If you’re looking for a plant that brings vibrant color to the garden just as summer starts to fade, Aster ‘Ezo Murasaki’ is a perfect choice. This stunning perennial is known for its rich, velvety purple flowers with golden-yellow centers, blooming in late summer and well into autumn. It’s like a last hurrah before winter, keeping borders lively when many other plants are winding down.
Asters have long been a staple of cottage gardens, but ‘Ezo Murasaki’ has its own unique charm. Its name hints at its origins—Ezo refers to an old name for Hokkaido, Japan, and Murasaki means ‘purple’ in Japanese. This variety likely emerged from Japanese horticulture, where meticulous selection often results in especially striking flower forms. Unlike some asters that can get leggy, ‘Ezo Murasaki’ maintains a neat, bushy habit, making it ideal for borders, wildlife gardens, or even container planting.
Pollinators love it, too! Bees and butterflies flock to its nectar-rich blooms, making it a great addition if you’re looking to support garden wildlife. It thrives in well-drained soil and full sun but is adaptable enough to handle partial shade. Plus, it’s resistant to mildew—a common issue with some other asters—so you get healthy, lush growth without the hassle.