Kickin Purple Aster is a cultivated variety of New England Aster, a native perennial known botanically as Symphyotrichum novae-angliae. Traditional New England Aster plants are tall prairie and meadow natives, while the Kickin Lavender Aster offers a more compact form that fits better into residential gardens.
This lavender aster plant produces clusters of daisy-like purple flowers with bright yellow centers. The blooms appear in late summer and continue through fall, making it one of the most valuable flowers that bloom in autumn.
The plant develops a rounded, bushy habit rather than becoming overly tall or floppy. Its dense flowering display makes it useful as a border plant, foundation accent, container flower, or addition to native perennial gardens.
Gardeners searching for purple perennial flowers often choose Aster Kickin Lavender because it provides reliable color during the transition between summer and winter.
Plant Profile: Kickin Purple Aster
Characteristic |
Specification / Details |
Common Name |
Kickin Purple Aster, Kickin Lavender Aster |
Botanical Name |
Symphyotrichum 'Kickin Lavender' (syn. Aster 'Kickin Lavender') |
Plant Type |
Herbaceous Perennial |
Mature Size |
24–36 inches tall, 24–36 inches wide |
Bloom Time |
Late Summer to Late Autumn (August–October) |
Flower Color |
Lavender-purple with golden yellow center |
Sun Exposure |
Full Sun (6+ hours of direct sunlight) |
USDA Hardiness Zones |
Zones 5 through 9 |
Native Ancestry |
Derived from North American native aster species |
Top Benefits of Growing Kickin Lavender Aster in Your Garden
Aster Kickin Lavender is more than a colorful flowering plant. It supports garden ecosystems while providing dependable seasonal beauty.
Here are some reasons gardeners choose this purple aster plant:
-
Long-lasting purple blooms: The flowers provide weeks of vibrant color during fall when many perennials are fading.
-
Excellent pollinator plant: Butterflies, native bees, and other beneficial insects rely on asters as an important late-season nectar source.
-
Low-maintenance growth: Once established, this hardy perennial requires minimal attention compared with many flowering plants.
-
Deer-resistant qualities: While no plant is completely deer-proof, asters are generally less attractive to browsing deer.
-
Native garden benefits: As a relative of native New England Aster, it supports landscapes designed around regional biodiversity.
-
Seasonal garden interest: It extends the flowering period of perennial beds and improves fall garden design.
How to Plant a Kickin Purple Aster
The best time to plant the Kickin Purple Aster is spring or early fall when temperatures are mild. Fall planting allows roots to establish before winter, while spring planting gives plants a full growing season.
Choose the right location:
Pick a spot with full sun and good air circulation to reduce disease risk.
Prepare the soil:
Loosen the planting area to about 8–10 inches deep and mix in compost to improve structure and drainage.
Space your plants:
Set plants 18–24 inches apart to allow for their mature spread.
Dig the planting hole:
Make it slightly wider than the root ball and just as deep so the crown sits level with the soil surface.
Set the plant and backfill:
Place the aster in the hole, fill in with soil, and firm gently around the base.
Mulch:
Add a 2-inch layer of mulch around (not touching) the stems to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Water thoroughly:
Give newly planted asters a deep watering right away to settle the soil around the roots.
Aster Kickin Lavender Growing Guide: Light, Soil, and Climate Tips
Aster Kickin Lavender grows best when planted in conditions that support strong roots, healthy foliage, and abundant fall blooms. This lavender aster perennial is easy to grow when given the right balance of sunlight, moisture, and soil quality.
Sunlight Requirements
Kickin Lavender Aster prefers full sun with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Plenty of sunlight encourages compact growth, stronger stems, and more vibrant purple flowers. It is an excellent choice for full-sun garden plants, perennial borders, and butterfly gardens.
Soil and Drainage Needs
This hardy perennial plant grows well in fertile, well-drained soil. Add compost before planting to improve soil quality and support healthy growth. Avoid areas with standing water, as overly wet soil can cause root problems.
Watering and Climate
Water regularly during the first growing season to help roots establish. Once mature, Aster Kickin Lavender becomes moderately drought-tolerant and requires less maintenance. It adapts well to changing seasons and performs best in USDA Zones 4–8
Kickin Lavender Aster Care Guide
Kickin Lavender Aster is a low-maintenance perennial that rewards gardeners with reliable fall color when given basic care. Regular watering, healthy soil, and simple seasonal maintenance help this lavender aster perennial produce strong growth and abundant blooms year after year.
Watering Requirements
Water the newly planted Kickin Lavender Aster regularly during the first growing season to help establish deep roots. Once established, it becomes moderately drought-tolerant and only needs extra watering during long periods of heat or dry weather.
Soil and Fertilizing
This hardy perennial plant grows best in fertile, well-drained soil. Adding compost in spring improves soil quality and supports healthy flowering. Avoid excessive fertilizer, as too much nitrogen can encourage leafy growth instead of blooms.
