How to Grow Vick's Violet Aster
Vick's Violet Aster
Symphyotrichum novi-belgii 'Vick's Violet'
flowerVick's Violet Aster is a compact, bushy perennial flowering plant prized for its vibrant violet-purple blooms that appear in late summer and fall. The plant produces abundant small, daisy-like flowers with yellow centers on sturdy stems and fine, feathery foliage. It's a reliable performer that attracts pollinators and provides late-season color when many gardens are fading.
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Example Vick's Violet Aster timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Vick's Violet Aster
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First Vick's Violet Aster blooms
Around Jul 16≈ 90 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Vick's Violet Aster dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-9, with best performance in zones 4-8
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Seedling
2-3 weeksYoung plants with 2-4 true leaves and delicate, fine foliage emerging from soil
Keep soil moist but not soggy. Provide bright light to prevent leggy growth. Thin seedlings to proper spacing early to avoid crowding.
Vegetative Growth
6-8 weeksPlant develops bushy form with multiple stems and increasingly dense foliage; no flowers present yet
Pinch back growing tips in early summer to encourage bushier, more compact growth with more flower buds. Water regularly and fertilize every 3-4 weeks with balanced fertilizer.
Budding
2-3 weeksFlower buds begin forming at stem tips; plant appears fuller and buds are clearly visible
Maintain consistent watering and reduce nitrogen fertilization to encourage flowering over leaf growth. Watch for powdery mildew as humidity increases.
Flowering
4-8 weeks (September through November)Abundant violet-purple daisy-like flowers with yellow centers bloom prolifically along stems
Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage continued blooming and maintain neat appearance. Water at base to keep foliage dry and prevent disease. Provide support if needed.
Senescence & Dormancy
November through MarchFlowers fade as temperatures cool; foliage yellows and plant dies back to ground in fall/winter
Leave dried stems standing through winter for wildlife shelter and visual interest, or cut back to 3-4 inches. Cut back in early spring before new growth emerges. Mulch lightly after ground freezes in cold climates.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Improve air circulation through pruning; avoid overhead watering. Spray with sulfur or neem oil at first sign. Remove infected foliage. Select resistant varieties.
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Remove affected leaves promptly. Water at base only. Ensure good air flow. Apply fungicide if severe. Improve garden sanitation.
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Spray with water to knock off mites. Increase humidity. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilizer.
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Hand-pick early morning when beetles are sluggish. Use row covers. Apply neem oil or spinosad. Encourage beneficial predators.
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Spray with strong water stream. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Encourage natural predators like ladybugs and lacewings.
Uses
Edible Flowers
CulinaryThe violet-purple flowers are edible and can be used as a garnish for salads, cakes, and desserts, adding both visual appeal and a delicate, slightly bitter flavor. [source]
Cut Flower Arrangements
CraftVick's Violet Aster is an excellent cut flower that lasts 7-10 days in a vase, making it ideal for fall floral arrangements and bouquets when garden color is fading. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeThe abundant late-season flowers are crucial nectar and pollen sources for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators preparing for winter, supporting pollinator populations during a critical time. [source]
Fall Garden Color
HouseholdProvides vibrant violet color to gardens from September through November when most perennials have faded, brightening the autumn landscape and extending the growing season visually. [source]
Traditional Herbal Uses
MedicinalAsters have been used in traditional herbalism for respiratory support and immune function, though modern scientific evidence is limited. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Cut flowers for arrangements when blooms are just fully open, ideally in early morning. Cut stems at 45-degree angles and strip lower leaves. Place immediately in cool water. Deadhead spent flowers regularly throughout the season to encourage continuous blooming and extend the flowering period through November.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Vick's Violet Aster was a favorite in Victorian gardens and is named after James Vick, a prominent 19th-century seed catalog publisher who helped popularize many garden plants.
- 🌱 The name 'aster' comes from the Latin word for 'star,' referring to the star-like arrangement of the flower petals radiating from the center.
- 🌱 Asters bloom on the autumn equinox in many regions and are associated with September birthdays; they're also linked to symbolizing wisdom, valor, and love in Victorian flower language.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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