Japanese aster Interesting Notes

As much as I am wowed by voluptuous blossoms, I like to champion the strong garden performers which have quieter charm. One whose charm seldom disappoints is an Asian Aster relative called Kalimeris incisa 'Blue Star'. This little number grows 15-18" tall and 18-24" wide, and begins its production of 1 1/2" lavender blue daisies in June, carrying on into autumn (I kid you not.) 'Blue Star' forms tidy clumps; it does not run, unlike some of the other Aster relatives that we have tried such as Asteromoea and Aster ageratoides. - Katherine Tracey, Avant Gardens

Here are some differences between Aster, Boltonia and Kalimeris:
Aster: margins not scarious, unequal, overlapping in 2, usually many series, pappus bristles uniform
Boltonia: margins scarious, equal, overlapping in 2, usually many series, pappus bristles non-uniform
Kalimeris: margins scarious, equal, overlapping in 2, usually many series, pappus bristles uniform
- Herbaceous Perennial Plants by Allan Armitage (p.615)

Kalimeris incisa 'Blue Star' Growing and Maintenance Tips

Easy to grow with hardly any maintenance! Prefers well-drained areas in full sun. Very similar to Boltonia and Aster; in fact, it can often be a little difficult to differentiate between them. Propagate by seed or cuttings. Cut back in late fall. Showiest in perennial beds in single or mass plantings.

Good Substitutions

Asteromea mongolica

Kalimeris integrifolia 'Daisy Mae'