Kickin® Sapphire New England Aster

Kickin® Sapphire is a New England aster selected for a compact mound of finely textured green foliage. Double blue-purple flowers with yellow centers cover the plant from late summer into mid-fall. Its rounded habit and long seasonal display suit mixed perennial borders and cut-flower plantings. ## Flowers and form Plants typically grow 2–3 feet tall and wide, forming a dense mound without pinching. The exact [Kickin® Sapphire profile](https://pridescorner.com/plant/Aster-Kickin-Sapphire-Fall-Aster) describes double blue-purple blooms, yellow centers, and butterfly activity; it also lists full or partial sun and USDA Zones 5–8. The series article from [Streambank Gardens](https://www.streambankgardens.com/blogs/news/aster-kickin-series) discusses the Kickin® selections and their landscape performance. ## Growing conditions Choose a sunny site, though partial shade is tolerated. Average garden soil with good drainage is suitable; incorporating compost at planting supports establishment. The [USDA New England aster guide](https://plants.usda.gov/DocumentLibrary/plantguide/pdf/cs_syno2.pdf) describes well-drained soils and notes that division in spring or autumn can maintain vigor. Water during dry weather until the plant is established, then avoid persistently wet soil. ## Landscape use Use Sapphire in a mixed perennial border, a late-season color grouping, or a cut-flower planting. Its compact mound keeps the flowers within a defined part of the bed, and the green foliage provides texture before and during bloom. ## Maintenance This selection is described as low maintenance and does not need pinching to form a compact plant. Remove spent stems after flowering if you want a tidy bed, and divide mature clumps in spring or autumn if they become crowded.