Aster Dumosus Kickin Lavender Plant Plug (Symphyotrichum dumosum 'Kickin Lavender') – Compact Lavender Aster – Late-Season Color for Borders & Pollinator Gardens
Size: 1-4" tall rooted plug (Depending on Species)
The Aster Dumosus Kickin Lavender Plant Plug is a compact, showy perennial that bursts into a profusion of lavender blooms in late summer to fall. Perfect for brightening up garden beds and borders when other plants are fading, this hardy aster is beloved by pollinators and gardeners alike. With its neat growth habit, vibrant color, and low-maintenance nature, it’s an excellent choice for adding long-lasting beauty to your outdoor space.
🌸 Plant Size and Characteristics
- Size: Grows 24–36 inches tall and 18–24 inches wide, forming a dense, bushy mound.
- Flowers: Small, lavender, daisy-like flowers with golden-yellow centers, creating a soft, glowing effect.
- Foliage: Dark green, lance-shaped leaves provide a lush backdrop to the blooms.
- Growth Habit: Upright and compact, suitable for tight spaces and border edges.
🌞 Growing Tips
- Light Requirements: Thrives in full sun to partial shade, with more blooms in sunnier locations.
- Soil: Prefers well-drained, moderately fertile soil; tolerates clay and sandy conditions.
- Watering: Keep soil evenly moist, especially during dry spells, but avoid waterlogging.
- Fertilization: Feed with a balanced fertilizer in early spring to promote vigorous growth and blooming.
- Spacing: Plant plugs 18–24 inches apart to allow for proper air circulation and growth.
🌼 Landscaping & Decorative Uses
- Borders & Edging: Adds a vibrant splash of color along paths and garden edges.
- Pollinator Gardens: Attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.
- Mass Plantings: Creates a striking display when planted in clusters or drifts.
- Cut Flowers: Long-lasting blooms are ideal for fresh bouquets and floral arrangements.
🌟 Benefits & Features
- Late-Season Blooms: Offers vibrant color when many other plants have stopped flowering.
- Pollinator-Friendly: Provides an essential nectar source for bees and butterflies in late summer and fall.
- Compact Growth: Perfect for smaller gardens, containers, or urban spaces.
- Hardy Perennial: Returns year after year with proper care, thriving in USDA zones 4–8.
🌿 Maintenance Tips
- Deadheading: Remove spent blooms to extend the flowering season and maintain a tidy appearance.
- Pruning: Cut back in late fall or early spring to encourage fresh, vigorous growth.
- Pest & Disease Resistance: Resistant to most common pests and diseases; avoid overhead watering to prevent mildew.
- Winter Care: Mulch around the base to protect roots in colder climates.
🦋 Wildlife Benefits
- Pollinator Support: Draws bees, butterflies, and other nectar-seeking insects.
- Seasonal Habitat: Late blooms provide a valuable food source when other flowers are scarce.
🌺 Design Ideas
- Pair with fall bloomers like goldenrod, sedum, or ornamental grasses for a striking seasonal display.
- Use as a colorful accent in cottage gardens or alongside evergreens for year-round interest.
- Plant in pollinator-friendly gardens to create a buzzing hub of activity during the autumn months.
💡 Care Tips for Best Results
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot, especially in heavy soils.
- Provide support or staking in windy locations to maintain its upright form.
- Divide clumps every 2–3 years to maintain vigor and prevent overcrowding.
The Aster Dumosus Kickin Lavender Plant Plug is a must-have for any gardener looking to extend their garden’s bloom season with vibrant, low-maintenance flowers. Perfect for borders, pollinator gardens, or cut flower displays, this compact lavender aster adds charm and vitality to any outdoor space.