Karmijn Milka aster (Symphyotrichum 'Karmijn Milka') has a compact growth habit and flowers that open simultaneously. These traits, combined with its purple ray florets, produce an outstanding fall display in Chicago-area gardens. This cultivar was selected from a seedling of the original 'Milka' cultivar in the Netherlands and registered in 1999. It was in the 1990s that it was discovered that our native wild asters could be tamed, hybridized, and developed into reliable flowering potted plants to be sold as an alternative to chrysanthemums. This butterfly attractant prefers to grow in sunny positions in well-drained, moderately moist soils. Avoid heavy fertilization to prevent the plants from growing so tall that they flop over sideways.