Callistephus commonly known as China aster, Annual aster is an erect, bushy, fast-growing annual from stony slopes, wasteland and cultivated fields in China. The flowers are daisy-like, single, semi double or double up to 3-5 in. across (7-13cm) sometimes with quilled ray florets, mainly in shades of purple, violet blue, but also in crimson, rose-pink, white or occasionally yellow. Leaves are mid-green to 3 in. long (8cm). Flowers from late summer to autumn. In frost free sites they will bloom until midwinter. Low maintenance. Provides long lasting cut flowers.
USES: Ornamental, Containers, Cut Flowers, Bedding, Annual or Informal Borders, Cottage gardens
Botanical Name: Callistephus chinensis ‘Starlight Blue’
Common Name: China Aster, Sommeraster
Type: Annual
Flower Color: Compact, large, feathery, spider like, light to deep purple-blue flowers.
Flowering Time: July to September
Plant Height: 7.8 in. (20cm)
Plant Width: 7.8 in. (20cm)
Light Requirements: Full sun in a sheltered site
Water Requirements: Moist / Water in dry periods
Soil Requirements: Fertile / Neutral to Alkaline. Well drained soil
AHS Heat Zone: 9-1
Sowing Instructions (Cliff Notes Version): Sow seeds at 61°F (16°C) in early spring, or on site in mid spring, in succession for an extended period of bloom. Sow seed for autumn flowering container plants in early summer.
