New England Aster vs Pride of Madeira Plant Comparison
Compare these two plants side by side — care needs, key differences, and which is right for your home.
New England Aster
Symphyotrichum novae-angliae
The New England Aster is a robust, clump-forming perennial wildflower, typically reaching heights of 3-7 feet. It's characterized by its lance-shaped, clasping leaves and vibrant daisy-like flowers that bloom in late summer and fall. The flowers are typically purple or violet, with a yellow center disk. This plant is primarily an outdoor species, valued for its late-season color and its ability to attract pollinators like butterflies and bees. It's rarely grown indoors due to its high light requirements and size.
Pride of Madeira
Echium candicans
Pride of Madeira is a large, evergreen shrub native to the island of Madeira. It is prized for its spectacular, dense, cone-shaped flower spikes that can reach up to 50 cm (20 inches) in length. The flowers are typically a vibrant blue-purple, though pink and white varieties exist. The plant has a bushy, rounded habit and can grow quite large. It is primarily an outdoor plant, grown for its impressive floral display in gardens and landscapes. While it can be grown in containers, it requires significant space and specific conditions to thrive.
Quick Plant Comparison
| Feature | New England Aster | Pride of Madeira |
|---|---|---|
| Light | Full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily) | Full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day) |
| Watering | Every 7-10 days outdoors, depending on rainfall and temperature. Container plants may need more frequent watering. | Every 1-2 weeks, depending on weather and soil drainage |
| Humidity | 30-50% | 30-50% |
| Temperature | 10-27°C | 15-25°C |
| Care Level | Expert | Expert |
| Growth Rate | Fast | Moderate |
| Max Height | Rarely grown indoors, but if attempted, expect 1-2 feet in a large container. | Outdoor: 1-2.5 meters (3-8 feet). Indoor (container): Significantly smaller, typically under 1 meter (3 feet), but challenging to maintain. |
| Pet Safety | ✅ Safe | ❌ Toxic To Pets |
| Soil | Well-drained soil, loamy or sandy soil is ideal. Tolerates a range of soil types. | Well-draining soil mix, such as a cactus or succulent mix amended with perlite or sand. |
| Beginner Friendly | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Weekly Maintenance | 15 minutes weekly outdoors during growing season for watering and deadheading. | 30 minutes weekly (including watering, fertilizing, and pruning) |
🔬 Botanical Information — Comparing These Plants
New England Aster
| Scientific Name | Symphyotrichum novae-angliae |
|---|---|
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Native To | North America |
| Also Known As | New England Aster, Michaelmas Daisy |
| Leaves | Lance-shaped, clasping leaves that are typically 3-6 inches long and arranged alternately along the stems. The leaves are slightly rough to the touch and have a slightly hairy texture. |
| Flowers | Rarely flowers indoors. Outdoors, it produces daisy-like flowers with purple or violet petals and a yellow central disk. Flowers are typically 1-2 inches in diameter and bloom in clusters at the ends of the stems. |
Pride of Madeira
| Scientific Name | Echium candicans |
|---|---|
| Family | Boraginaceae |
| Native To | Madeira Island, Portugal |
| Also Known As | Pride of Madeira, Echium fastuosum |
| Leaves | The leaves are lance-shaped, grey-green in color, and covered in fine, silvery-white hairs, giving them a soft, velvety texture. They are typically 10-20 cm (4-8 inches) long. |
| Flowers | It rarely flowers indoors. Outdoors, it produces dense, cone-shaped flower spikes that are typically a vibrant blue-purple, though pink and white varieties exist. The flowers are small and tubular, packed tightly together on the spikes. |
📏 Size & Growth — Plant Comparison
New England Aster
Pride of Madeira
🌱 Propagation — Comparing Plant Growth
New England Aster
Methods: Seed, Division, Stem cuttings
Difficulty: Easy
Tips: Divide clumps in spring or fall. Take stem cuttings in late spring or early summer. Sow seeds in fall or early spring.
