Doellingeria scabra: A Lesser-Known Asian Aster for Your Garden
If you’re looking to add some late-season color to your garden with a plant that has a bit of mystery to it, Doellingeria scabra might just catch your attention. This Asian native, sometimes still known by its old name Aster scaber, brings delicate white flowers to the garden when many other plants are winding down for the year.
What Exactly is Doellingeria scabra?
Doellingeria scabra is a perennial flowering plant that belongs to the aster family. Originally from Eastern Asia—including China, Japan, and Korea—this plant has made its way into some North American gardens, though it remains relatively uncommon compared to its more popular aster cousins.
The plant produces clusters of small, white, daisy-like flowers that bloom in late summer through fall, providing nectar for bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects when many other food sources are becoming scarce.
Should You Plant It in Your Garden?
Here’s where things get interesting. While Doellingeria scabra can be an attractive addition to certain garden settings, there are a few things to consider:
The Good:
- Late-season blooms provide food for pollinators when it’s most needed
- Relatively low maintenance once established
- Adapts to various growing conditions
- Hardy in USDA zones 4-8
The Considerations:
- Not native to North America, so it won’t support local ecosystems as well as native alternatives
- Limited information available about its long-term behavior in North American gardens
- May self-seed, though extent unknown
Native Alternatives to Consider
If you’re drawn to the late-season white flowers of Doellingeria scabra, you might want to consider these native alternatives that offer similar benefits while supporting local wildlife:
- White oldfield aster (Symphyotrichum pilosum)
- Aromatic aster (Symphyotrichum oblongifolium ‘Raydon’s Favorite’)
- Frost aster (Symphyotrichum ericoides)
If You Do Choose to Grow Doellingeria scabra
Should you decide to give this Asian aster a try, here’s what you need to know:
Growing Conditions:
- Light: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Well-drained, average garden soil
- Water: Moderate moisture; avoid waterlogged conditions
- Climate: Hardy in zones 4-8
Planting and Care Tips:
- Plant in spring after the last frost date
- Space plants according to their mature size (specific dimensions vary)
- Water regularly during the first growing season to establish roots
- Cut back stems in late fall or early spring
- Monitor for self-seeding and remove unwanted seedlings
Garden Design Ideas
Doellingeria scabra works well in:
- Cottage garden settings
- Naturalized areas
- Pollinator gardens
- Mixed perennial borders
The Bottom Line
While Doellingeria scabra can be an interesting addition to certain gardens, especially for those who enjoy collecting unusual plants, most gardeners would be better served by choosing native asters that provide similar beauty while supporting local ecosystems. If you do decide to grow it, keep an eye on its behavior in your garden and be prepared to manage any self-seeding.
Remember, every plant choice is an opportunity to create habitat for local wildlife—so why not choose plants that have been supporting your local ecosystem for thousands of years?
