Pink Crush Fall Aster

Aster novae-angliae ‘Pink Crush’ is a compact New England aster with a rounded mound of dark green foliage and rose-pink daisies. It flowers from early to mid-fall and brings late color to sunny borders, containers, and pollinator plantings. ## Cultivar and garden use [Walters Gardens](https://www.waltersgardens.com/variety.php?ID=ASTPC), the breeder, identifies ‘Pink Crush’ as a sturdy, mounding selection with rose-pink flowers and a 20–24-inch height by 34–38-inch spread. The breeder lists USDA zones 3–8, full sun, average water, and use in borders, containers, cut-flower gardens, and mass plantings. Flowers attract butterflies and bees; the cultivar is also listed as salt tolerant. The [U.S. plant patent](https://patents.google.com/patent/USPP33628P2/en) records the cultivar and its botanical designation, *Symphyotrichum novae-angliae*; its patent grant date is November 9, 2021. ## Siting Give this aster sun and fertile, moist but well-drained soil. Good air circulation helps reduce foliar disease pressure. The breeder advises pinching stems during late spring through early July for a denser plant; late pinching can delay flowering. The listed dimensions are mature garden ranges, not the small measurements reported for trial plants in the patent. ## Maintenance Water during establishment and extended dry periods, then keep soil evenly moist without waterlogging. Divide clumps every few years to renew vigor; maintain airflow and avoid late pinching that could postpone fall bloom.