Japanese Aster Kalimeris incisa 'Charlotte'
ABOUT
The Charlotte false aster is a charming, herbaceous perennial that features a profusion of daisy-like flowers. Each bloom consists of delicate pale purple to blue petals that surround a yellow center, creating a classic, charming look that adds a touch of whimsy to a garden. The leaves are narrow and sharply serrated, typically displaying a deep green hue that forms a dense, mounded clump, offering a lush backdrop for the flowers. Throughout the blooming season, which typically extends from late summer into fall, the plant becomes a canvas of color, with blooms forming a seemingly endless constellation against the green foliage. The flowers are not only visually appealing to garden visitors but also to an array of pollinators like butterflies and bees, who are drawn to the nectar and pollen-rich centers. The overall appearance of the Charlotte false aster is one of refined beauty, with its intricate flowers and tidy foliage. It brings a touch of wildflower charm to cultivated gardens, borders, or containers and combines well with other late-season bloomers, creating a harmonious and vibrant display.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Japanese Aster, Cutleaf Daisy
Common names
Asteromoea mongolica, Kalimeris mongolica, Boltonia incisa, Kalimeris yomena.
ToxicityTo humans
The Japanese aster, or Kalimeris incisa 'Charlotte', is not known to be toxic to humans. There is no widespread documentation of the plant being harmful if ingested, and it does not appear on lists of poisonous or toxic plants maintained by major health organizations and poison control centers. However, sensible precautions should be taken to avoid ingestion, as with any plant not intended for human consumption, and individual allergic reactions are always a possibility.
To pets
The Japanese aster, or Kalimeris incisa 'Charlotte', is not known to be toxic to pets. It does not appear on commonly referenced lists of plants that are poisonous to domestic animals such as cats and dogs. While it's always prudent to prevent pets from eating ornamental plants both to protect the plant and to avoid any possible stomach upset in the animal, there is no specific toxicity associated with this particular species known to cause symptoms of poisoning in pets.
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 - Kalimeris incisa 'Charlotte', also known as Japanese Aster, is well-suited to a variety of garden conditions and requires minimal maintenance.
- Drought tolerant - Once established, it can withstand periods of dry weather, making it a good choice for water-conserving landscapes.
- Attracts pollinators - Its flowers attract butterflies and bees, promoting biodiversity in the garden.
- Long blooming period - Japanese Aster blooms for an extended period from early summer to fall, offering prolonged visual interest.
- Deer resistant - Generally resistant to deer, so it’s less likely to be damaged in areas where deer browsing is a problem.
- Compact size - With a moderate growth habit, it fits into smaller gardens and spaces without overwhelming the area.
- Versatile in landscape design - It can be used in borders, as a groundcover, or in container gardens due to its adaptability and ornamental qualities.
- Seasonal color - Provides a splash of color with its daisy-like flowers, which can enhance the overall aesthetic of garden spaces.
- Low disease and pest issues - Typically encounters few problems with pests and diseases, reducing the need for chemical treatments.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- The Japanese aster can be used in floral arrangements; its delicate flowers and lasting quality make it a beautiful choice for bouquets and centerpieces.
- This plant can serve as an educational tool in botany and horticulture classes to illustrate plant care, propagation, and identification of perennials.
- The fibrous stems and leaves of the Japanese aster might be used in crafting, for making natural weaves or as a component in handmade paper.
- Japanese asters can be planted as part of a butterfly garden to attract pollinators due to their abundant nectar.
- They can be used in landscape design not only for their flowers but to create a textured ground cover in garden beds.
- The plant can be incorporated into a sensory garden, thanks to its soft foliage and bright, appealing flowers that provide visual and tactile interest.
- In garden art, the distinctive form and color of Japanese aster flowers can inspire patterns and designs for outdoor sculptures and decorations.
- The plant can be used as a living dye source; the flowers may produce subtle colors for natural dyeing of fabrics or yarns.
- Japanese asters are useful for teaching about the importance of biodiversity and the role different plant species play in supporting various ecosystems.
