Japanese Aster
Kalimeris pinnatifida

Family: Asteraceae or Compositae

What it is like

Bloom Color: White. Main Bloom Time: Early fall, Late summer, Mid summer. Form: Upright or erect.

Kalimeris pinnatifida is a PERENNIAL growing to 1.5 m (5ft) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from August to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 1.5

Where it is found

Hills and low mountains in C. Japan.

E. Asia - China, Japan.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

Leaves and young plants - cooked.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

How it is grown

Landscape Uses:Border, Container, Massing, Specimen. Prefers a moist loamy soil though it succeeds in most soils. Cultivated as a vegetable in Japan.

Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse and only just cover. Keep the compost moist. The seed usually germinates in 2 - 3 weeks at 15°c. Grow on in cool conditions, about 10°c. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division in spring. This should be done at least every 3 years in order to maintain the vigour of the plant.

Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 5-8

Growth: Medium

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Aster cantoniensis. Boltonia cantoniensis. (Blume.)Franch.&Savat.