Aster 'Grape Crush'

Aster novae-angliae 'Grape Crush': Velvet Violets for Autumn Glow

Richly saturated and beautifully upright, Aster 'Grape Crush' makes a bold statement in the late-season garden with domed clusters of deep purple-violet blooms. Each flower is daisy-shaped with a golden centre, densely packed along sturdy, compact stems that resist flopping even in wind and rain. Blooming from late summer into mid-fall, this newer New England aster selection offers vibrant colour, strong form, and excellent pollinator value just as many perennials begin to fade.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 60–75 cm
• Spread: 50–60 cm, forming a dense, upright clump
• Flower Colour: Deep purple-violet with golden centres
• Flowering Period: Late summer to mid-fall
• Foliage: Dark green, lance-shaped leaves; clean and mildew-resistant
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun
• Soil Requirements: Average to rich, well-drained soil; tolerates clay

Uses and Benefits: Aster 'Grape Crush' is ideal for adding saturated late-season colour to sunny borders, prairie gardens, and pollinator plantings. Its compact, self-supporting habit eliminates the need for staking, while its rich purple flowers provide nectar for bees, butterflies, and migrating insects. Long-blooming and low-maintenance, it offers excellent structure and seasonal contrast when paired with ornamental grasses and warm-toned companions.

Companion Plants: Blend with the golden tufts of Solidago 'Golden Baby', the upright, architectural blades of Panicum 'Northwind', and the clean white blooms of Echinacea 'Kismet White' for a luminous late-summer display full of energy, balance, and pollinator activity.

Care Instructions: Grow in full sun with well-drained soil. Water regularly during the first growing season; drought-tolerant once established. Pinch in early summer to encourage bushiness or allow to grow naturally for a taller display. Cut back in late fall or leave for winter structure and wildlife interest. Divide every few years in spring to maintain vigour.

History: A modern compact selection of New England aster bred for improved colour intensity, mildew resistance, and strong upright habit, 'Grape Crush' extends the aster season with both refinement and impact. Its name reflects the deep, juicy tones that define its fall presence.

Final Thoughts: Saturated, sculptural, and pollinator-friendly, Aster 'Grape Crush' is an autumn essential—bringing rich colour and lasting form just when the garden needs one last brilliant push.