Pride of Madeira
Methods: Seed, Stem cuttings
Difficulty: Moderate
Tips: For seeds, sow in spring in well-draining soil. For stem cuttings, take semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer and root in a well-draining medium. Use rooting hormone to improve success.
✨ Benefits & Features — Comparing Plant Value
New England Aster
The New England Aster is known for its vibrant purple or violet flowers that bloom in late summer and fall, providing a crucial food source for pollinators when other flowers are fading. Its ability to thrive in a variety of soil conditions and its deer resistance make it a valuable addition to many gardens.
- ✓ Attracts pollinators, supporting local ecosystems.
- ✓ Provides late-season color, extending the garden's beauty.
- ✓ Deer resistance reduces garden damage.
- ✓ Relatively low maintenance once established.
- ✓ Adds a natural, wild aesthetic to the garden.
- 🐾 Pet Safe
Pride of Madeira
Its large, cone-shaped flower spikes are its most distinctive feature. The silvery-white hairs on the leaves add to its visual appeal. It's also endemic to Madeira, making it a unique plant.
- ✓ Attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies.
- ✓ Provides a stunning visual display with its vibrant flowers.
- ✓ Adds a touch of exotic beauty to the garden.
- ✓ Relatively drought-tolerant once established.
- ✓ Provides habitat for beneficial insects.
- ⚠️ Toxic to pets
📅 Maintenance Schedule — Plant Care Comparison
New England Aster
Pride of Madeira
🌞 Light Requirements
New England Aster
Full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily)
Low light tolerant: ❌ No
Pride of Madeira
Full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day)
Low light tolerant: ❌ No
💧 Watering Needs
New England Aster
Water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot. In containers, ensure proper drainage. Signs of underwatering include wilting leaves, while overwatering can cause yellowing and mushy stems.
Pride of Madeira
Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil is dry. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot. During the growing season (spring and summer), water more frequently. Reduce watering in the fall and winter. Signs of underwatering include wilting leaves; overwatering includes yellowing leaves and soggy soil.
🌡️ Temperature & Humidity
New England Aster
Temperature: 10-27°C
Humidity: 30-50%
Pride of Madeira
Temperature: 15-25°C
Humidity: 30-50%
🤔 Which Plant Is Right For You?
New England Aster
Symphyotrichum novae-angliaeGardeners looking for late-season color and pollinator-attracting plants in their outdoor gardens.
✅ Choose This Plant If...
- You want to attract butterflies and bees to your garden.
- You need a plant that provides late-season color.
- You have a sunny garden spot with well-drained soil.
- You want a relatively low-maintenance perennial.
- You want a deer-resistant plant.
❌ Skip This Plant If...
- You don't have a sunny outdoor location.
- You are looking for an easy indoor plant.
- You live in a very humid climate where powdery mildew is prevalent.
Pride of Madeira
Echium candicansExperienced gardeners in mild climates who want a spectacular flowering shrub in their garden.
✅ Choose This Plant If...
- You live in a mild climate with plenty of sunshine.
- You want to attract pollinators to your garden.
- You have a large garden space to accommodate its size.
- You appreciate dramatic floral displays.
- You are an experienced gardener looking for a rewarding challenge.
❌ Skip This Plant If...
- You live in a cold climate with harsh winters.
- You have limited space for a large shrub.
- You have pets, especially horses, due to its toxicity.
- You cannot provide full sun.
- You are a beginner gardener.
🎯 Quick Verdict
⚡ Key Differences Between These Plants
New England Aster needs full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily), while Pride of Madeira prefers full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day).
New England Aster has fast growth, while Pride of Madeira grows moderate.
💡 Pro Tips For Comparing These Plants
New England Aster Care Tips
New England Asters are primarily outdoor plants and are challenging to grow indoors due to their high light requirements and tendency to spread. They need full sun and well-drained soil. Indoor attempts require supplemental lighting and careful monitoring of watering to prevent root rot. Expect limited flowering indoors.
- Provide full sun for optimal flowering.
