Pink Crush New England Aster

Aster novae‑angliae ‘Pink Crush’ PP 33628

Plants that Work®

Densest Pink Aster Flower Blooms Explode with Deep Rosy-Pink Color in Early Fall
Cold Hardy: Thrives in Zones 4-8
Grows 1-2 ft Tall, 2-3 ft Wide
Showy Pink Blooms From Early Fall to Late Fall
Native, Pollinator-Friendly - Attracts Bees and Butterflies

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Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Pink Crush Asters thrive in at least six hours of direct sunlight daily; this full exposure ensures the strongest, most stable stems and maximum flower production. While they tolerate afternoon partial shade, expect reduced bloom density and a slightly leggier habit, which may necessitate staking.
Soil: These plants prefer a rich, consistently moist, yet well-draining soil environment. For heavy clay, mix in plenty of compost or aged manure to immediately improve drainage and fertility; for sandy soil, this organic matter will help retain the essential moisture they need without getting waterlogged.

Watering Requirements

During the first season, water deeply and consistently to help the root system establish, but always ensure the roots never sit in soggy, standing water. Once established, New England Asters are surprisingly drought tolerant, but for the best show of dense, vibrant flowers, give them supplemental water during extended summer dry spells. Inconsistent watering in high heat stresses the plant, leading directly to sparser foliage and significantly smaller, less colorful fall blooms.

Pruning Tips

New England Asters bloom exclusively on new wood, meaning the flowers develop on the growth produced in the current season. The best technique is the 'Chelsea Chop'—cutting back all stems by about one third—applied in late spring or early summer, before early July. This practice forces the plant to create dense branching, resulting in a much bushier, more compact Aster that resists flopping and produces more flower buds overall.

Fertilizer Needs

A single, light application of a balanced, slow-release granular fertilizer in early spring as the new growth emerges is usually sufficient, as Asters are not heavy feeders. What you should definitely avoid is applying high-nitrogen liquid fertilizer after mid-summer. Too much nitrogen late in the season encourages soft, tender foliage growth at the expense of developing strong flower buds, and this flush of soft growth makes the plant more susceptible to powdery mildew.

Delivery and Shipping

Preorder Shipping Schedule

We ship your plants when it's safe to transport them to your zone. Dates are estimated and subject to weather delays.

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

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

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Densely Blooming Fall Color

Bring a bold burst of late-season beauty to your garden with the Pink Crush New England Aster PP#33628 (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae 'Pink Crush'). This compact yet powerful hybrid of the tough New England Aster native absolutely explodes with deep rosy-pink blooms in early fall, creating one of the densest floral displays you'll see all year. Butterflies can't resist it, bees buzz about it, and gardeners fall head over heels for its stunning color and pollinator power!

This clump-forming herbaceous perennial is upright and bushy, standing around 20-24 inches tall and 34-38 inches wide. You'll love how its deep green lanceolate leaves form a tidy base, while its rigid upright stems carry a nearly solid canopy of blooms from late summer into mid-fall. The flower heads are fluffy and Daisy-like, completely blanketing the plant for weeks on end! No leggy stems or floppy habits here!

New England Asters are native to North America, and this hybrid is bred for improved performance. Pink Crush is cold-hardy in USDA growing zones 3 through 8 and thrives in a wide variety of climates.

Key Features

Extremely dense, dark rose-pink blooms from late summer to frost
Upright, bushy 2-3 foot habit; never floppy
Highly attractive to butterflies and pollinators
Deer resistant and low maintenance
Native cultivar hybrid for superior garden performance

Landscaping Uses

At just 2 feet tall and about 3 feet wide, this floral powerhouse is ideal for mid-border color or late-season highlights! Adapted for pollinator gardens, wildflower meadows, and formal borders alike. Symbolizing love, patience, and wisdom, this cultivar from Proven Winners® is a top pick for color, durability, and butterfly support during the shoulder season when much of the garden is winding down!

