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Annual Aster Callistephus chinensis

Other Common Name(s):

Phonetic Spelling
kal-LISS-steff-us chai-NEN-sis
Description

Callistephus chinensis, or China aster, is a cool weather annual with many cultivars and colors to choose from. The plant grows easily in rich, moist, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. If grown from seed, you should plant in pots indoors about 6 to 8 weeks before the last spring frost date. You can set the seedlings or purchased plants outside after the last frost date. Alternatively, you can sow seed directly in the garden after last frost date and at two week intervals thereafter to ensure constant blooms. Keep the soil moist, provide good air circulation around the plants, and, in some case, provide support for tall plants. 

China aster displays showy, 3-5-inch diameter blooms from early summer to fall. A large number of cultivars are available that range in height from 8 to 36 inches and whose flower appearance ranges from single daisy-like flower heads with yellow centers to fully double flower heads with shaggy to pompom form. Colors include shades of white to pink, red, blue, violet, purple and yellow. In addition to the plants colorful appearance, it will also attract bees and other pollinators.

Diseases, Insects, and Other Plant Problems:

China aster can be prone to aphids and spider mites, leafhoppers, wilt, or stem rot. To prevent diseases (that may winter over in the soil), place plants in different locations each year. If your plants do contract a disease, it is best to dig them up and destroy them. Do not allow them to remain in the soil or near other plants.

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
  • 'Gala Lavender'
  • 'Gala Yellow'
  • 'Starlight Rose'
'Gala Lavender', 'Gala Yellow', 'Starlight Rose'
Tags:
#full sun tolerant#drought tolerant#lavender#white flowers#pink flowers#summer flowers#annual flowers#partial shade tolerant#non-toxic for horses#non-toxic for dogs#non-toxic for cats
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
  • 'Gala Lavender'
  • 'Gala Yellow'
  • 'Starlight Rose'
'Gala Lavender', 'Gala Yellow', 'Starlight Rose'
Tags:
#full sun tolerant#drought tolerant#lavender#white flowers#pink flowers#summer flowers#annual flowers#partial shade tolerant#non-toxic for horses#non-toxic for dogs#non-toxic for cats
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Callistephus
    Species:
    chinensis
    Family:
    Asteraceae
    Life Cycle:
    Annual
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    China and Southern Russia
    Wildlife Value:
    nectar attracts bees, especially long-tongued bees.
    Particularly Resistant To (Insects/Diseases/Other Problems):
    drought
    Dimensions:
    Height: 2 ft. 0 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 1 ft. 0 in. - 1 ft. 6 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Annual
    Habit/Form:
    Erect
    Maintenance:
    Low
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    High Organic Matter
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Moist
    Available Space To Plant:
    Less than 12 inches
    NC Region:
    Coastal
    Mountains
    Piedmont
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Description:
    The fruit is a rough-textured, glandular, purple-mottled cypsela that turns gray with age.
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Blue
    Gold/Yellow
    Pink
    Purple/Lavender
    Red/Burgundy
    White
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Head
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Good Cut
    Showy
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Fall
    Summer
    Flower Size:
    3-6 inches
    Flower Description:
    Many colors available with various cultivars.
  • Leaves:
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Alternate
    Leaf Shape:
    Ovate
    Leaf Margin:
    Dentate
    Serrate
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Description:
    Ovate, toothed, medium green leaves. The basal leaves usually fall away before flowering.
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Description:
    one erect, mostly unbranched stem growing 7 to 40 inches tall.
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Container
    Hanging Baskets
    Landscape Theme:
    Cottage Garden
    Cutting Garden
    Design Feature:
    Border
    Attracts:
    Bees