- Ensure well-drained soil to prevent root rot.
- Pinch back stems in late spring to promote bushier growth.
- Divide clumps every few years to prevent overcrowding.
- Monitor for powdery mildew and treat promptly.
Pride of Madeira Care Tips
Pride of Madeira is primarily an outdoor plant and requires full sun and well-draining soil. Growing it indoors is challenging due to its need for intense light and space. It is best suited for experienced gardeners in mild climates. Toxicity to horses is a concern.
- Provide excellent drainage to prevent root rot.
- Water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
- Fertilize regularly during the growing season to promote abundant flowering.
- Prune after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth.
- Protect from frost in colder climates.
⚠️ Common Problems & Solutions — Plant Care Comparison
New England Aster
Pride of Madeira
❓ Frequently Asked Questions — Comparing These Plants
New England Aster
What are the light requirements for New England Aster?
New England Aster demands ample sunlight to produce its profuse blooms. Ideally, provide at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. A south-facing location is generally best, although east- or west-facing exposures can also work if they receive sufficient sunlight. Insufficient light can result in leggy growth, reduced flowering, and increased susceptibility to diseases. If growing indoors, supplement natural light with grow lights, especially during the shorter days of fall and winter. Rotate the plant regularly to ensure even light exposure. If the leaves start to turn pale or yellow, it may indicate that the plant is receiving too little light.
How do I care for New England Aster?
New England Aster thrives in full sun, requiring at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. Water regularly, especially during dry periods, ensuring the soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged. Fertilize in early spring with a balanced fertilizer to promote healthy growth and abundant blooms. Pinch back stems in late spring or early summer to encourage bushier growth and more flowers. Deadhead spent blooms to prolong the flowering season. Divide established clumps every few years to prevent overcrowding and maintain vigor. Provide support, such as staking, if the plants become too tall or leggy. Monitor for pests and diseases, and treat promptly if necessary. Ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases. Mulch around the base of the plant to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
How do I propagate New England Aster?
New England Asters can be easily propagated through division, stem cuttings, or seeds. For division, carefully dig up an established clump in early spring or fall and separate it into smaller sections, each with healthy roots and shoots. Replant the divisions in well-prepared soil. For stem cuttings, take 4-6 inch cuttings from new growth in spring or early summer. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Plant the cuttings in moist potting mix and keep them humid until roots develop. Seeds can be sown in early spring indoors or directly in the garden after the last frost. Ensure proper spacing for optimal growth.
Pride of Madeira
What are the light requirements for Pride of Madeira?
Pride of Madeira thrives in full sun, needing at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day to flower prolifically. Inadequate sunlight can result in leggy growth, reduced flowering, and pale foliage. When grown indoors, place it near a south-facing window where it can receive ample sunlight. If natural light is insufficient, supplement with grow lights to ensure optimal growth and flowering. Rotate the plant regularly to ensure even light exposure on all sides. Insufficient light can also lead to a weaker plant that is more susceptible to pests and diseases.
How do I care for Pride of Madeira?
Pride of Madeira requires full sun and well-drained soil. Water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Fertilize sparingly with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season (spring and summer). Prune spent flower spikes to encourage bushier growth and potential reblooming. Provide protection from frost in colder climates, either by moving potted plants indoors or covering them with frost cloth. Avoid overwatering, especially during the winter months, as this can lead to root rot. Ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases. Repot young plants annually to accommodate their growth.
How do I propagate Pride of Madeira?
Pride of Madeira can be propagated by stem cuttings or seeds. For stem cuttings, take 4-6 inch cuttings from healthy stems in the spring or summer. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Plant the cuttings in well-draining potting mix and keep them moist. Roots should develop in 4-6 weeks. Seeds can be sown in the spring. Keep the soil moist and provide bright, indirect light. Germination can take several weeks. Division is difficult due to the plant’s structure. Keiki production is not typical for this plant.
Last updated: April 27, 2026 — Plant care data reviewed and verified by our editorial team.