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Chinese Aster Wikimedia Commons
Asteraceae

Chinese Aster

Callistephus chinensis

Variety and contentment.

Family
Asteraceae
Genus
Callistephus
Native to
China, Korea
Bloom season
Summer, Fall
Type
annual herb
Height
0.5-3 ft
Sunlight
full sun
Soil
fertile, moist, well-drained
Water
moderate
Hardiness
2-11
Lifespan
annual

Did you know

  • Callistephus is a monotypic genus, meaning Chinese aster is the only species in it worldwide.
  • The genus name means 'beautiful crown' in Greek, referring to the double-flowered cultivars' pom-pom shape.
  • Chinese asters were introduced to Europe in 1728 by a Jesuit missionary and became an instant garden sensation.
  • They come in an astonishing range of flower forms: quilled, pompon, spider, ostrich-feather, and powder-puff.
  • In the Victorian language of flowers, asters represented 'I will think of you,' making them a farewell gift.

Color meanings

0

patience

1

elegance

2

afterthought

Uses

  • cut flowers
  • bedding plant
  • container gardening