China Aster (Callistephus chinensis)

Don’t confuse these with cottage garden Asters (Symphyotrichum), which are herbaceous perennials and can be invasive.
This showstopper is from Northern China. it blooms right at the end of the season, just as everything else is starting to fade and look a little tired.

China asters come in a multitude of dazzling colours. I have selected my favourites for the spring grow-a-long shop.

China asters can suffer from botrytis if allowed to get too cold and wet. Tender plants, you must protect at all costs from frost. don’t start them off too early.

Another reason to delay starting China asters is they are light sensitive. for best results wait until daylight levels have returned to around 14 hours – mid April for me.