Botanical Name: Symphyotrichum dumosum ‘Woods Pink’

Common Name: Dwarf Aster, Bushy Aster

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

Size: 12–18" Tall × 18–24" Spread

Growth Habit: Compact, Rounded, Mounded Habit

Sunlight: Thrives in Full Sun

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

Water Needs: Moderate; Even Moisture Encourages Best Flowering

Bloom Season: Late Summer through Fall

Fertilizer: Light Feeding in Spring; Avoid Excess Nitrogen

Features: Soft Pink Daisy-Like Blooms, Yellow Centers, Excellent Fall Color, Pollinator Friendly

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

Patent: ❌ Not Patented

Propagation: ✔ Propagation Allowed

See our complete Aster Plant Guide for more care tips

More About Aster ‘Woods Pink’

'Woods Pink' provides Fall color that feels soft and intentional rather than bold and dominating. The blooms are a clear, gentle pink with bright yellow centers, and they come on evenly as Summer winds down, giving the plant a light, airy look instead of a heavy block of color. I like how it adds warmth to the garden without overpowering everything around it. From a distance it reads calm and cohesive, and up close the flowers have plenty of detail. It’s a plant that blends beautifully rather than demanding attention.

What really makes ‘Woods Pink’ useful is its size and shape. Unlike many Asters that stretch or open up just when they’re supposed to shine, this one stays naturally compact and rounded. I’ve used it at the front of borders and in tighter spaces where taller Asters would have felt out of place. It doesn’t need staking, pinching, or constant adjustment to keep its form. You plant it, give it sun, and it stays where you expect it to.

Why We Like It (Our Trials)

Woods Pink is a dependable Fall bloomer. It starts flowering a bit ahead of taller New England asters, which helps carry the garden through that late-Summer lull before peak Fall color arrives. Pollinators respond quickly—bees are constant visitors, and butterflies find it easily once it’s in bloom. That timing makes it especially valuable when nectar sources are starting to thin out. It quietly fills an important seasonal gap.

We also appreciate how clean it stays through the bloom period. Even when fully covered in flowers, the plant holds its shape without flopping or thinning in the middle. With good sun and airflow, the foliage stays attractive rather than turning tired late in the season. I like pairing it with ornamental grasses and sedums where its softer color balances stronger textures. Woods Pink is easy to place, easy to trust, and finishes the season with grace.

Woods Pink vs. Other Asters

Woods Pink offers a smaller scale and a softer color presence compared to larger New England asters like Purple Dome. Woods Pink shines at the front of borders or in containers, while Purple Dome excels as a mid-border anchor. When compared to other dwarf asters, Woods Pink stands out for its uniform habit and reliable bloom timing. For gardeners looking for gentle pink fall color in a compact, low-maintenance perennial, Aster ‘Woods Pink’ is an excellent choice.