Species aster
delicate purple daisy-like flower with a yellow center and bee sitting on it

aster

Kalimeris mongolica

Aster (Kalimeris mongolica) is a plant species belonging to the Compositae family of flowering plants. It is native to woodlands and grasslands of eastern Asia. The plant typically grows to 1-1.4m and is upright and clumping. It produces small daisy-like composite flowers that come in various shades of pink, purple, and white. The blooms appear in late summer and last up to late autumn. Deadly to the touch, the stems contain poisonous sap. It also has gray and hairy foliage and can make for a nice addition to any garden. Hardy and easy to maintain, the Aster is an excellent choice for new gardeners.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Division,Cutting,Seed Propagation,Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

6 - 8

Flowers:

White tinged with purple rays and yellow stamens Flowers

Sun:

Full sun,part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Aster (Kalimeris mongolica) should be watered once a week, using enough water to dampen the soil but not soak it. During hotter periods, your aster may require watering more than once a week. Always water in the morning or evening and avoid watering during the heat of the day. When watering, avoid the foliage and splash water away from the leaves as they may become damaged from excess water. To check if your aster needs water, insert your finger into the top 2 inches of soil and feel for moisture. If the soil is dry, your aster needs to be watered.

sunlight

Aster (Kalimeris mongolica) is an attractive plant species that grows best with full sun exposure. It performs best when it receives 6 or more hours of direct sunlight each day, typically from late morning to mid-afternoon. If the plants are not receiving enough sunlight, they may experience reduced flowering or other issues. Proper sunlight is essential for aster to thrive, so it’s best to provide it with as much direct sunlight as possible.

pruning

For aster (Kalimeris mongolica), pruning should be done periodically throughout the growing season. Pruning should be done once or twice a month starting in early summer until the plant begins to flower. When pruning, aim to remove no more than 1-third of the total foliage at 1 time. This will ensure the plant continues to stay healthy and vibrant. Be sure to prune away any dead, diseased or damaged foliage. Be careful not to over-prune, as this will result in a thinner and weaker plant that may not flower as readily. Lastly, pruning tools should be sterilized between uses to help prevent the spread of disease and infestation.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Kalimeris mongolica typically starts flowering in June.

Hardiness Map

FAQ

Is gerbera a member of the Asteraceae family?

Yes, gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii) is a member of the Asteraceae family, commonly known as the daisy, sunflower, or composite family. Gerbera is a genus of about 30 species of flowering plants native to tropical regions of South America, Africa, and Asia. They are grown as ornamental garden and indoor plants, earning them the popular nickname "Gerber Daisy." They usually have a long flowering season and can come in a variety of colors, making them a popular choice for bouquets and floral arrangements.

Do aster flowers attract butterflies and bees?

Yes, aster flowers definitely attract butterflies and bees. Asters are bright, bold garden favorites due to their delicate blossoms, which often feature curved petals that fan out like a star. Their colors range from violet and purple to pink, white, and blue, so they offer a wide range of colors that attract butterflies and bees. Additionally, aster flowers are usually clustered close together, which providesa perfect landing spot for both butterflies and bees.

Is aster flower a good option for landscape design?

Aster flowers are an excellent option for landscape design because of their bright color, attractive shape, and ease of maintenance. Asters have deep colorings that range from purple, to white, to pink, with some varieties having variegated petals. They also come in multiple heights and widths, which makes it easy to fit them into your landscape plan. Finally, asters are quite low-maintenance, only requiring occasional trimming and occasional fertilizing for optimal growth.

Should aster flowers be grown in pots or in the ground?

Aster flowers can be grown both in pots and in the ground depending on the needs of the gardener. When grown in the ground, asters provide homeowners with a stunning border for flower beds or a vibrant addition to any garden. For those who prefer to have plants that move with them, or have limited outside space, asters can be grown in pots. Asters do need well-draining soil and adequate sunlight when planted outdoors, and a larger pot size will be needed to accommodate their deep roots. Whichever method you choose, make sure that your potted or in-ground asters receive the proper care and maintenance to keep them blooming brightly.

Is the aster flower a perennial or an annual plant?

The aster flower is a perennial plant, meaning that it will regrow each year for multiple years. Asters bloom in late summer and fall and can range in color from white and pale pink to deep purple. They are popular flowers for outdoor and indoor gardens, and since they are fairly hardy, they can thrive in a range of soils and temperatures.

Do aster flowers have a strong scent?

Aster flowers typically have a mild scent, though some varieties, such as the purple aster, may have a slightly stronger one. Astilbes, which are closely related to asters, are known to have a more "fragrant" smell. But overall, asters typically do not have an overpowering fragrance.

Should aster flowers be planted in the fall or spring?

Aster flowers should be planted in the fall. By planting asters in the fall, their roots will have time to become established during the colder winter months. This gives the flowers a head start when the warmer spring weather arrives. The blooms will then flower for several weeks. If asters are planted in the spring, they may not have enough time to become firmly established, compromising the flower's longevity and bloom size.

Could aster flowers grow in a rock garden?

Aster flowers can absolutely be grown in a rock garden. They are versatile and are able to adapt to many different growing conditions. The plants thrive in well-drained soil and appreciate the heat reflected off of rocks and stones. A moderate supply of water is required, so regular watering will be necessary. Rock gardens are becoming increasingly popular, and aster flowers are an ideal choice for this type of garden because of their bright colors and long lasting blooms.