local Biodiversity

Every purchase gives back. We donate to the Aiken Arboretum and support local wildlife conservation, so growing your garden helps protect the wider ecosystem too.

At Woodlanders, we are committed to quality.
Grown in Aiken, South Carolina
At Woodlanders, we are committed to quality.

All our plant material is carefully propagated, grown, and nurtured at our humble nursery in Aiken, South Carolina.

Learn more about Woodlanders
Healthy plants, ready to thrive
Success, made simple
Healthy plants, ready to thrive

Your plant arrives carefully packed and ready to settle in. Unpack them promptly, give them a day or two to acclimate, then plant following the notes we include — that’s all it takes. Clear care guidance comes with every order, so success is the easy part.

Read the care guide
Frequently Asked Questions
What to expect upon delivery

All our plants are sold in 1-gallon sizes, though the height of each plant can vary depending on its growth rate and seasonality, typically ranging from 1/2 to 2.5 feet.

Each plant is carefully packaged with its roots enclosed in a secure plastic bag containing moist soil, forming a compact root ball. To ensure safe transport, the box is padded with recycled newspaper, providing both stability and eco-friendly protection from weather during shipping.

What is your return policy?

Review our full return policy information on our SHIPPING AND RETURNS POLICY page.

What payment methods can I use?

We offer 35 different payment methods including major providers like Mastercard, Visa, PayPal, American Express and Diners as well as many different local payment methods including Klarna, iDEAL, AliPay, Sofort, giropay, and many more.

Can I make changes to my order after it’s been placed?

At Woodlanders, we strive to fulfill orders as quickly as possible. Therefore, we can only accommodate changes to your order within the first 24 hours after it has been placed. These changes include adding or removing products and modifying the delivery address. If you need to make any changes or if there has been a mistake with your order information, please reach out to us promptly via our CONTACT page with your order number for the quickest resolution.

Your satisfaction is our priority, and we appreciate your understanding and cooperation.