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China Aster Wikimedia Commons
Asteraceae

China Aster

Callistephus chinensis

Patience and elegance.

Family
Asteraceae
Genus
Callistephus
Native to
China, Korea
Bloom season
Summer, Fall
Type
annual
Height
1-3 ft
Sunlight
full sun
Soil
well-drained, fertile
Water
moderate
Hardiness
2-11
Lifespan
annual

Did you know

  • China aster is the only species in its genus, making it monotypic and botanically unique.
  • The genus name Callistephus means 'beautiful crown' in Greek, referring to the ring of ray florets.
  • China asters were introduced to Europe in 1728 and quickly became one of the most popular garden annuals.
  • They are susceptible to aster yellows disease, spread by leafhoppers, which causes flowers to turn green.
  • In the Victorian language of flowers, asters represented daintiness and were a symbol of love and patience.

Color meanings

0

patience

1

elegance

2

variety

Uses

  • cut flower
  • bedding plant
  • container gardening