Add to pollinator gardens or wildflower meadows
Plant en masse for a vibrant fall showstopper
Use in cut flower gardens for long-lasting blooms
Great for cottage garden borders
Pair with Ornamental Grasses and Sedum for seasonal contrast
Accent sunny foundation beds or native garden displays

Care and Maintenance

As an herbaceous perennial, Pink Crush dies back in the fall and returns stronger each spring. It's a sun-loving, drought-tolerant native hybrid that shines with very little fuss!

Planting Time: Spring or early fall. Read more on planting and caring for Asters here.
Sun Needs: Full sun for best flowering
Soil Needs: Well-drained soil; tolerates clay and sandy soils once established
Moisture Needs: Moderate moisture; drought-tolerant once established
Mulch: Apply a 3-4 inch layer of arborist mulch to retain moisture and regulate soil temps
Fertilization Needs: Light application of compost or balanced slow-release fertilizer in the springtime
Pruning Info: Cut to the ground in late fall or early spring; no need to deadhead, but you can shear/pinch back in mid-June to delay bloom and keep it even more compact
Division Info: Divide every 3-4 years in spring to rejuvenate and spread
Special Perks/Growing Tips For Success:

Deer resistant, cold-hardy, and tolerant of urban conditions
Low maintenance
Won't tolerate overly wet soil

Don't Miss The Crush!

Fall in love with the Pink Crush Aster, a Proven Winners® garden standout that finishes the season with a spectacular, pollinator-friendly finale! Whether you're filling a border, adding late color, or building a butterfly buffet, this vivid bloomer makes an unforgettable impact. Buy now and Nature Hills will ship this garden gem to your doorstep!

Botanical Name

Aster novae‑angliae ‘Pink Crush’ PP 33628
Class

Asterales
Species

novae‑angliae
Cultivar

Pink Crush
Growing Zones

4-8
Height

1-2 ft
Width

2-3 ft
Sunlight

Full sun
Growth Rate

Moderate
Flower Color

Pink
Leaf Color

Green
Native

Yes
Bloom Period

Early Fall, Late Fall
Does Not Ship To

AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

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Growing Zones 4-8

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Frequently Asked Questions

What planting zones is Pink Crush New England Aster hardy in?

Pink Crush New England Aster is cold-hardy in USDA growing zones 3 through 8. This native cultivar hybrid thrives in a wide variety of climates, from northern regions with harsh winters to warmer southern areas. Plant it in spring after your last frost date for best establishment.

What type of soil does Pink Crush New England Aster prefer?

Pink Crush New England Aster thrives in average, well-draining soil and tolerates a wide range of conditions. This hardy perennial adapts to various soil types from sandy to clay. For best bloom density, plant in full sun with consistent moisture during establishment.

How often should I water my Pink Crush New England Aster?

Water Pink Crush New England Aster deeply once weekly during its first growing season to establish roots. This drought-tolerant native hybrid needs minimal watering once established in zones 3-8. Water at soil level in early morning to avoid wet foliage and potential disease issues.

How fast does Pink Crush New England Aster grow?

Pink Crush New England Aster establishes quickly and reaches its full 20-24 inch height in one growing season. This vigorous perennial spreads to 34-38 inches wide within 2-3 years in zones 3-8. Plant in spring for dense fall blooms the same year.

Is Pink Crush New England Aster deer resistant?

Pink Crush New England Aster is deer resistant, making it an excellent choice for gardens where deer browsing is a concern. This native cultivar hybrid combines the natural deer resistance of wild New England Asters with improved garden performance. Plant it confidently in your pollinator garden, available at naturehills.com.

Does Pink Crush New England Aster require any special fertilizing?

Pink Crush New England Aster is low maintenance and doesn't require special fertilizing. As a native cultivar hybrid, it's naturally adapted to average garden soils. A light application of balanced fertilizer in early spring will support its dense late-summer blooms.

How do I overwinter Pink Crush New England Aster in colder zones?

Pink Crush New England Aster is cold-hardy through USDA zone 3 and requires minimal winter protection. Cut stems back to 2-3 inches after the first hard frost, then apply a light layer of mulch around the crown in zones 3-4 for extra insulation.