Aster ‘Kickin Purple’ delivers dense sprays of rich violet blooms from late summer into fall, but finding the right companion purple perennials to extend that color show—or a suitable substitute for a similar look—requires knowing which plants share its compact habit, cold hardiness, and pollinator appeal.
I’m Mohammad Maruf — the founder and writer behind Gardening Beyond. I’ve spent years comparing plant specs, studying hardiness zone data, and analyzing aggregated owner feedback to separate reliable performers from one-season disappointments.
If you’ve been searching for the best alternative to the best aster kickin purple, this guide breaks down five proven purple-flowering plants by their real growth specs, bloom duration, and care needs so you can match the perfect one to your garden.
How To Choose The Best Purple Perennial Substitute for Aster Kickin Purple
Aster ‘Kickin Purple’ earns its spot with a compact 12-18 inch height, a dense mounded shape, and a profusion of purple daisy-like flowers that bloom from late summer until frost. When replacing or complementing it, you need a plant that matches that tidy footprint and extended bloom period without aggressive spreading.
Hardiness Zone Matching
Aster Kickin Purple thrives in zones 4-8. Any substitute you consider must overlap that range, or you risk losing it to winter kill. Check the USDA hardiness zone on every live plant listing before purchasing—zone 8, 9, 10, or 11 plants may not survive a zone 5 winter.
Bloom Window and Duration
The core appeal of a late-season purple bloomer is color when most perennials are fading. Look for plants that flower from late summer into fall, or offer reblooming potential. Year-round bloomers like orchids work indoors but won’t match the outdoor fall display.
Mature Size and Growth Habit
Aster Kickin Purple stays under 18 inches, making it ideal for borders and front-of-bed placement. Substitutes that shoot up to 4 feet—like bee balm—require different positioning. Measure your space and match the listed mature height and spread to your garden plan.
Sun and Water Preferences
Full sun (6+ hours) and moderate watering define Aster’s sweet spot. Drought-tolerant options like lantana work for low-water gardens, while moisture-loving bee balm needs consistent watering. Mismatching these variables leads to poor flowering or root rot.
Quick Comparison
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| Model | Category | Best For | Key Spec | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Premium Purple Orchid | Premium | Indoor display with 2-4 month blooms | 16 in tall, pet-safe, blooms year-round | Amazon |
| Lantana Lavender | Premium | Heat-tolerant patio and container gardens | 18 in tall, blooms year-round, zones 9-11 | Amazon |
| Bee Balm Balmy Purple | Mid-Range | Pollinator-attracting garden borders | 2-4 ft tall, spreads 3-4 ft, summer bloom | Amazon |
| Purple Anthurium | Mid-Range | Compact indoor desk or shelf plant | 4 in pot, partial shade, moderate water | Amazon |
| Gladiolus Purple Flora | Budget | Tall cut-flower garden accents | 48-60 in tall, 10 bulbs, zones 8-11 | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Premium Purple Orchid – Plants for Pets
This live Phalaenopsis orchid arrives in a decorative 3.5-inch ceramic pot standing roughly 16 inches tall. The purple blooms last 2 to 4 months, and the plant reblooms year-round with proper care—indirect sunlight and weekly watering. The certified pet-friendly label removes worry about toxicity in homes with cats or dogs.
The biodegradable ceramic pot and compact footprint make it a ready-to-display gift or desk plant. Being in mostly bud form on arrival means you watch the flowers open over the first weeks, which adds a satisfying interactive element.
Because this is an indoor plant, it cannot replace Aster’s outdoor border role. But for a premium long-blooming purple specimen on a tabletop, the bloom duration and reblooming potential outperform any cut flower.
What works
- Blooms last 2-4 months continuously
- Pet-safe certification for indoor households
- Compact 16-inch height fits small spaces
- Ceramic pot included for immediate display
What doesn’t
- Indoor only—not winter hardy outdoors
- Requires indirect light, not full sun
- One plant per purchase, single color option
2. Lantana Lavender – American Plant Exchange
Lantana ‘Lavender’ produces soft purple flower clusters that darken as they age, creating a tie-dye effect across the plant. It grows up to 18 inches tall in a 6-inch nursery pot and thrives in full sun with minimal watering—ideal for hot patios and containers where Aster might struggle with heat stress.
The USDA hardiness range of zones 9-11 means this is a perennial only in warm climates; northern gardeners must treat it as an annual or overwinter indoors. A heat pack is included if your region dips below freezing during shipping, which shows careful handling from the grower.
The flowers attract butterflies and bloom year-round in proper conditions, giving it a longer color show than Aster’s fall-only window. However, the plant is toxic if ingested, making it unsuitable for homes with pets that chew on foliage.
