Flower Guide for Callistephus

Callistephus is a popular choice in Japan.  It is an old-fashioned cottage garden flower with strong autumnal associations. It adds great visual interest and colour to both fresh or dried arrangements and compliments almost all colour palettes.

The flower is a busy, daisy-like flower head available in both single and double forms.

Popular for cottage garden styled weddings, gift bouquets and sympathy tributes.

 

 

Common Name: Callistephus, China Aster, Matsumoto Aster, Rainbow Aster, Florist Aster

Botanical Name: Callistephus (ka-LIS-te-fus)

Botanical Facts: From the Greek word Callistephus, meaning beautiful crown. This is a very popular flower in Japan and was first brought to Europe in 1790's.

Family: Asteraceae

Description: Bushy, daisy like flower with short/ medium stem length

Form: Round

Types of Callistephus

There are different types of callistephus available on the flower markets. Varieties can vary in colour and head size. Available in both single and double forms.

Colours: Purple, Pink, White, Lilac, Yellow, Red

Caring for Callistephus

For purchasing, buy when the blooms are three quarters open.

For conditioning, remove all the foliage from below the water line, cut at an angle with a sharp knife or scissors and hydrate in water with flower food for a couple of hours or overnight.

They are very susceptible to bacterial contamination in the vase or storage water. It is very important to keep the leaves out of the water and to practice good sanitation. For vase water use a solution of water and commercial floral preservative / floral food. Change the water and clean the vase every 2-3 days.

Handle with care as the flowers can be top heavy and break easily.

Vase Life: 7 to 10 days

Stem Type: Hollow

Storage: 2 to 10 degrees

Seasonal Availability

Availability: April to September

Substitution: Germini, Leucanthemum, Tanacetum, Anemone