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’

Aster ‘Woods Pink’ is a compact, bushy fall-blooming aster valued for its soft pink flowers and tidy, mounded habit. As summer fades, the plant becomes covered in dainty, daisy-like blooms with bright yellow centers, providing a gentle wash of color that complements both bold and muted fall palettes.

Unlike taller aster varieties that can sprawl or require staking, ‘Woods Pink’ stays naturally low and rounded. Its smaller stature makes it especially useful in front-of-border plantings, containers, and tighter garden spaces where traditional asters would feel oversized.

Why We Like It (Our Trials)

In our trials, ‘Woods Pink’ has been a dependable performer for early fall color and pollinator support. It begins flowering slightly earlier than many New England asters, helping bridge the gap between late-summer blooms and peak fall displays.

We appreciate how easy it is to design with. The compact habit holds up well without flopping, even when covered in flowers, and it pairs beautifully with ornamental grasses, sedum, and other fall-interest perennials. Bees and butterflies visit frequently, making it a valuable late-season nectar source.

Aster ‘Woods Pink’ vs. Other Asters

Compared to larger New England asters like ‘Purple Dome,’ ‘Woods Pink’ offers a smaller scale and a softer color presence. While ‘Purple Dome’ excels as a mid-border anchor, ‘Woods Pink’ shines at the front of borders or in containers.

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.