sjmarq, welcome to the FN forum, I don't have any of the ones on your list, however I grow these in my zone 2 garden, all very hardy, with no problems, division is every 3-4 years.

Aster laevis Smooth Aster
Aster dumosus 'Anneke'
Aster dumosus 'Professor Anton Kippenberg'
Aster alpinus 'Pinkie' & 'Dark Beauty' Alpine Aster
Aster novae-angliae (this one is a tall one, will flop a bit, however if you prune good early spring, this will make it sturdy and bushy)

Sharon

Hi sjmarq,

I'm finding that earliness of flowering is the major issue, rather than plants being hardy. In nearby Edmonton, where frost generally does not occur nearly so early, last year in mid to late October, I had observed a very nice planting of 'Professor Kippenberg' along one of the main streets. Already at that time my own plants had long succumb to the frosty nights.

Here's a listing of the fall asters I am trialing:

* Alert

* Alma Potshke

Anneke

* Patricia Ballard

Professor Kippenburg

Purple Dome

* Purple Viking

* Wood's Blue

* Wood's Pink

* Wood's Purple

I also have a few summer asters that are rather nice!

* indicates varieties that are now budding up. I will later add comments as to any problems with mildew or plants needing staking. I HOPE that others witll also join in on this topic.

Terry