Callistephus chinensis
China aster
Varies in height from 20 to 70cm, and width from 25 to 45cm. Chrysanthemum-like flowers can be single, semi double or double, 7 to 12cm across and held on branching stems over a long period from late summer into autumn. Colours include light and dark purple, light and dark pink, red, yellow and white
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
1 yearUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Pink Purple Red White Yellow | Green | ||
| Autumn | Pink Purple Red White Yellow | Green | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H2Botanical details
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Callistephus are bushy, upright annuals with coarsely toothed ovate leaves and large, solitary, daisy-like flower-heads, often double in cultivars, in late summer and autumn
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- China
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in a sheltered site in fertile, neutral to alkaline, moist but well-drained soil in full sun. Tall cultivars require staking
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown at 16°C in early spring or in situ in mid-spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Patio and container plants
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cut flowers
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Deadhead to prolong flowering
Pests
Diseases
Prone to wilt diseases
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