Description
A little bit taller, a little bit later blooming with a little bit larger flowers than most Aromatic Asters. In 2016, ‘Raydon’s Favorite’ was named Plant of the Year by The Garden Club of America.
Originally introduced to horticulture through Raydon Alexander, a plantsman from San Antonio. The plant had been grown in Southern Texas for years, almost becoming a garden heirloom – Alexander sent some to Allen Bush who owned Holbrook Farm and Nursery, stating that it was his favorite fall-blooming aster.
Though it had been grown in Texas for years, it appears the original plant matches up with strains of Aromatic Aster from East Tennessee; a gardener must have noted a particulary nice specimen and brought it back to Texas. A strain growing on Lookout Mountain has fairly similar characteristics, and this popular tourist destination may very well be the original source of ‘Raydon’s Favorite’ aster. The whole story can be read here: https://www.gardenrant.com/2016/03/when-the-aster-hitched-a-ride.html
Updated 14 October 2021
