China Aster ‘Lady Coral Lavender’

Callistephus chinensis

Features

  • Medium producer

Description

One of the most uniquely colored asters we’ve ever seen, this moody gem reminds us of the Pacific Northwest skies during winter. This smoky-lavender beauty has a muted, metallic quality and its subtle light center offers extra dimension. Each plant is smothered in at least a dozen stems topped with ruffled blooms. Petals are slightly incurved and the flowers hold up very well in both the garden and the vase.

Details

Plant type: annual
Height: 24 to 28 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

Harvest single-stem varieties when flowers are 50 percent open. For spray varieties, harvest when one-quarter of the flowers on a stem have opened. Expect a vase life of 7 to 10 days.

Details

Description

One of the most uniquely colored asters we’ve ever seen, this moody gem reminds us of the Pacific Northwest skies during winter. This smoky-lavender beauty has a muted, metallic quality and its subtle light center offers extra dimension. Each plant is smothered in at least a dozen stems topped with ruffled blooms. Petals are slightly incurved and the flowers hold up very well in both the garden and the vase.

Details

Plant type: annual
Height: 24 to 28 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

Harvest single-stem varieties when flowers are 50 percent open. For spray varieties, harvest when one-quarter of the flowers on a stem have opened. Expect a vase life of 7 to 10 days.

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.