Product Description
Aster novae-angliae 'Pink Crush' PP33628 (25) Bare Root Plants
Common Name: New England Aster
Bringing refinement to fall blooming Asters, 'Pink Crush' produces a large, very round mound with densely packed flowers. We have observed no lodging in our trials, a phenomenal achievement for fall blooming Asters. Rose pink flowers are produced above dark green foliage in early fall to midfall. This variety is shorter than 'Grape Crush'. A perfect finale to the growing season!
Asters are native to North America and are generally very easy to grow.
Asters perform best in rich, evenly moist soil and full sun. Give them lots of room to grow; good air circulation will help to prevent powdery mildew. Though this cultivar has a bushy, compact habit, it may still require staking. To promote dense growth that is less likely to flop, pinch plants back from late spring until July 4th.
Plants should be divided every couple of years in the spring to maintain their health and vigor.
Height: 20.0-24.0 Inches
Spread: 34.0-38.0 Inches
Hardiness Zones: 3,4,5,6,7,8
Flower Color: Pink shades
Foliage Color: Green shades
Full Sun
Average Water Needs
Fertile Soil
Bloomtime: Early Fall
Attracts Butterflies
Bee Friendly
Seasonal Interest: Fall Color
Growth Rate: Medium
Border Plant, Container, Cut Flower, Mass Planting, Salt Tolerant, Native to North America
'Pink Crush' is a delightful New England Aster (Aster novae-angliae) that brings a burst of vibrant color to the late summer and fall garden. Here is a closer look at what makes it so special:
Appearance:
- 'Pink Crush' boasts masses of stunning, deep fuchsia-pink daisy-like flowers with bright yellow centers. These blooms cover the plant in a dense, rounded mound, creating a truly eye-catching display. The flowers are relatively large for an Aster, adding to their impact. The plant has a compact and bushy growth habit with dark green, lance-shaped leaves.
Growing Conditions:
- Light: Prefers full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight) for optimal blooming.
- Soil: Thrives in average to moist, well-drained soil.
- Hardiness Zones: Suitable for zones 3-8.
- Bloom Time: Flowers from late summer into mid-fall, providing a welcome splash of color when many other plants are fading.
Care:
- Watering: Water regularly, especially during dry spells, to keep the soil consistently moist.
- Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring to encourage healthy growth and abundant blooms.
- Deadheading: While not strictly necessary, removing spent flowers can help to promote more blooms and prevent self-seeding.
- Pruning: Cut back the plant to the ground in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
Uses:
- Excellent for adding vibrant color to borders, beds, and cottage gardens.
- Ideal for mass plantings to create a bold visual impact.
- Suitable for container gardening, providing a splash of fall color on patios and decks.
- Makes beautiful cut flower arrangements.
- Attracts pollinators like butterflies and bees to the garden.
Additional Notes:
- 'Pink Crush' is a relatively low-maintenance plant that is easy to grow.
- It is a North American native, making it a great choice for supporting local ecosystems.
- It is deer-resistant, which is a bonus for gardeners in areas with deer populations.
- Consider pairing 'Pink Crush' with other fall-blooming plants like Sedum, ornamental grasses, and other Aster varieties for a dynamic autumn display.
Why 'Pink Crush' Stands Out:
- Intense Color: The deep fuchsia-pink blooms are exceptionally vibrant and provide a striking contrast to the yellow centers.
- Abundant Flowers: 'Pink Crush' produces a profusion of flowers that practically cover the entire plant.
- Compact Growth: Its mounding habit makes it a well-behaved and versatile plant for various garden settings.
- Late Bloom: The late blooming period extends the garden's color into the fall, providing a valuable source of nectar for pollinators.
If you are looking for a reliable and showy Aster to add to your garden, 'Pink Crush' is an excellent choice. Its vibrant color, abundant blooms, and easy care make it a winner for both gardeners and pollinators alike.
Mature field grown plants shipped bare root.
Other Details
The most important part of the plant is its root system. Healthy roots are the foundation of a healthy, vibrant plant. The type of plug container used is based on the specific needs of the plants. Perennials offered as bare root traditionally perform better when planted as bare root.Planted in a specialized mix, potted plants have well established root systems. Top growth stage will vary depending on the current life cycle and time of year when shipped. In Winter and early Spring dormant plants may be shipped. Dormant plants may be planted right away, even before the last frost date.
Most bare root varieties are field grown for at least one season, though Hemerocallis and Hosta are grown for two seasons. The bulk of the soil is removed during the harvesting process and the tops of most varieties are trimmed back to the crown. They are graded, packed in shredded aspen or sphagnum moss and stored in freezers until ready to be shipped.
See our Container Sizes and Bare Root Perennials pages for more information.
Plant information and care is provided in the Overview section, Plant Genus Page and general information is provided in the Planting Care & Guides. Additional questions can be asked on each Plant page.
Plant Spacing: Using the maximum mature spread or width of a plant to guide spacing, ensures space to grow to full size. To fill an area sooner, plant them closer together. Just remember, future thinning or transplanting may be needed.
Water: Keep a close eye on newly planted perennials, especially throughout the first growing year. Most early plant loss is due to too much or too little water!
