Tatarian aster ‘Jindai’

Aster tataricusJindai.’ This herbaceous perennial is a member of the Asteraceae and it native to eastern Asia. The species is also considered “introduced” in areas east of the Mississippi River in the United States.

The cultivar ‘Jindai‘ was discovered at the Jin-Dai Botanical Garden in Tokyo, Japan and is characterized by its short stature, reaching only 3-4 ft. tall, compared to the species, which can reach 7-8 ft. in height. Plants grow best in full-sun and well-drained soils; in ideal growing conditions A.Jindai‘ can rapidly spread by rhizome.

In September-November, A. tataricusJindai‘ produces profusions of flowers possessing purple rays surrounding mustard-yellow centers. Besides bringing cool purple color to the fall garden, ‘Jinadi’ provides excellent late-season foraging for bee and butterfly pollinators. In Lurie Garden, three asters bloom in seasonal succession: Aster x frikartii ‘Monch’ blooms in late summer, followed by Symphyotrichum oblongifolium ‘October Skies’ blooming in early fall, and Aster tataricusJindai‘ blooming from late-fall to the first winter freeze. This successional planting plan is a great way to maintain color interest across multiple seasons.

Botanical Name Aster tataricus ‘Jindai’
Common Name Tatarian aster ‘Jindai’
Family Asteraceae
USDA Zone 4 thru 8
Light Requirement Full Sun
Season(s) of interest summer, fall
Height and Spread 3-4ft x 2-3ft (90-120cm x 60-90cm)
Flower Color Pink-Purple with Yellow Center
Attracts Wildlife Hosts Caterpillars of Butterflies/Moths, Attracts Pollinators,
Additional Information Not Native to the US Midwest. Native range: Japan. Found by Rick Darke and Skip March at Jindai Botanical Garden in Japan.
Location in Lurie Garden North Dark Plate, Southeast Dark Plate

Average Flowering Time