Japanese Aster Kalimeris incisa 'Alba'
ABOUT
Kalimeris incisa 'Alba', commonly known as the Japanese aster, is a perennial plant that is noted for its striking appearance. It features daisy-like flowers with pure white petals surrounding a yellow center, which are carried on upright stems. The blooms have a charming, simple form and provide a crisp, clean contrast to the dark green foliage. The leaves are narrow, with a slightly serrated edge, giving them a delicate, feathery texture. This plant typically blooms in late summer to fall, presenting a fresh display of color when many other plants are fading. The Japanese aster's bushy and mounded habit creates a full and lush presence in the garden, making it a lovely choice for borders or as a feature in a mixed bed. It's noteworthy for its ability to withstand various conditions and still maintain its lovely blooms and attractive green foliage.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Japanese Aster, Cutleaf Daisy
Common names
Aster incisus, Asteromoea mongolica, Boltonia incisa, Kalimeris mongolica.
ToxicityTo humans
The Japanese aster is not known to be toxic to humans. There are no significant reports or documented cases of poisoning from ingesting the Japanese aster. As with any plant, individual allergies or sensitivities may exist, so it's always prudent to approach unknown plants with caution, particularly when it comes to ingestion. While the Japanese aster is considered non-toxic, if ingestion does lead to unusual symptoms, medical advice should be sought.
To pets
The Japanese aster is also not known to be toxic to pets. It is not listed as a poisonous plant for animals such as dogs and cats. However, as pets can have individual sensitivities to plants, ingestion should still be discouraged. Observing your pet and consulting with a veterinarian is advisable if any adverse reactions or symptoms appear after ingestion, such as gastrointestinal upset, but such symptoms are not commonly associated with this plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-1.5 feet (30-45 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: The Japanese aster features attractive daisy-like white flowers that can enhance the aesthetic appeal of gardens and landscapes.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it is relatively drought-tolerant, making it suitable for xeriscaping or environments with low water availability.
- Long Blooming Period: It has a lengthy flowering season from mid-summer to fall, providing a long-lasting display of blossoms.
- Attracts Pollinators: The blooms attract beneficial pollinators like bees and butterflies, which are important for the health of the garden ecosystem.
- Low Maintenance: It's known for being easy to care for, requiring minimal maintenance once established in the appropriate conditions.
- Cold Hardy: It can survive in colder climates, making it a versatile choice for gardens in various USDA hardiness zones.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Kalimeris incisa 'Alba', commonly known as the Japanese aster, can be used in floral arrangements due to its delicate white flowers.
- In garden design, it acts as an excellent contrasting plant among bold foliage perennials, providing a fine texture to the landscape.
- This plant serves as a food source for butterflies, adding to the biodiversity and health of garden ecosystems.
- Japanese aster can be used in cut flower farms, with its blooms holding well when cut and used in bouquets.
- It can be planted in containers and displayed on patios or balconies for urban dwellers lacking garden space.
- For educational purposes, the Japanese aster can be used to teach about plant growth habits, as it is a good example of a clump-forming perennial.
- The plant's natural resilience to pests makes it a low-maintenance option for green roofs and sustainable landscaping projects.
- Dried stems of Japanese aster can be incorporated into crafts such as wreaths or dried flower arrangements.
- As a living mulch, it can effectively suppress weeds when planted densely within a garden bed.
- In theme gardens, such as moon gardens focusing on white and silver plants, the 'Alba' variety fits perfectly due to its white blooms that reflect moonlight.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Japanese aster is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Japanese aster is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience: Kalimeris incisa 'Alba', commonly known as the Japanese Aster, often symbolizes resilience due to its ability to withstand various growing conditions and bloom persistently.
- Simplicity: With its delicate, daisy-like white flowers, the Japanese Aster evokes a sense of simplicity and purity in its appearance, representing straightforward beauty without any pretense.
- Persistence: The perennial nature of this plant, returning year after year, is emblematic of persistence and the ability to thrive despite challenges.
- Harmony: The balanced, orderly flower structure of the Japanese Aster may represent harmony, suggesting an equilibrium in life or relationships.
- Peace: White flowers are traditionally associated with peace and tranquility, and the Japanese Aster is no exception. It may be used to convey a wish for peace or to celebrate a peaceful moment.
WaterThe Japanese Aster, commonly known as Kalimeris incisa 'Alba', should be watered regularly to maintain a consistently moist soil environment, especially during its growing season in the spring and summer. Generally, watering approximately once a week with one to one and a half gallons of water is recommended, but this can vary based on climate and soil conditions. It's important to reduce watering frequency during the fall and winter months when the plant is not actively growing. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so ensure good drainage and allow the top inch of soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
LightThe Japanese Aster thrives best in full sun to partial shade. It benefits from receiving at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day, making an east-facing or south-facing location ideal. However, in regions with very intense sun, some afternoon shade can be beneficial to prevent scorching the leaves.
TemperatureThe Japanese Aster prefers temperate conditions and can generally tolerate temperatures between 50°F and 85°F. It can survive short periods of colder weather down to about 20°F but is not frost-tolerant. The ideal temperature range for thriving growth is between 60°F and 75°F, making it suitable for outdoor cultivation in USDA zones 5-9.
PruningPruning the Japanese Aster is crucial to promote bushier growth and more vigorous flowering. Cut back the stems by one-third in early summer to encourage branching, and deadhead spent flowers regularly to stimulate new blooms. The best time to perform a more substantial prune is in late winter or early spring, just before new growth begins.
CleaningAs needed
SoilJapanese Aster 'Alba' thrives in well-drained soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH, around 5.8 to 6.8. The best soil mix can be made by combining garden soil, compost, peat moss, and perlite in equal parts for optimal drainage and fertility.
RepottingJapanese Aster 'Alba' typically needs repotting every two to three years or when it outgrows its current container. Ensure that the new pot is only slightly larger than the old one.
Humidity & MistingJapanese Aster 'Alba' is quite adaptable and does well in average humidity conditions. It does not require any special humidity requirements to thrive.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place near a window; water when soil feels dry.
Outdoor
Full sunlight, well-drained soil, mulch base in winter.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA.
Life cycleKalimeris incisa 'Alba', commonly known as the Japanese Aster, begins its life cycle when a seed germinates, typically in early spring, in well-drained soil under full sun to partial shade conditions. The seedling develops into a rosette of leaves at the soil surface, establishing itself with a small root system. As it matures, the plant sends up stems and forms a clumping habit with narrow, serrated leaves, and by mid-to-late summer, it starts to produce daisy-like white flowers with yellow centers. These blooms attract pollinators, which facilitate cross-pollination and the production of seeds. As autumn approaches, the plant finishes its reproductive cycle, and the above-ground parts begin to die back with the first frosts, while the root system remains dormant through winter. In the following spring, the Japanese Aster resumes growth from the existing root system or from seed, repeating its annual life cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
The Japanese aster, or Kalimeris incisa 'Alba', can be propagated by division in the spring. This is a straightforward process where the plant's root ball is removed from the ground and gently pulled apart into smaller sections, each with a portion of the roots and foliage. These individual sections are then replanted in well-prepared soil, spaced adequately apart to allow room for growth. Through division, one can quickly and effectively create new plants that will mature and flower possibly within the same growing season. It's important to ensure that each new division has a healthy root system and several shoots to increase the chances of successful establishment when transplanted into the garden or into containers.
