Flower Library
China Aster
Callistephus · Asteraceae
The China aster is the annual show aster of late summer — not to be confused with the perennial asters that simply trade as asters. Callistephus offers large, double blooms in colours ranging from pure white to deep blue-violet and was once a fixture of every farmers market. In season we bring it in fresh from the Veiling Rhein-Maas, preferably from German field growers.
- Season
- July – August – September – October
- Vase life
- 6–12 days
- Latin name
- Callistephus
- Colors
- White, Pink, Carmine red, Violet, Blue-violet, Apricot
Botanically the China aster is a genus of its own with a single species, Callistephus chinensis, from which breeders have coaxed an enormous range of forms: densely double princess and peony types, tousled needle-petalled ray asters and single varieties with a yellow centre. In the cut flower trade the double series such as „Matsumoto“ and „Gala“ with firm stems dominate.
For us florists it is a classic focal flower of late summer bouquets. Its bloom size sits between a zinnia and a small dahlia, and it brings exactly the rich, slightly nostalgic colours in demand from August onwards. With dahlias, zinnias and grasses it makes the archetypal cottage garden bouquet.
One thing you need to know: China asters are sensitive to dirty vase water. Their soft stems rot faster than those of many other summer flowers, and the leaves wilt before the blooms. Thorough defoliating and frequent water changes are not optional extras here but essentials.
When buying we look for blooms that are about two-thirds open — fully closed buds often never open completely in the vase, while wide-open stock has its best days behind it. Rich green, firm foliage is the second sign of freshness.
Historically the China aster was one of the most important German cut flowers of all; entire growing regions lived off it. Today it has become rarer and therefore special again — give a bouquet of true China asters in September and you will often strike a chord with older customers.
Is China Aster toxic to children and pets?
- Children
- Non-toxic
- Cats
- Non-toxic
- Dogs
- Non-toxic
The China aster is considered non-toxic to cats, dogs and children. As with most plants, eating larger amounts can upset the stomach, but no serious poisonings are known.
Overview: toxic & non-toxic plants for cats, dogs and children
Care
- 01Cut the stems at an angle with a sharp knife rather than crushing them.
- 02Remove every leaf that would sit in the water — the foliage rots quickly.
- 03Use only a little water in the vase and change it every other day.
- 04Recut the stems at each water change and rinse out the vase.
- 05Keep cool and avoid direct sun and the vicinity of ripe fruit.
- 06Snip out individual spent heads so the secondary blooms follow on.
Frequently asked
- What is the difference between China asters and ordinary asters?
- China asters (Callistephus) are annuals with large, often double individual blooms and are only in season in late summer. The perennial asters traded simply as asters carry many small blooms on branching stems and are available as cut flowers almost year-round. Botanically they are two different genera.
- How long do China asters last in the vase?
- With clean water and the foliage removed, China asters last around six to twelve days. Neglect the water changes and they collapse much sooner, because the soft stems rot quickly.
- Are China asters toxic to cats or dogs?
- No, China asters are considered non-toxic to cats, dogs and children, making them a good choice for households with pets. As with all cut flowers, deliberate nibbling is still best discouraged.
- When can you get China asters from the florist?
- The season runs from July into October, peaking in August and September. Because the China aster comes almost exclusively from field production, it is practically unavailable outside those months — which makes it a true seasonal flower.