Can you help identify this plant?

Question

I found this perennial on sale, but it had no name. The stems are kind of woody and the foliage is compact. It's only about 1 1/2 ft. tall. It is starting to bloom now- will have lots of blooms- pretty purple flowers- about the size of a nickel- pretty small. Could it be bee balm or is it the aster? Thanks for your help!

Douglas Hunt · Answer

It looks like there may have been some issue leading to the lower foliage being removed and it is now trying to grow back. I suspect the plant really should be full to the ground. It will help with the ID when you can provide a photo of the flower.

Shirley · Answer

I'm not positive, but I think it might be a Dianthus.

Ivylore · Answer

Doug, you may be right since they were on sale. I will plant and when they flower, I'll take a photo and post again. Thanks for your help.
Thanks Shirley, I guess it will be a mystery for a little bit longer :)

Ivylore · Answer

I will post again after it flowers to help w the identification.

Nancy Hand · Answer

I was thinking it was a dianthus or sweet williams

Ivylore · Answer

Hmm, thanks Nancy, can't wait to find out!

Susan Rattray · Answer

I don't know what it is but it's lovely.

Zettie Whitfill · Answer

I have some of these... I want to say they are mexican petunias. if so.. they don't like a lot of sun.... and they spread like crazy.. pretty purple flowers come up from time to time. I love them!

Lela · Answer

it looks similar to the Clustered Bell Flower I have in one of my gardens, but I've never seen it grown in a pot or trimmed at the bottom like that. here's a link, and I look forward to pictures when it blooms http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/showimage/7893/

Kim · Answer

The woody stem and leaves look very much like purple dome aster, which does have 1-1 1/2' purple flowers. If the plant is stressed or too crowded, the lower leaves often turn yellow and/or fall off.

Ivylore · Answer

Thanks Ladies for your comments- the mystery continues- it wants us to wait for the big 'unveil' :) Can't wait to see what it will be!

Mikell Paulson · Answer

Hardy aster!

Ivylore · Answer

Thanks, Mikell- if it is a hardy aster, I'll have to move them because from what I am reading, hardy asters are kind of like a shrub and are about 3 ft across? Really didn't want something like that, so I'll have to figure out where to plant them (I bought 2!) Thanks everyone for your help!

Dianne Ballesty · Answer

Looks like Sweet William (dianthus) to me, but I have never seen it with stems like that.

Ivylore · Answer

Thanks, Dianne, yes the stems are interesting. I'll post pictures once it has bloomed.

Mikell Paulson · Answer

I have Hardy asters and they do not get big! But they are beautiful!

Luis · Answer

Irma the leaves and stems remind me of Mini Phlox the difference is Phlox die in the winter and come back in the springs unless you kept it indoors

Ivylore · Answer

Hi Luis, I think it is the hardy aster. The leaves and the stems are more compact and the stems are more woody. Can't wait till it blooms!

Ivylore · Answer

Hardy aster?- Here is the plant with some of the purple blooms- what do you think? Thanks

The Garden Frog with C Renee · Answer

I think it is an Aster and in your climate it should stay under 2x2. You can also control it by keeping the plant trimmed until July so that it will fill out and bloom better. good luck!

Nancy Hand · Answer

I think its a Aster too!! :)

Ivylore · Answer

Great! Thanks Renee and Nancy--- aster it is, and I like that it will not get too big.

Can you help identify this plant?

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Can you help identify this plant?

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