China aster Callistephus chinensis
China aster (Callistephus chinensis) is an annual flowering plant in the Asteraceae family, native to China and Korea. It grows 30–80 cm (12–31 in) tall and 25–40 cm (10–16 in) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -2 °C (28 °F). Space plants about 30 cm (12 in) apart.
Plan China aster in your garden →
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China aster at a glance
| Type | Annual flowering plant |
|---|---|
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Mature height | 30–80 cm (12–31 in) |
| Mature spread | 25–40 cm (10–16 in) |
| Spacing | 30 cm (12 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -2 °C (28 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 9) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 30 °C (86 °F) |
| Flowering | about 13–17 weeks after planting, for 5–9 weeks |
| Days to maturity | About 110 days from planting |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | China and Korea |
| Common in gardens of | 🇨🇳 China, 🇷🇺 Russia, 🇯🇵 Japan |
Is China aster toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not well documented
- Dogs: not well documented
No toxicity reported for people; pet effects are not clearly documented for this species.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with China aster
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Shared pests and diseases
- Verticillium wilt: Verticillium lives in soil for years; hosts planted together or in sequence build it up. Evidence B
Questions about China aster
- How far apart should I plant China aster?
- About 30 cm (12 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 25–40 cm (10–16 in).
- Does China aster need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does China aster need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is China aster?
- It tolerates about -2 °C (28 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 9. As an annual it is usually planted out after the last frost.
- When does China aster flower?
- About 13–17 weeks after planting, for 5–9 weeks.
- Is China aster poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not well documented; for dogs not well documented; for people not known to be toxic. No toxicity reported for people; pet effects are not clearly documented for this species.
- What grows well with China aster?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for China aster. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade C (C: plausible, mixed evidence).
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- University extension gardening guides (general), Various land-grant university extensions
Notes and assumptions
- Typical garden-form values; cultivars and local conditions differ.
- Prone to fusarium and verticillium wilt and aster yellows; rotate beds every 3-4 years. Long days speed flowering.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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