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Peking Aster Aster pekinensis

Other Common Name(s):

Previously known as:

  • Kalimeris integrifolia
Phonetic Spelling
ASS-ter pee-keen-EN-sis
Description

Peking aster is a showy herbaceous perennial in the daisy family (Asteraceae) native to China, Mongolia, Manchuria and Korea.

The plant grows 1 to 2 feet tall and spreads 3 feet. It does well in average, moist, well-drained soil in full sun. It can be propagated by seeds or division.

The lavender-white flowers appear throughout the summer for a long season of color. The ray petals surround the center yellow disc flowers. Leaves are narrow and gray-green.

Use this plant in small groupings, along walkways or in borders. Cut back in the fall or leave the seeds for the birds.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No significant problems

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
  • 'Daisy Mae'
    Single white flowers
'Daisy Mae'
Tags:
#heat tolerant#drought tolerant#lavender#white flowers#nectar plant#low maintenance#mass planting#deer resistant#lavender flowers#border planting#cutting garden#pollinator plant#humidity tolerant#small group plantings#compact habit#bird friendly#butterfly friendly#bee friendly#wildlife friendly
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
  • 'Daisy Mae'
    Single white flowers
'Daisy Mae'
Tags:
#heat tolerant#drought tolerant#lavender#white flowers#nectar plant#low maintenance#mass planting#deer resistant#lavender flowers#border planting#cutting garden#pollinator plant#humidity tolerant#small group plantings#compact habit#bird friendly#butterfly friendly#bee friendly#wildlife friendly
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Aster
    Species:
    pekinensis
    Family:
    Asteraceae
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Division
    Seed
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    SE. Siberia to N. Korea
    Wildlife Value:
    Flowers are attractive to bees and butterflies. Birds feast on the seeds.
    Dimensions:
    Height: 1 ft. 6 in. - 2 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 2 ft. 0 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Herbaceous Perennial
    Wildflower
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Habit/Form:
    Mounding
    Growth Rate:
    Rapid
    Maintenance:
    Low
    Texture:
    Fine
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Soil Texture:
    Clay
    High Organic Matter
    Loam (Silt)
    Sand
    Soil pH:
    Acid (<6.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Available Space To Plant:
    12 inches-3 feet
    NC Region:
    Coastal
    Mountains
    Piedmont
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Color:
    Brown/Copper
    Fruit Type:
    Achene
    Fruit Description:
    Brown achene obovoid, with 2-4 ribs
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Purple/Lavender
    White
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Good Cut
    Long Bloom Season
    Showy
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Summer
    Flower Shape:
    Radial
    Saucer
    Flower Petals:
    7 - 20 petals/rays
    Flower Description:
    White to lavender daisy-like flowers with 19-29 ray florets and yellow disk floret centers appear throughout the summer.
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Leaf Color:
    Gray/Silver
    Green
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Opposite
    Leaf Shape:
    Lanceolate
    Oblanceolate
    Oblong
    Leaf Margin:
    Entire
    Hairs Present:
    Yes
    Leaf Length:
    1-3 inches
    Leaf Width:
    < 1 inch
    Leaf Description:
    The gray-green lance-shaped leaves have smooth margins with a prominent midvein and rounded or pointed apex.
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Description:
    Erect, solitary or branching from the middle.
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Small Space
    Walkways
    Landscape Theme:
    Butterfly Garden
    Cutting Garden
    Pollinator Garden
    Design Feature:
    Border
    Mass Planting
    Small groups
    Attracts:
    Bees
    Butterflies
    Songbirds
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Deer
    Drought
    Heat
    Humidity