Kickin Carmine Red Aster
Kickin Carmine Red Aster
Rich Carmine-Red Daisies on a Tidy Fall Mound
Kickin Carmine Red Aster (Symphyotrichum 'Kickin Carmine Red') tops a dense, naturally rounded mound with masses of rich carmine-red, yellow-centered daisies from late summer into fall. Part of the mildew-resistant Kickin series, this native-type aster keeps its foliage clean while feeding monarchs and bees at a critical time of year. A bold, low-care pollinator pick for Minnetonka, Lakeville, and Blaine gardens.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Symphyotrichum 'Kickin Carmine Red' |
| Mature Size | 16–20 in tall and wide (compact) |
| Hardiness Zone | Zone 4–8 (hardy across most of Minnesota) |
| Light | Full sun to part shade |
| Bloom Time | Late summer to fall |
| Flower Color | Carmine-red with yellow centers |
| Soil | Average, well-drained; tolerates clay |
Landscape Uses
Use Kickin Carmine Red in pollinator and native gardens, mixed borders, and containers. Its tidy mound and mildew resistance pair well with ornamental grasses, sedum, and other asters.
Best Time to Plant
Plant in spring or early fall. Spring planting gives the longest establishment window before winter.
How to Plant
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep. Set the crown level with the soil, backfill, water in well, and mulch 2–3 inches deep, keeping mulch off the stems.
Watering
First Year: Water deeply 1–2 times per week to establish the roots.
After Year One: Water during dry spells. Asters are fairly drought tolerant once established but bloom best with occasional water.
Drip Irrigation: A drip line keeps moisture even without wetting foliage, which helps prevent mildew.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it mildew resistant?
Yes, the Kickin series is bred for clean, mildew-resistant foliage.
Is it good for pollinators?
Yes, asters are among the most important fall nectar sources for monarchs and native bees.
Is it hardy in Minnesota?
Yes, hardy to Zone 4 and reliable statewide.
Is it deer resistant?
Yes, deer tend to avoid asters.
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Pair Kickin Carmine Red with our other asters, ornamental grasses, and fall-blooming perennials for a pollinator-friendly autumn display.
How Many Kickin Carmine Red Asters Do I Need?
At a mature spread of 16–20 inches, space plants about 18 inches apart for a solid mounded drift. For mass plantings, use the run-length guide below; for accents, set them in groups of 3–5.
| Run length | Plants needed |
|---|---|
| 5 ft | 4 plants |
| 10 ft | 7 plants |
| 15 ft | 11 plants |
| 20 ft | 14 plants |
Kickin Carmine Red Aster Season-by-Season in Minnesota
- Spring: A tidy green mound emerges; pinch once in early summer to keep it dense and floriferous.
- Summer: Foliage stays clean and mildew-resistant while flower buds build at the stem tips.
- Fall: The show — masses of carmine-red, yellow-eyed daisies cover the mound and feed migrating monarchs and late bees.
- Winter: Leave the spent stems standing for subtle structure and seed; cut back in early spring.
At a Glance
✔ Pollinator-Friendly ✔ Deer-Resistant ✔ Drought-Tolerant
Plant It With
- Grape Crush Aster — deep-purple daisies extend the fall aster show.
- Wood's Blue Aster — cool blue mounds cooling down the hot carmine.
- Little Bluestem — native grass adding airy prairie texture and fall color.
- Autumn Fire Sedum — rusty flower heads echoing the autumn timing.
Is Kickin Carmine Red Aster Right for Your Yard?
It thrives in full sun to part shade with average, well-drained soil (it shrugs off clay) and earns its keep as a late-season pollinator magnet that deer leave alone. Not a fit if your bed stays wet and soggy or sits in deep shade — poor air flow and low light invite weak bloom and flopping.