SHOWY ASTER: Widespread across the parkland area, this aster is one of the first plants to come back after a forest fire. Spreading by rhizomes under the ground it can quickly form a colony - something to note when planting in an urban environment. Suited for naturalizing areas in and around trees and shrubs, the plants reach heights of 80 cm with showy blue to violet flowers with a yellow centre. One of the larger flowering asters in the province - it lives up to its name. Moist stratify the seeds for 4 weeks or fall seed. Do not bury the seeds as they need light to germinate. 100 seeds.    NF768