Kalimeris spp.

Japanese aster

Attracts Pollinators Attracts Butterflies Deer Resistant Drought Tolerant Container Friendly

SunFull Sun – Part Shade

HardinessZones 4–9

Overview

Kalimeris is a genus of about 10 herbaceous perennials in the daisy family (Asteraceae), native to eastern Asia. The plants form upright, bushy clumps 1-3 feet (30-90 cm) tall and 1-2 feet (30-60 cm) wide, with slender, branching stems and small, narrow to lobed leaves. From early summer into autumn they carry many small daisy flowers about 0.75-1.5 inches (2-4 cm) across, each with white to pale lavender or blue ray petals around a yellow center; the double form K. pinnatifida 'Hortensis' bears fuller white flowers. The bloom continues over a long season with little deadheading. In the wild the genus grows in grassland, open woodland, and along stream margins, and most species tolerate a range of soils and some drought once established. Plants spread slowly by rhizomes to form colonies without becoming invasive. The genus needs full sun to part shade and average, well-drained soil; growth becomes loose and shy-flowering in deep shade. The small flowers and airy habit suit massed and naturalistic plantings.

Native Range

Kalimeris spp. is native to eastern Asia, including China, Japan, Korea, and eastern Russia. Plants grow in grassland, open woodland, forest margins, and along streams.

Suggested Uses

Kalimeris spp. is grown in borders, cottage and wildlife gardens, and massed or naturalistic plantings, where the small daisies draw bees and butterflies over a long season. Its tidy clumps suit the middle of a border and combine with grasses and other perennials.

How to Identify

Look for an upright, bushy clump of slender branching stems carrying small, narrow or shallowly lobed leaves. From summer into autumn it bears many small daisy flowers with white to pale lavender rays and yellow centers. The long bloom season, small flower size, and slow rhizomatous spread separate Kalimeris spp. from larger asters.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1' - 3'

Width/Spread1' - 2'

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~16 weeks

Summer Fall

Kalimeris spp. flowers from early summer into autumn, often June through October, a span of up to 16 weeks. The small white to lavender daisies open continuously with little or no deadheading. Flowering is heaviest in full sun and tapers in shade.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

white to pale lavender with yellow center

Foliage Description

green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun SunPartial Shade

Requires 5-10 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.5(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam clay sand

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

2-3 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Grow Kalimeris spp. in full sun to part shade on average, well-drained soil; it adapts to clay or sandy ground and tolerates heat, humidity, and short dry spells once established. Water during extended drought to keep flowering steady. The clumps stay tidy and rarely need staking, though plants in rich soil or shade grow looser. Cut stems to the ground in late autumn or early spring. Divide clumps every few years in spring to maintain vigor. The genus is hardy to about USDA zone 4 and needs no winter protection.

Pruning

Kalimeris spp. needs little pruning. Cut the stems back in late autumn or early spring, and shear lightly in early summer for a more compact habit if wanted. Deadheading is not required for continued bloom.

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 2 gallons

✓ Toxicity

Non-toxic

Perennial