Native to North American habitats, New England aster grows wild in wet meadows and prairie swales, in alluvial soils and thickets, in low valley fields, and in the moist ground along meandering streams. But it’s also right at home planted in a native landscape; a rain, backyard, or cottage garden; or even in a patio container. Aster ‘Pink Crush’ is naturally tolerant of pests, diseases, and salt. So it requires less care than many hybrid plants and is quite easy to grow in a wide range of climates, even in the briny breezes along the coasts.

Planted in full summer sun, Aster ‘Pink Crush’, a compact plant, maintains a medium rate of growth and a mounded form, filled with hairy, lanceolate green leaves, and plays a supportive role for flashier summer flora. But, in early autumn, blanketed in fringy, daisy-esque asters of bright fuchsia rays, it is the star. Although Aster ‘Pink Crush’ may be a showstopping end to the season, creating boastful borders and bountiful cut bouquets, it’s also a critical late-season nectar source for butterflies and bees.