Family: Asteraceae
Common Name: China Aster

Native to China, this genus comprises only one species which was introduced into European gardens by Jesuit missionaries during the 18th century. It is a flower that has been cultivated by the Chinese for 2000 years. Many hybrids have since been developed and they come in a range of sizes and colours, including almost every shade of blue and red, and white, and in single, semi-double or double forms. Some have also been bred for wilt resistance and early blooming. The China aster is now a garden favourite and an excellent cut flower.

Species

The cultivars are derived from Callistephus chinensis, the only species, and there are many of them. They are all bushy annuals which flower in summer and autumn. The flowers may be single, like daisies, or fully double, some resembling chrysanthemums. Some cultivars have attractive quilled petals. There are both dwarf and tall cultivars and they come in shades of red, pink, purple, blue and white. The tall kinds make excellent cut flowers. There are cultivars available which are resistant to the disease aster wilt. A good seed catalogue will list a large selection of China asters.

Cultivation

Propagate from seed sown in early spring under glass or in late spring where the plants are to flower. Plant out when frosts are over, 15-45 cm (6-18 in) apart, according to the expected size of the mature plant. To encourage the development of beautiful flowers, protect from strong wind and too much direct sun until established, keep moist but not wet and feed with weak liquid manure when the buds appear.

Climate

Zone 10, but Callistephus can be grown as a summer annual in cooler climates.