Aster Kickin 'Carmine Red' PPAF

– Attracts bees, butterflies, and beneficial pollinators

– Important late-season nectar source for migrating insects

– Deer and rabbits generally avoid it

– Spring – foliage emerges; slow early growth

– Summer – bushy mounding form develops; flower buds appear mid to late summer

– Fall – peak bloom period with dense floral display

– Winter – dormant; cut back to ground after frost or in early spring

– Late-season color in perennial borders

– Mass plantings or drifts for fall impact

– Pollinator-friendly and native-style gardens

– Containers or front-of-border accent

– Medium green, lance-shaped leaves

– Dense foliage covers the entire plant and provides a fine-textured backdrop for the blooms

– Foliage remains neat and tidy through the growing season

– Bright carmine-red to deep pink daisy-like blooms with yellow centers

– Flowers are about 1 inch wide and cover the entire plant

– Heavy blooming from late summer into fall (August to October)

– Excellent flower coverage from top to bottom

– Plant in spring or early fall to allow time for root establishment.

– Choose a location with full sun and well-drained, moderately fertile soil.

– Space plants about 18–24 inches apart to accommodate mature spread and airflow.

– Dig a hole the same depth as the root ball and twice as wide. Backfill, firm the soil, and water thoroughly.

– Apply mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds, but keep mulch away from the crown.

– Pinch back stems in early summer (June) to promote bushiness and delay bloom slightly for a more compact habit.

– Deadhead spent flowers to encourage a longer bloom period.

– Cut back to the ground after the first frost or in early spring to clear away old growth.

– Requires regular watering during establishment

– Once established, it is moderately drought tolerant, but performs best with consistent moisture

– Avoid soggy soils; prefers well-drained conditions

– Requires full sun (6+ hours per day) for best flower production and dense growth.

– Can tolerate light shade, but may result in reduced flowering and leggier stems.

– Blooms can be cut for casual bouquets; best harvested early in the morning

– Vase life is moderate (3–5 days)

– Not commonly used in formal arrangements but works in seasonal displays

– Deadheading improves landscape appearance and extends bloom time

– Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) in early spring.

– Avoid over-fertilization, which can cause leggy growth and fewer flowers.

– Optional light compost dressing can improve soil health and support bloom production.

– Pollinated by bees, butterflies, and hoverflies.

– Excellent late-season nectar source when few other plants are blooming.

– Self-pollinating, but benefits from insect activity for seed development.

– Solidago (Goldenrod) – offers golden contrast and similar bloom time

– Sedum 'Autumn Joy' – shares late-season bloom and adds structural contrast

– Rudbeckia (Black-Eyed Susan) – vibrant yellow flowers pair well with carmine tones

– Echinacea (Coneflower) – adds height and pollinator appeal

– Coreopsis – extends color palette and handles same conditions

– Grasses (e.g., Panicum, Schizachyrium) – contribute texture, movement, and fall interest

– Helenium – similarly timed blooms with bright, warm colors