Kalimeris 'Blue Star'

Kalimeris 'Blue Star': Little Blue Daisies That Just Keep Going

Light blue daisies with sunny yellow centres, blooming on and on long after the other flowers have called it a night. 'Blue Star' clocks in early, clocks out late and NEVER ASKS FOR A RAISE.

Plant Characteristics:

• Botanical Name: Kalimeris incisa 'Blue Star' (now also listed as Aster incisus)
• Common Name: Japanese Aster
• Height: 30–45 cm (12–18 in)
• Spread: 45–60 cm (18–24 in)
• Flowers: Light blue, single daisies about 2.5 cm (1 in) across with yellow centres
• Bloom Time: Early summer to early fall (June to September)
• Foliage: Deep green, narrow, toothed leaves on a bushy mound
• Features: Very long bloom season, good cut flower

Where to Plant: Put it at the front or middle of a sunny border, where its constant flowers fill the gaps when early bloomers fade. It also works in containers and massed plantings, and the stems are handy for small bouquets.

Companion Plants: Plant 'Blue Star' in a moist bed in sun or part shade with a gold carpet and late blue monkshood. Sagina 'Aurea' carpets the front at 2 to 5 cm with golden moss-like leaves. Heuchera FYRE WING™ 'Rhodonite' adds colourful foliage at 20 cm. Aconitum carmichaelii 'Arendsii' rises behind at 120 to 150 cm with deep violet-blue hoods from August to October. Deschampsia 'Goldschleier' fills in with fine blades and golden flower clouds at 60 to 90 cm.

Plant Care: Plant in full sun to part sun in average, well-drained soil. It tolerates sandy soil and some clay, but it doesn't like sitting wet over winter. Water through the first season, then only during long dry spells. No deadheading is required, though a light trim in midsummer keeps it tidy. Cut it back in late fall or early spring. Divide every few years in spring if the centre thins out.

History: Japanese aster is native to eastern Asia, including Japan, Korea, northern China and southeastern Siberia. It has been called Boltonia incisa, then Kalimeris incisa, and many references now place it in Aster as Aster incisus, though gardeners still mostly know it as Kalimeris.

Final Thoughts: Drought tolerant once established and a butterfly favourite. Plant it in sun and cut a few for the kitchen table. EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH, EVERY MONTH.