Common Name: kalimeris
Type: Herbaceous perennial
Family: Asteraceae
Zone: 5 to 8
Height: 1.00 to 1.50 feet
Spread: 1.00 to 1.50 feet
Bloom Time: September to October
Bloom Description: Pale lavender rays and yellow center disk
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Water: Medium
Maintenance: Low
Flower: Showy
Leaf: Colorful
Culture
Grow in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. It performs well in evenly moist conditions, but is intolerant of wet soils. Foliage may be pinched back in early summer to stimulate new leaf growth.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Kalimeris yomena, commonly known as kalimeris or Japanese aster, is an herbaceous perennial of the composite/aster family. It typically grows to 2-4’ tall. It is native primarily to moist lowland areas of central and southern Japan and in nearby Eastern Asia. It was first described in 1825 by French botanist Alexandre Henri Gabriel de Cassini (1781-1832). It is noted for producing daisy-like flowers (1” diameter) with lavender rays and yellow centers atop stems clad with lanceolate to oblanceolate green leaves. Flowers bloom August to October. Kalimeris flowers are very similar in appearance to the flowers of Aster and Boltonia.
Botanical experts are currently in some disagreement as to whether this plant should be listed in the genus Kalimeris or the genus Aster.
‘Aurea’ is noted for its variegated, deeply cut, lance-shaped leaves (each to 1 1/2” long) which feature golden yellow margins and irregularly blotched green centers. Leaf margins slowly fade to creamy white as summer progresses. Daisy-like flowers with pale lavender rays and yellow center disks bloom late summer into fall on stems rising to 18” tall.
Problems
No significant insect or disease problems. Watch for root rot in poorly drained soils.
Uses
Mass or small groups in borders or rock gardens. Cottage gardens. Edging. Containers.