Botanical Name: Symphyotrichum novae-angliae ‘Purple Dome’

Common Name: New England Aster

Hardiness Zone: Perennial in Most Climates (USDA Zones 3–8)

Size: 18–24" Tall × 18–24" Spread

Growth Habit: Compact, Rounded, Mounded Habit

Sunlight: Thrives in Full Sun

Soil: Prefers Moist, Well-Drained Soil; Adapts to Average Garden Soils

Water Needs: Moderate; More Consistent Moisture Improves Flowering

Bloom Season: Late Summer through Fall

Fertilizer: Light Feeding in Spring; Avoid Excess Nitrogen

Features: Rich Purple Daisy-Like Blooms, Golden Yellow Centers, Excellent Fall Color, Pollinator Magnet

Uses: Ideal for Pollinator Gardens, Perennial Borders, Native Plantings, Fall Displays, and Mass Plantings

Patent: ❌ Not Patented

Propagation: ✔ Propagation Allowed

See our complete Aster Plant Guide for more care tips

More About Aster ‘Purple Dome’

‘Purple Dome’ is one of the most reliable and widely planted Asters, prized for its dense, dome-shaped habit and vibrant purple blooms that completely cover the plant in late Summer and Fall. The plant forms a naturally dense, rounded mound that looks intentional long before it ever flowers. When it does come into bloom, the transformation is dramatic—deep purple, daisy-like flowers with bright yellow centers that keep the color from feeling heavy or dull. It reads bold from a distance but still holds plenty of detail up close.

Another reason Purple Dome has stayed so popular is how predictable it is year to year. Some Asters feel different every season depending on weather or soil, but this one stays consistent in size and shape. It doesn’t suddenly stretch taller than expected or thin out in the middle. I’ve found it especially useful in gardens where you want fall interest without rethinking your layout every year. I’ve used it at the front and middle of borders where taller asters would have felt out of scale, and it never looks awkward or top-heavy. It brings late-season color in a way that feels composed rather than chaotic.

Why We Like It (Our Trials)

In our trials, 'Purple Dome' has been one of the most dependable Fall performers we grow. It begins flowering just as Summer perennials fade, extending the season in a way that feels seamless rather than forced. We also appreciate how well it holds together structurally. Even when fully covered in flowers, the plant doesn’t flop or open up, and it doesn’t need cutting back to stay presentable. With full sun and reasonable airflow, the foliage stays clean through the bloom period, which isn’t always the case with fall asters. 

I like pairing it with ornamental grasses, sedums, and other fall-interest plants where its rounded form anchors the planting. I like how it pairs with plants that are already past peak, giving the entire planting a second wind. Purple Dome doesn’t ask for much, it just shows up, does its job, and finishes the season strong. It’s not flashy in a trendy way, but it’s steady, useful, and dependable, and that’s exactly what I want from an Aster. 

Purple Dome vs. Other Asters

When set beside Woods Pink, Purple Dome reads deeper and denser, with a heavier flower load and a more saturated purple tone. Woods Pink has a softer, lighter look and a slightly looser presence, while Purple Dome feels more grounded and substantial, making it a better anchor plant when you want fall color to really hold its space.

Compared to taller Asters, Purple Dome offers a far more controlled size and a naturally full habit that doesn’t require staking or constant management. Traditional New England Asters can stretch to 4–6 feet and often need support, while Purple Dome delivers the same late-season intensity in a compact, garden-friendly form. For gardeners who want reliable, high-impact Fall color without extra work, Purple Dome remains the most dependable Aster to grow.