Callistephus Chinensis Plant Plant Growing & Care Guide for Gardeners

Article by Dean Ravenscroft, Ph.D. - Updated 20th Oct 2023

In this Gardener's HQ guide, we'll explore cultivating Callistephus plants in your garden, indoor spaces, and other settings.

China Aster: Cultivation & Garden Use

Plants from the genus Callistephus are half or full hardy annuals depending on where they are being grown. They are bushy in nature, and range in height from 20 to 80 cm (8 to 32 inches). The common name for this garden plant is the China Aster.

The blooms of Callistephus are similar to those of Chrysanthemums, and they bloom in the summer in almost all colors, their flowers often have a yellow center.

Both Photographs of China Aster (Callistephus chinensis) by Carl E Lewis

In the garden these plants can look great when grown as part of a border. They are also often used as a cut flower in floral arrangements.

Unfortunately, these are not the easiest of plants to care for due to their susceptibility to diseases.

How to Grow Callistephus

If you are planning to grow Callistephus, then the seeds should be lightly covered once sown. Sow in the spring, following the last frost.

If you initially plan to grow China Aster as seedlings indoors, for later transplanting, then they should be germinated at a temperature of 18 to 21°C (64 to 70°F) for two weeks.

Seeds should be sown in peat pots. Use a vermiculite mix and provide water supplied from below.

After about seven or eight weeks, the seedlings can be planted in the garden in an area of partial shade or full sun. Use a spacing of 20 cm (8 inches, dwarf) 40 cm (16 inches, medium) or 60 cm (24 inches) for larger species.

They prefer to grow in a rich soil that has good drainage, and a pH of 6 to 7.

Caring for Callistephus Plants

Callistephus chinensis are not the easiest plants to look after, they should be carefully watered when it is dry. Plants require a couple of feeds when growing.

Additionally, they should be staked, dead headed, and require careful weeding of plants in the area. It is good to rotate Callistephus's location every year.

Further information on caring for Callistephus is given in the 'requirements; section of the quick growing guide above.

Information on Callistephus and Commonly Grown Garden Varieties

There is only one member of the Callistephus genus, the China Aster (Callistephus chinensis). As the name suggests the plant is a native of China.

Plants carry long, toothed ovate leaves of about two to three inches in length (5 to 8 cm). They usually have Chrysanthemum like flowers, though some varieties may have only simple ray florets.

In many cases, the central disc florets are yellow in color. Outer petals are of many colours; purple, red and pink are very common.

The original native species carries single white flowers.

As it is a popular garden plant, there are many different varieties available, meaning that the species is available with many different petal colors and sizes; dwarf varieties may be as little as eight inches (20 cm); taller varieties may reach 32 inches (80 cm).

Some of the commonly grown varieties of Callistephus chinensis include Lilliput blue moon, Pink tower, Ostrich plume, Blue ribbon, Hulk, Red ribbon, and Seastar.

As a member of Asteraceae (Compositae) (the Daisy family), Callistephus is closely related to species such as Chrysanthemum, Calendula, Tagetes, and Dahlia.

Commonly Grown Callistephus Plants

Callistephus chinensis

Callistephus chinensis is the only species in this genus.

Callistephus chinensis (China Aster / Annual aster), photograph by Josep Maria Viñolas Esteva; CC.

Common Callistephus Hybrid Types

Callistephus chinensis - Single

Callistephus chinensis single (Single China Aster), picture by Maja Dumat; CC.

Callistephus chinensis - Red

Callistephus chinensis red (Red China Aster), picture by Tim Green; CC.

Callistephus chinensis - Purple

Callistephus chinensis Purple (Purple China Aster), picture by 阿橋 HQ; CC.

Callistephus chinensis - Pink and Yellow

Callistephus chinensis Pink and Yellow (Pink and Yellow China Aster), picture by Ott Rebane; CC.

Callistephus Growing Guide and Facts

Common Names: China Aster.
Family: Asteraceae.
Life Cycle: Half hardy annual, hardy annual.
Height: 8 to 32 inches (20 to 80 cm).
Native: China.
Growing Region: Zones 1 to 10.
Flowers: Summer.
Flower Details: Rays: purple, red, blue, pink, many other colors. Discs: yellow. Ray and (sometimes) disc florets. Chrysanthemum-like. Fragrant.
Foliage: Ovate. Toothed. Two to three inches.
Sow Outside: Cover seed. Following the last frost. Spacing 6 to 24 inches (15 to 60 cm).
Sow Inside: Water from below. Use vermiculite. Use Peat pots. Germination time: one to two weeks. Temperature 65 to 70°F (18 to 21°C). Seven or eight weeks in advance. Transplant outdoors following the last frost.
Requirements: Full sunlight or light shade. Good drainage. Soil pH 5.5 to 7. Rich soil. Regular light watering. Feed with fertilizer two times during the growing season.
May need support. Summer mulch. Deadhead. Weed around plants to prevent competition. Grow in a different location every year.
Do not overcrowd. Do not grow close to a surface that reflects heat. Grow in an area that has adequate ventilation.
It is important to remove plants that have any sign of disease, as they pass infections easily to other Callistephus.

Common Questions

How many members does the Callistephus genus have?

The Callistephus genus is monotypic, with only one species, Callistephus chinensis.

Do members of Callistephus make a good garden or landscaping plant?

Yes, Callistephus chinensis (Chinese Aster) is a popular ornamental plant known for its beautiful, aster-like flowers.

Which Callistephus species are most frequently grown by gardeners?

The most commonly grown species is the only one, Callistephus chinensis (Chinese Aster).

Are members of the Callistephus plant genus fragrant?

No, Callistephus flowers are not typically fragrant, but they are known for their vibrant, attractive flowers.

What is the perfect location to grow Callistephus?

Callistephus thrives in a sunny location with well-drained soil. It's a great choice for borders and containers.

Is Callistephus invasive in the USA?

Presently, Callistephus is not considered invasive in the USA.

How do I remove Callistephus plants from my garden?

Remove Callistephus plants by pulling them up, ensuring all roots are removed to prevent regrowth.

Summary

The Callistephus genus, belonging to the Asteraceae family, originates from East Asia. The most famous species is Callistephus chinensis, or the China aster, known for its daisy-like flowers that bloom in a spectrum of colors from summer to frost.

To grow Callistephus, plant them in a sunny location with well-drained soil. They can be sown directly into the garden in late spring or started indoors earlier in the season. Regular watering is necessary, but avoid waterlogging. Given their preference for cool summers, they might require some shade in warmer climates.

I hope that you enjoyed this guide on how to grow Callistephus plants. You may also enjoy the following Gardener's HQ Asteraceae growing guides: How to grow Cosmea, Stokesia, Aster plants.