FFF223 - CHINESE ASTER

There is only one member of the Callistephus genus, the China Aster (Callistephus chinensis). As the name suggests the plant is a native of China. Plants carry long, toothed ovate leaves of about two to three inches in length (5 to 8 cm) and usually have double, chrysanthemum-like flowers, though some varieties may have only simple ray florets. In many cases the central disc florets are yellow in colour. Outer petals are of many colours; purple, red and pink are very common. The original native species carries single white flowers.

As it is a popular garden plant there are many different varieties available, meaning that the species is available with many different petal colours and sizes; dwarf varieties may be as little as 20 cm; taller varieties may reach 80 cm. Some of the commonly grown varieties of Callistephus chinensis include Lilliput blue moon, Pink tower, Ostrich plume, Blue ribbon, Hulk, Red ribbon and Seastar. As a member of Asteraceae (the daisy family) Callistephus is closely related to species such as Chrysanthemum, Calendula, Tagetes, and Dahlia.

In the garden these plants look great as part of a border; they are also used often as a cut flower in arrangements. These are not the easiest of plants to care for and do best in a sunny spot with some partial shade. China asters don't have a long bloom season, but they bloom at the end of the summer just when most other flowers are fading, and they make nice cut flowers, although they do not rebloom after cutting.  Wilt diseases and aster yellows virus can be common. Seek resistant types and rotate planting location. Aphids, mealybugs, rust, and gray mould may also be problematic. Or you can just buy bunches at your florist shop!

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