Golden Lights Rhododendron (Azalea) vs Smooth Aster

Golden Lights Rhododendron is an exceptionally cold hardy, deciduous azalea. Part of the Northern Lights Series, this shrub was cultivated specifically to withstand harsh winters, making it ideal for our prairie climate.

In late spring you'll be drawn to its beautiful, golden, sweetly fragrant flowers. Pruning is recommended after the flowers are spent to control the size and shape of this shrub.

Consider Golden Lights Rhododendron when planning your next hedge, or plant it on its own as a striking specimen plant.

Smooth Aster is a native perennial wildflower known for its violet-blue, daisy-like flowers. They bloom later in the season, from late summer to early fall. The flowers attract a variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. It also serves as a host plant for the Silvery Checkerspot (Chlosyne nycteis) and Pearl Crescent (Phyciodes tharos) butterflies, further enhancing its ecological value. This easy-to-grow wildflower is well suited for native wildflower gardens, pollinator gardens, and naturalization projects.

The Smooth Aster’s non-aggressive root system allows it to spread slowly, and it is more likely to reproduce by seed, which can be controlled through deadheading. As a perennial, it dies back to the crown each winter, it will regrow from the base in the spring. Avoid disturbing the crown during late winter to ensure healthy growth the following season.

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