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Grape Crush New England Aster

Aster novi-belgii 'Grape Crush' PP33,612

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$3309
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Plant Size

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

  • Sunlight: This Aster needs a minimum of six hours of full sun to maintain its compact, mounded shape and produce that "carpet" of purple flowers. While it can handle light afternoon shade, less sun often leads to leggy stems that might flop over under the weight of the blooms.
  • Soil: It thrives in rich, moist soil but is remarkably adaptable to heavy clay or average garden dirt. If you have sandy soil that drains too fast, mix in some compost to help hold moisture, as this variety does not like to sit in bone dry ground.

Watering Requirements

During the first growing season, provide one inch of water per week to help the root system establish deep into the soil. Once mature, Grape Crush is quite drought tolerant, but inconsistent moisture during the hot summer months can cause the lower leaves to turn brown or drop. Keeping the soil consistently damp like a wrung out sponge ensures the plant stays lush from top to bottom.

Pruning Tips

Since these Asters bloom on new wood, you can pinch back the stems by half in late June to encourage even more branching and a denser flower display. Avoid pruning after July 4th or you might accidentally cut off the developing flower buds. Think of this early summer trim like a haircut that helps the plant stay tidy and prevents it from getting too tall and unruly.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow release fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges to fuel the heavy late season bloom cycle. Avoid using high nitrogen fertilizers late in the summer because this can force soft, green growth that is easily damaged by the first frosts. A single application in the spring is usually all this hardy perennial needs to perform its best.

Delivery and Shipping

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Zone 3-4 Week of March 30th
Zone 5 Week of March 16th
Zone 6-12 Week of March 2nd


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Proven Winners® Grape Crush New England Aster!

Need a juicy burst of fall color? When summer fades, Grape Crush New England Aster PP33612 (Aster novi-belgii 'Grape Crush' PPAF) steps in to ignite the garden with rich, royal purple blooms! This compact, mounding perennial delivers dense clusters of vibrant daisy-like flowers in late summer through fall, creating a stunning contrast against its dark green, bushy foliage!

A must-have for pollinator gardens, this native beauty attracts butterflies, bees, and other beneficial insects, all while thriving with minimal care.

Why You'll Love Grape Crush New England Aster

  • Bold, Deep Purple Blooms – Saturated grape-colored flowers make a statement in the fall garden.
  • Late-Season Pollinator Magnet – A vital food source for butterflies, bees, and migrating Monarchs!
  • Compact, Mounding Habit – Grows 24-30 inches tall and 30-36 inches wide, forming a dense, tidy bushy clump.
  • Cold Hardy & Heat Tolerant – Thrives in USDA Zones 3-8, handling a range of climates with ease.
  • Deer and Rabbit Resistant – Foliage is unappealing to browsing wildlife, ensuring reliable performance.
  • Low Maintenance & Easy to Grow – Tolerates a variety of soils and requires little upkeep.

Where to Plant Grape Crush New England Aster

This bold, late-season bloomer fits beautifully into a variety of garden settings:

  • Pollinator & Butterfly Gardens – One of the last nectar sources of the season, Asters are essential for Monarchs, bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects.
  • Beds & Borders – Must-have for late-season color in Cottage Gardens, adding rich color and structure to mixed perennial beds.
  • Wildflower & Native Plant Gardens – Supports local ecosystems and thrives among other native perennials.
  • Mass Plantings & Naturalized Areas – Creates a dramatic sweep of color when planted in large groups.
  • Moist Meadow & Rain Gardens – Prefers moist, well-draining soils, making it ideal for rain gardens.

Care & Maintenance

This resilient and reliable perennial thrives with minimal attention. Learn more about planting perennials and perennial care in our #ProPlantTips Garden Blog!

  • Sunlight: Prefers full sun for best flowering but tolerates light shade.
  • Soil: Adapts to loamy, sandy, or clay soils. Thrives in moist, well-draining conditions.
  • Watering: Keep soil consistently moist, especially in dry spells.
  • Mulching: A 3-4 inch deep layer of mulch helps retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
  • Pruning: Cut back in early summer to encourage a bushier, more compact habit. Trim back in late fall or early spring.
  • Fertilizing: A light application of compost or slow-release fertilizer in spring supports healthy growth.

Add A Juicy Touch To Your Fall Garden!

The Grape Crush New England Aster is a showstopping fall perennial, bringing rich purple blooms, effortless beauty, and essential late-season nectar to your garden. Whether you want to support pollinators, brighten up your autumn landscape, or create a bold border display, this easy-care plant is the perfect choice.

Order yours today and enjoy a spectacular burst of deep purple in your garden this fall!

Growing Zones 3-8

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does Grape Crush New England Aster spread?
  • No, it grows in a neat, mounded form and does not aggressively spread like some asters.

Can it grow in containers?
  • Yes, but it performs best in garden beds where its roots have room to establish.

When does this New England Aster bloom?
  • It blooms from late summer through fall, providing essential color when most perennials have faded.

Is it deer and rabbit-resistant?
  • Yes! Deer and rabbits typically avoid New England Asters, making them a great choice for wildlife-prone gardens.

How tall does Grape Crush grow?
  • It reaches 26-30 inches tall ad 40-44 inches wide, forming a compact, bushy mound.

Do New England Asters require winter protection?
  • No, Asters are winter hardy in USDA Zones 3-8 and will return year after year with no special care needed.
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