Common Name: kalimeris
Type: Herbaceous perennial
Family: Asteraceae
Zone: 5 to 9
Height: 1.00 to 1.50 feet
Spread: 1.00 to 1.50 feet
Bloom Time: June to September
Bloom Description: Light blue rays and yellow center
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Water: Medium
Maintenance: Low
Flower: Showy
Tolerate: Drought, Clay Soil
Culture
Easily grown in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Best in full sun. Tolerates both moist and dry conditions. Performs well in hot and humid summers. Foliage may be pinched back in early summer to stimulate new growth. Shear stems after flowering to encourage a possible fall rebloom. Plants may self-seed in optimum growing conditions.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Kalimeris incisa, commonly called kalimeris, is a clump-forming perennial that is native to meadows and open ground in northeast Asia.
Specific epithet means deeply and irregularly cut.
‘Blue Star’ is a clump-forming perennial that is noted for its long summer bloom of daisy-like flowers (1” diameter) featuring light blue rays and yellow centers. The flowers are very similar in appearance to those of aster and boltonia. Plants typically grow to 12-18” tall. Oblong-lanceolate green leaves (to 3-4” long). Synonymous with Boltonia incisa ‘Blue Star’.
Problems
No significant insect or disease problems. Watch for root rot in poorly drained soils.
Uses
Mass or small groups in borders, cottage gardens, rock gardens, open woodland areas or wild areas.