- As a plant with a durable and fibrous root system, the Japanese aster can help with soil stabilization in garden slopes or areas prone to erosion.
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- Endurance and Survival: Kalimeris incisa, commonly known as the Japanese aster, typically symbolizes endurance and survival because it's a hardy plant that can withstand diverse and challenging growing conditions.
- Simplicity: The Japanese aster, with its daisy-like flowers, often symbolizes simplicity, reflecting its unassuming and straightforward form.
- Patience: Belonging to a group of late bloomers, the Japanese aster can symbolize patience, as it usually waits until late summer or fall to bloom.
- Peace: The delicate nature of its flowers is often associated with tranquility and peace, similar to other gentle blue and purple flowering plants.
WaterThe Japanese aster should be watered deeply once a week, ensuring the soil is thoroughly moistened. In particularly hot or dry weather, you may need to water more frequently, such as every three to four days, monitoring the soil to prevent it from drying out completely. Reduce watering during the fall and winter when the plant's growth slows down. Each watering session should involve slowly applying approximately one gallon of water per square foot of soil to allow for deep penetration, depending on the plant’s size and the environmental conditions.
LightThe Japanese aster thrives in full sun to partial shade. It prefers a location where it can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily, but it can also tolerate some afternoon shade, especially in hotter climates. An east or west-facing garden spot would be ideal, where it can enjoy the morning or late afternoon sun.
TemperatureThe Japanese aster can tolerate a wide range of temperatures but grows best when the daytime temperature is between 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It can survive minimum temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit but may suffer if exposed to prolonged periods of extreme cold. During the summer months, ensure the plant has some protection during the hottest part of the day if temperatures regularly exceed 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
PruningPruning the Japanese aster is necessary to maintain its shape, encourage bushier growth, and promote more vigorous blooming. Lightly prune or pinch back the tips of the stems in late spring to early summer to encourage branching. After blooming, you can cut back the spent flower stems to tidy up the plant and sometimes stimulate a second flush of flowers. The best time for major pruning is in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Japanese aster 'Charlotte' prefers well-draining soil with a mix of loam, peat, and sand to promote healthy root growth. Soil pH should be neutral to slightly acidic, ranging between 6.0 to 7.0. Amend with compost annually to maintain soil fertility.
RepottingJapanese aster 'Charlotte' generally does not require frequent repotting and can thrive in the same container for several years. Assess the need to repot every 2-3 years, depending on growth and pot size.
Humidity & MistingJapanese aster 'Charlotte' is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels but thrives best in moderate humidity. Avoid excessively dry or overly humid environments to maintain the plant's health.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light, and water when the topsoil feels dry.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, protect from strong winds, and water regularly.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life of the False Aster (Kalimeris incisa 'Charlotte') begins with seed germination, typically occurring in spring when soil temperatures rise. Once germinated, seedlings establish themselves with a network of roots and begin to grow foliage. As the plant matures, it develops a clump-forming habit with upright stems and deep green, lance-shaped leaves. By mid to late summer, the False Aster progresses to its flowering stage, producing daisy-like flowers with blue, white, or pink petals and yellow centers that attract pollinators. After the blooming period, seeds develop and are dispersed by wind or wildlife, enabling the propagation of the next generation. As a perennial, the False Aster will die back to the ground in autumn, enter a period of dormancy during the winter, and then regrow from its root system with the return of warm spring weather.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method for propagating Kalimeris incisa 'Charlotte', commonly known as Japanese aster, is by division. This process is ideally done in the spring just as the plants are emerging from dormancy. To propagate by division, carefully dig up an established clump and gently separate it into smaller clumps, ensuring that each section has a piece of the root system attached. These individual divisions can then be immediately replanted in well-prepared soil, spaced about 12 to 15 inches (approximately 30 to 38 centimeters) apart to allow for growth. Water the newly planted divisions thoroughly to help establish them. This method of propagation is favored not only because it is straightforward and efficient but also because it helps to maintain the vigor of older plants by renewing their growth.
