Japanese Aster Kalimeris incisa 'Blue Star'
ABOUT
The 'Blue Star' is a charming perennial plant known for its daisy-like flowers and lush foliage. Its blossoms are a soft, celestial blue with yellow centers, creating a lovely contrast against the green backdrop of its leaves. The flowers are not very large, but they make up for their size with their abundance, creating a cloud of blue that is particularly eye-catching. The leaves of 'Blue Star' are narrow and pointed, with a slightly serrated edge. They are arranged in a bushy clump, with the leaves growing close together to create a dense, mounded shape. This lush foliage serves as a perfect foil for the delicate blue flowers that bloom above it. The overall appearance of 'Blue Star' is of a neat, compact clump of greenery interspersed with these attractive blue flowers, presenting a soothing color palette that would stand out in garden borders or container plantings.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Japanese Aster, Cutleaf Daisy, False Aster
Common names
Asteromoea mongolica, Kalimeris yomena, Boltonia incisa, Boltonia yomena, Aster yomena.
ToxicityTo humans
The Kalimeris incisa 'Blue Star', also known more simply as 'Blue Star', is generally considered non-toxic to humans. There are no widely known toxic effects from ingesting or coming into contact with this plant. However, it is always advisable to practice caution and avoid eating ornamental plants as they are not intended for consumption, and individual allergic reactions are possible.
To pets
The Kalimeris incisa 'Blue Star', known as 'Blue Star', is not known to be toxic to pets such as cats and dogs. There are no common symptoms associated with poisoning from this plant because it is not considered poisonous. Despite its general safety, it's always best to prevent pets from chewing on ornamental plants to avoid any potential gastrointestinal upset or individual allergic reaction they might have.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Blue
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Easy to Grow: 'Blue Star' is known for being a hardy and adaptable plant, thriving in a variety of soil conditions and weather patterns.
- Aesthetic Appeal: With its daisy-like blue flowers and attractive foliage, it adds beauty to any garden setting.
- Pollinator-Friendly: The blooms attract butterflies and bees, promoting biodiversity.
- Low Maintenance: 'Blue Star' requires minimal care once established, making it ideal for busy gardeners.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it has a good tolerance to drought, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Seasonal Interest: It provides seasonal interest with its long blooming period from early summer to fall.
- Resistant to Pests and Diseases: It is generally resistant to common garden pests and diseases, thus reducing the need for chemical treatments.
- Compact Growth: Its compact growth habit makes it suitable for small gardens or tight spaces and as a border plant.
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 'Blue Star', also known as Japanese aster, can be used as a natural fabric dye, where its flowers and leaves impart subtle hues to textiles.
- The plant is sometimes used in floral arrangements or bouquets due to its dainty, star-shaped flowers and long vase life.
- Japanese aster can serve as an educational tool in botany classes for studying plant morphology or pollinator relationships.
- In landscape design, it can be used as a border plant to create a sense of rhythm and repetition in garden beds.
- The flowers of the Japanese aster can be used in crafts, such as dried flower arrangements or in the creation of natural potpourri.
- They can be planted to provide ground cover in areas prone to soil erosion, helping to stabilize the soil with their root systems.
- Japanese aster leaves could be used as a natural confetti in outdoor celebrations, decomposing without harming the environment.
- Budding photographers often use Japanese asters as subjects to practice macro photography due to their intricate and beautiful details.
- The plant can be used as a companion plant in vegetable gardens to attract beneficial insects that control pests.
- Japanese aster can be planted strategically to create a habitat for wildlife, offering food and shelter for various insects and birds.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Kalimeris incisa, commonly known as Japanese aster, is not specifically used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Japanese aster is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Perseverance: The Kalimeris incisa 'Blue Star', or Japanese Aster, is known for its hardy nature and its ability to withstand various growing conditions. This resilience is often seen as a symbol of perseverance through challenging circumstances.
- Simplicity: With its dainty blue flowers and unassuming appearance, the Japanese Aster represents a love for simplicity and an appreciation for the understated beauty in life.
- Peace: The soft blue hue of the Japanese Aster is commonly associated with tranquility and calmness, making it a symbol for peace and serenity.
- New Opportunities: Blooming in the summer to fall, the Japanese Aster signifies new beginnings and opportunities, much like the changing seasons.
WaterThe Japanese Aster should be watered regularly to maintain moist but not waterlogged soil, especially during dry spells. It is best to water deeply once a week, applying approximately 1 to 1.5 gallons of water per plant each time, depending on the weather conditions and soil type. Avoid overhead watering to minimize the risk of leaf diseases and instead water at the base of the plant. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again to encourage deep root growth and prevent overwatering.
LightJapanese Asters thrive in a location with full sun to partial shade. Preferably, plant them in a spot that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily to promote vigorous growth and abundant flowering. They can tolerate some light afternoon shade, especially in hotter climates where the intense sun might stress the plants.
TemperatureJapanese Asters perform best in temperate conditions and can survive in temperatures ranging from 40 degrees Fahrenheit to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. They are cold-hardy and can tolerate a light frost, but extended periods of temperatures below 40 degrees Fahrenheit or above 85 degrees Fahrenheit may negatively affect the plant. Ideal temperatures for optimal growth fall within the range of 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
PruningPruning Japanese Asters is beneficial for shaping the plant, encouraging bushier growth, and removing spent flowers to promote further blooming. Prune in late winter or early spring by cutting back the previous year's growth to about 4 to 6 inches above ground level. Deadheading, or the removal of spent flowers, should be done regularly during the blooming season to maintain a tidy appearance and encourage additional blooms.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Japanese aster prefers well-draining soil with a slight acidity to neutral pH, ideally ranging from 6.0 to 7.0. A mix consisting of garden soil, peat moss, and perlite or coarse sand can help ensure good drainage while providing adequate nutrients. Adding compost to the mix can also improve soil fertility and structure, which is beneficial for healthy growth.
RepottingJapanese asters do not need frequent repotting; it's typically done every 2-3 years or when the plant outgrows its current container. Repot in spring before new growth starts to give the plant a fresh soil environment and room for roots to expand.
Humidity & MistingJapanese asters are fairly adaptable to different humidity levels but prefer a moderate humidity environment. They thrive outdoors where the humidity is natural and usually don't require additional humidity control when grown in their ideal hardiness zones.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light with good air circulation.
Outdoor
Plant in sun to part shade, in moist, well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleThe Japanese Aster 'Blue Star' starts its life cycle as a seed that germinates in spring when soil temperatures warm up. After sprouting, the seedling grows into a vegetative state, developing a clump of serrated leaves at the base and branching stems. Throughout late spring and summer, the plant reaches maturity and produces daisy-like blue flowers with yellow centers, attracting pollinators and beneficial insects. Once pollinated, the flowers set seed which can be collected in late summer or fall. As a perennial, the plant dies back to the ground after frost, with its root system surviving the winter. In the following spring, the Japanese Aster 'Blue Star' regrows from its rootstock, repeating the cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
The Japanese aster, known botanically as Kalimeris incisa 'Blue Star', is commonly propagated by division. The best time to carry out this propagation method is typically in the spring or fall when the plant is not in active bloom. To propagate by division, gardeners carefully dig up the plant, ensuring a generous amount of root and soil is included. The clump is then gently separated into smaller sections, each with an adequate amount of root, and these sections are immediately replanted in the garden or potted up. This process stimulates new growth while ensuring the divisions establish quickly in their new locations. The divisions should be watered in thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots and eliminate any air pockets.