What works
- Year-round blooming in warm climates
- Extremely heat and drought tolerant
- Attracts butterflies and pollinators
- Compact 18-inch mature height
What doesn’t
- Hardy only in zones 9-11
- Toxic to humans and pets if ingested
- Pungent foliage scent some find unpleasant
3. Bee Balm Balmy Purple – The Three Company
This bee balm ships as two live plants in 1-quart pots, already established and ready for outdoor transplant. The Balmy Purple variety produces bright purple flower whorls that attract butterflies and bees throughout summer. The mature height of 2-4 feet and spread of 3-4 feet make it a substantial border plant.
Care is straightforward: full sun, moist well-draining soil with organic matter, and deep watering every 1-2 weeks at the base. Being a member of the mint family, it can spread, so plan for room or use dividers. The name comes from its historical topical use for bee sting swelling.
The summer bloom window differs from Aster’s late-summer-to-fall timing, so this will peak earlier in the season. For gardeners wanting a continuous purple progression, pairing this with a fall aster extends the color chain.
What works
- Two established plants per pack for fuller coverage
- Attracts bees and butterflies effectively
- Moisture-tolerant and easy to establish
- Grows 2-4 ft tall for middle-border height
What doesn’t
- Spreads aggressively like mint family plants
- Summer bloom, not late-season like Aster
- Needs consistent moisture—not drought tolerant
4. Purple Anthurium – California Tropicals
This purple anthurium arrives fully rooted in a 4-inch pot, making it the smallest footprint option in this lineup. It thrives in partial shade with moderate watering, suiting indoor conditions like office desks, kitchen counters, or bathroom shelves where direct sun is limited.
The waxy purple spathes last several weeks each, and the plant produces new blooms throughout the year when kept above 60°F. The 12-ounce unit count indicates a single well-rooted plant, not a multi-pack. California Tropicals uses representative photos, so the specific bloom size may vary slightly from the product image.
Because it’s a tropical houseplant, it cannot overwinter outdoors in most zones. It also does not provide the mounded, full-sun perennial structure of Aster—it’s best seen as a low-maintenance indoor purple accent rather than a garden substitute.
What works
- Extremely compact for tight indoor spaces
- Thrives in low light conditions
- Blooms repeatedly across the year
- Low watering needs—forgiving if missed
What doesn’t
- Not winter hardy outdoors
- Single plant, small initial size
- No guarantee of exact bloom shade from photo
5. Gladiolus Purple Flora – Eden Brothers
Eden Brothers offers 10 non-GMO gladiolus bulbs in a Purple Flora variety that grows 48-60 inches tall with majestic purple bloom spikes. Plant them 4-6 inches deep and 3-6 inches apart in spring, and expect maturity in 120-150 days. These are summer-blooming bulbs, producing their show in late summer rather than fall.
The hardiness range of zones 8-11 limits perennial use to warm climates; northern gardeners will need to dig and store bulbs over winter. The 1-pound weight means you get substantial bulbs with high germination rates, backed by Eden Brothers’ freshness guarantee.
These gladiolus will not match Aster’s compact mounded habit—the tall spikes require staking and work best as back-of-border cut flowers. But for sheer budget-friendly purple volume on tall stems, 10 bulbs provide significant bang.
What works
- 10 bulbs per pack for mass planting
- Tall 48-60 inch spikes for dramatic height
- Non-GMO with high germination guarantee
- Works well as cut flowers for indoor vases
What doesn’t
- Not a compact border plant—needs staking
- Perennial only in zones 8-11
- Summer bloom, not late-season fall
- Requires 120-150 days to reach maturity
Hardware & Specs Guide
Hardiness Zone Overlap
Aster Kickin Purple covers zones 4-8. Among the alternatives, only bee balm (zones 4-9 approximate) and the gladiolus bulbs (zones 8-11) offer outdoor perennial potential depending on your region. The orchid, anthurium, and lantana are limited to warm zones 9-11 or require indoor/container treatment in colder climates. Always verify your USDA zone against the product’s listed range before committing to a perennial planting.
Bloom Window and Light Needs
Aster requires full sun for optimal flowering. The alternatives diverge: bee balm and lantana also demand full sun, while anthurium and orchid thrive in indirect light. Bloom timing varies from summer (gladiolus, bee balm) to year-round (orchid, lantana in warm areas). Matching light availability and desired bloom season is essential—a shade-loving orchid placed in full sun will burn, while a sun-loving lantana in shade will not bloom.
FAQ
Can I plant these purple alternatives together with Aster Kickin Purple?
Which substitute blooms the longest throughout the year?
Are any of these purple plants toxic to pets?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most gardeners, the best aster kickin purple winner is the Premium Purple Orchid because it delivers the longest continuous bloom period with zero garden maintenance and pet-safe certification. If you want heat tolerance and outdoor year-round color, grab the Lantana Lavender. And for a pollinator-friendly garden border that returns every summer, nothing beats the Bee Balm Balmy Purple.