Mulching
Apply a 2–3 inch layer of organic mulch around the plant base to conserve moisture, control weeds, and protect roots from temperature changes. Keep mulch away from the crown to prevent moisture-related problems.
Seasonal Maintenance
-
Spring: Remove old stems and add compost if needed.
-
Summer: Water during dry periods and maintain good airflow around plants.
-
Fall: Enjoy the purple blooms and remove spent flowers if desired.
-
Winter: Leave some stems for winter interest and cut back old growth in early spring.
Container Growing
Kickin Lavender Aster can also grow well in containers when planted in a large pot with good drainage. Place containers in a sunny location and use quality potting soil for the best results.
With minimal care, Aster Kickin Lavender becomes one of the best low-maintenance flowering plants for borders, adding seasonal beauty while supporting butterflies and other pollinators
Bloom Time, Growth Size & Plant Characteristics
Understanding mature proportions helps you plan structural layouts in perennial borders and native gardens.
Characteristic |
Detail |
Mature Height |
About 18–24 inches |
Mature Width |
About 18–24 inches |
Growth Habit |
Rounded, compact mound |
Flower Color |
Lavender-purple |
Bloom Timing |
Late summer through fall |
Plant Type |
Herbaceous perennial |
Maintenance Level |
Low |
Best Uses |
Borders, containers, pollinator gardens |
Landscaping Ideas Using Kickin Purple Aster
With its brilliant purple flower heads and tight form, the Kickin Purple Aster fits into almost any sunny garden style.
-
Butterfly Garden Ideas: Combine with fall-flowering milkweeds, goldenrod, and cone flowers to build a late-season butterfly sanctuary.
-
Perennial Cottage Borders: Place in the mid-border area alongside ornamental grasses, coreopsis, and black-eyed Susans for textural contrast.
-
Mass Landscape Plantings: Plant clusters of 3 to 5 asters together for a high-impact wash of purple late in the season.
-
Foundation & Walkway Edging: Use along sunny garden paths or foundation beds to soften hard edges with tidy, flowering mounds.
Is Kickin Purple Aster Good for Pollinator Gardens?
Yes, Kickin Purple Aster is an excellent choice for pollinator-friendly landscapes. Late-season asters provide valuable nectar when many summer flowers have finished blooming.
Because asters bloom during late summer and fall, they support pollinators preparing for colder months. Adding this plant to a garden can strengthen local biodiversity and create a more resilient pollinator habitat.
Gardeners designing butterfly garden plant collections often combine asters with coneflowers, goldenrod, sedum, and native grasses to provide food sources throughout multiple seasons.
The lavender-purple flowers attract:
-
Butterflies
-
Native bees
-
Honeybees
-
Hoverflies
-
Other beneficial insects
Conclusion: Grow Kickin Lavender Aster for Beautiful Fall Blooms
Kickin Lavender Aster is an excellent choice for gardeners who want long-lasting purple perennial flowers, low-maintenance care, and valuable support for pollinators. With full sun, well-drained soil, and simple seasonal maintenance, this hardy perennial delivers beautiful lavender blooms that enhance borders, cottage gardens, butterfly gardens, and fall landscapes.
At Pixies Gardens, gardeners can discover reliable perennial plants that bring color, beauty, and ecological benefits to outdoor spaces. Whether you are creating a pollinator-friendly garden or adding more fall-blooming plants to your landscape, Aster Kickin Lavender is a rewarding choice that returns year after year.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How tall does the Kickin Lavender Aster grow?
Kickin Lavender Aster typically grows around 18–24 inches tall and forms a compact, rounded shape. Its manageable size makes it ideal for perennial borders, small gardens, containers, and pollinator-friendly landscapes.
2. When does the Kickin Lavender Aster bloom?
Kickin Lavender Aster blooms from late summer through fall, producing clusters of lavender-purple flowers when many other garden plants begin to fade. It is one of the best choices for adding color to autumn gardens.
3. Does Aster Kickin Lavender need full sun?
Yes, Aster Kickin Lavender grows best in full sun with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Proper sunlight helps the plant develop stronger stems, healthier foliage, and more abundant blooms.
4. Does the Kickin Lavender Aster attract butterflies and bees?
Yes. Kickin Lavender Aster is an excellent pollinator plant that attracts butterflies, native bees, and other beneficial insects. Its late-season flowers provide an important nectar source during fall.
5. Is the Kickin Lavender Aster deer resistant?
Kickin Lavender Aster is generally considered deer resistant, although no plant is completely deer-proof. Its natural characteristics make it a good option for gardens where deer browsing is a concern.
6. Can the Kickin Lavender Aster grow in containers?
Yes, this compact perennial grows well in containers. Choose a large pot with drainage holes, use quality potting soil, and place the container in a sunny location for healthy growth and flowering.
7. Where can I buy Aster Kickin Lavender online?
Gardeners looking to buy Aster Kickin Lavender online should choose a trusted nursery that provides healthy, well-established plants. Pixies Gardens offers perennial selections for gardeners creating colorful and pollinator-friendly landscapes

