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Aster à ombelles en fleurs, vivace indigène aux fleurs blanches.

Native herbaceous perennial Asteraceae

Native perennials for pollinators

Flat-Topped White Aster – Seeds

Name: Flat-Topped White Aster (Doellingeria umbellata) – Seeds
Brand: Akène
SKU: AKE-SEMENCES
Price: 4.99 CAD
Availability: OutOfStock

Doellingeria umbellata

Product code :

This tall native perennial produces broad clusters of white flowers late in the season. Adapted to moist ground, it supports numerous pollinators and is well suited to rain gardens, shoreline buffers, and naturalized plantings.

Quantity: Approximately 300 seeds
Exposure: Full sun to light partial shade
Life cycle: Perennial
Hardiness: USDA Zones 3 to 8

Common nameFlat-Topped White Aster

FamilyAsteraceae

GenusDoellingeria

Speciesumbellata

Cultivar

TypeNative herbaceous perennial

Botanical nameDoellingeria umbellata

Reproducible seedsYes

Flat-Topped White Aster (Doellingeria umbellata) is a tall native perennial distinguished by broad, flattened clusters of white flowers with yellow centres. Carried above upright, leafy stems, the blooms appear from late summer into early autumn, when many other perennials are finishing their display. Its green, lance-shaped deciduous foliage forms a natural-looking clump generally reaching 1.2 to 1.75 m tall. This rhizomatous species can gradually develop into an elegant colony when given adequate space. Exceptionally hardy in Zones 3 to 8, it returns reliably after severe Quebec winters and extends the seasonal interest of naturalized, pollinator-friendly landscapes across Canada.

Flat-Topped White Aster prefers full sun or light partial shade and consistently moist, fertile, well-drained soil. It adapts well to loamy or clay ground and is particularly suitable for locations that retain regular moisture during active growth. Providing 90 to 140 days of moist cold stratification improves seed germination before spring sowing. Seeds may also be sown outdoors in autumn to receive natural winter chilling. Cover them only lightly, keep the medium evenly moist, and prevent prolonged drought. In Quebec gardens, a moderate spring application of mature compost supports vigorous growth without encouraging excessively soft stems. Established clumps benefit from division when their centres become crowded.

In the garden, Flat-Topped White Aster is ideal for rain gardens, shoreline buffers, moist meadows, woodland edges, and ecological restoration projects. Its numerous late-season flowers supply nectar and pollen to bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects as floral resources begin to decline. Seed heads left standing may also feed some birds and provide winter shelter for invertebrates. Pair this native perennial with Spotted Joe-Pye Weed, Prairie Ironweed, Northern Blue Flag Iris, or Cardinal Flower. Its tall habit adds structure to layered plantings, while spreading rhizomes help establish durable colonies and contribute to soil stabilization in moist natural landscapes.

Sowing guide

It all startswith a seed.

Sowing depth

Surface sow or cover very lightly

Spacing / density

45 to 60 cm (18 to 24 in)

Germination temperature

Approximately 20 to 22°C after stratification

Germination time

14 to 30 days after stratification

Sowing period

Autumn or spring after cold stratification

Propagation

Stratified seed or clump division

Cold stratification

Yes

Growing method

Sow Doellingeria umbellata seeds in autumn or in spring after a period of cold stratification to improve germination. Cover the seeds lightly with 3 to 5 mm of growing medium and maintain consistent moisture. Germination typically occurs within 15 to 20 days at temperatures between 18 and 22°C (64 to 72°F). Flat-Topped White Aster grows best in fertile, moist soils in full sun to light partial shade. Once established, it returns reliably each year and gradually forms impressive flowering colonies. Its late-season blooms provide an essential nectar source for pollinators.

Soil and care

The right care,at the right time.

Soil pH

Slightly acidic to neutral, about 5.5 to 7.0

Minimum temperature

Approximately -40°C

Care level

Low to moderate

Watering

Regular to keep the soil consistently moist

Soil type

Loamy to clay, moist, and well drained

Fertilization

Light spring application of compost

Moisture

Moderate to high; moist to wet soil

Seasonal care

In spring, cut back the previous year’s dry stems after temperatures have moderated, allowing insects to use them as shelter for longer. Apply a thin layer of compost and divide clumps that have become overly crowded. Throughout summer, keep the soil consistently moist and water deeply during prolonged drought. Staking may be helpful in very windy or overly shaded locations. In autumn, leave faded flowers and stems standing to feed birds, encourage limited natural reseeding, and preserve winter structure. Established colonies may be thinned periodically to maintain airflow and prevent the centre from declining.

Container growing

A garden,within reach.

Recommended pot size

30 to 40 cm (12 to 16 in)

Flat-Topped White Aster can be grown in a large, deep container filled with a rich growing medium that retains moisture well. This native perennial appreciates regular watering because it naturally grows along moist shorelines and in wet meadows. In containers, it provides abundant late-season flowers after many other perennials have finished blooming while attracting a wide diversity of pollinators. Its tall habit also adds impressive vertical structure to patios and terraces.

Bloom and dimensions

Its place,in your garden.

Mature height

Approximately 2 m

Width / spread

Approximately 1.2 m in an established colony

Flower color

White with yellow centres

Foliage color

Green

Foliage type

Deciduous

Growth rate

Moderate

Growth habit

Upright, branching and clump-forming

Fragrance

Little to no fragrance

Bloom period

July to October, depending on region

Fruiting

Achenes topped with a bristly pappus

Days to maturity

Usually flowers from the second year

Harvest

September to October

Garden associations

In goodcompany.

Companion plants

Spotted Joe-Pye Weed, Prairie Ironweed, Northern Blue Flag Iris, and Cardinal Flower

Plants to avoid

Lavender, cotton lavender, Blanket Flower, and other dry-soil plants

Frequently asked questions

Your questions,answered.

When should Flat-Topped White Aster seeds be sown?

Sow Flat-Topped White Aster seeds in autumn or in spring after cold stratification to encourage more uniform germination.

Why does Flat-Topped White Aster attract pollinators?

Its abundant late-season flowers provide large amounts of nectar and pollen at a time when many other flowering plants have finished blooming.

Can Flat-Topped White Aster grow in moist soil?

Yes. Doellingeria umbellata naturally grows in moist meadows, wet ditches, and along streambanks where soils remain consistently moist.

Is Doellingeria umbellata suitable for biodiversity gardens?

Yes. This native perennial is an outstanding choice for pollinator gardens, ecological restoration, and biodiversity-focused landscapes.

How should mature Flat-Topped White Aster be maintained?

An annual application of compost, consistently moist soil, and cutting back the previous year's stems in spring are generally all that is needed to keep this perennial healthy.

Wildlife and pets