Aster, Pink Crush #1

Pink Crush Aster

Symphyotrichum novae-angliae 'Pink Crush'

Height: 20-24in
Spread: 34-38in
Zone: 3-8
Exposure: Full sun
Bloom Time/Color: August-October; pink
Uses: Massing, specimen, prairies 
Maintenance: Low
Other: Cut flower, native

New England asters are prized for their vivid splash of color in autumn and 'Pink Crush' glows in the perennial border. Masses of pink disk flowers cover plants by late summer and attract butterflies and other pollinators. Flowers sit on top of narrow, hairy dark-green leaves and benefit from being pinched back one or two times during the spring/summer months to promote fall blooms. 'Pink Crush' is more compact and rounded version of its native cousins, does not need staking nor does it get leggy, and grows best in moist, well-drained soils. It is also tolerant of clay soils. Good cut flower.