Pinky Winky Hydrangea vs Smooth Aster - TreeTime.ca

Pinky Winky Hydrangea vs Smooth Aster

Hydrangea paniculata Pinky Winky

Symphyotrichum laeve

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NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON

(new stock expected: fall of 2025)

Pinky Winky Hydrangea
Smooth Aster

Pinky Winky Hydrangea is an adaptable and tolerant hydrangea variety with unusual flowers. In late summer, clusters of white blooms emerge, transforming to shades of pink and white. This two-toned effect is outstanding and will make a stunning flowering addition to your yard.

Try Pinky Winky Hydrangea in mass plantings or as an accent plant on its own, just make sure you mulch the root system to help insulate in colder climates.

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.

Pinky Winky Hydrangea Quick Facts

Smooth Aster Quick Facts

Zone: 3a
Zone: 3a
Height: 1.5 m (5 ft)
Height: 0.9 m (3 ft)
Spread: 2.4 m (8 ft)
Spread: 0.6 m (2.0 ft)
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: dry, normal
Light: partial shade
Light: partial shade, full sun
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no
Fall colour: red purple
Flowers: pink flowers with white tips
Flowers: purplish-blue; daisy-like
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: very fast
Life span: medium
Life span: short
Maintenance: medium
Suckering: high
Suckering: none




Other Names: glaucous aster, smooth blue aster