China Aster ‘Rose of Shanghai Light Blue’
Callistephus chinensis
Description
The tallest China aster we’ve ever grown, these towering, waist-high plants produce a bumper crop of giant, soft lavender-blue flowers with cheerful golden centers. These beautiful and durable blooms hold up wonderfully in both the garden and the vase. Giant, slightly nodding flower heads ride atop long, strong stems, making them an excellent cut flower and a must-grow for late summer and autumn bouquets.
Details
Height: 40 to 48 in
Site: full sun
Days to maturity: 110 to 120 days
Plant spacing: 9 in
Pinch: not necessary
Seed Sowing & Growing Notes
Start seed indoors in trays 6 to 8 weeks before last frost; transplant out after all danger of frost has passed. Don’t bury seeds too deeply; lightly cover with soil or vermiculite.
Harvesting/Vase Life
Details
Description
The tallest China aster we’ve ever grown, these towering, waist-high plants produce a bumper crop of giant, soft lavender-blue flowers with cheerful golden centers. These beautiful and durable blooms hold up wonderfully in both the garden and the vase. Giant, slightly nodding flower heads ride atop long, strong stems, making them an excellent cut flower and a must-grow for late summer and autumn bouquets.
Details
Height: 40 to 48 in
Site: full sun
Days to maturity: 110 to 120 days
Plant spacing: 9 in
Pinch: not necessary
Seed Sowing & Growing Notes
Start seed indoors in trays 6 to 8 weeks before last frost; transplant out after all danger of frost has passed. Don’t bury seeds too deeply; lightly cover with soil or vermiculite.
Harvesting/Vase Life
Sources
How to Grow

Summer Mini Course
Learn how to grow, harvest & arrange beautiful cut flowers
In our three-part video series, you’ll learn a simple step to double the number of blooms your plants produce, how to cut and care for your flowers for the longest vase life, and how to make mixed bouquets quickly and efficiently.