Asters
Guide to Growing China Aster Plants from the genus Callistephus are half or full hardy annuals. They are bushy in nature and range in height from 20 to 80 cm. The blooms of Callistephus are similar to those of chrysanthemum. They flower in the summer in almost all colours, they often have a yellow centre. The common name for this garden plant is the China Aster. 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. Information on Callistephus and Commonly Grown Garden Varieties 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 chrysanthemum like flowers, though some varieties may have only simple ray florets. In many cases the central disc florets are yel...