Callistephus chinensis Matsumoto Formula Mixture

Callistephus chinensis Matsumoto Formula Mix brings together several semi-double varieties of various colours, with medium-sized flowers, carried on long sturdy stems, which last a long time in the garden as well as in a vase. Their mid-early flowering offers an abundance of golden yellow centred heads, carried by straight and strong stems. The heads of flowers come in superb colours, in the range of pink, apricot, red, violet, purple, mauve and white tones. These are annual plants that are easy to grow. They can be sown under glass or directly in the open ground, in a bright position, in fertile and well-drained soil.

Callistephus, also known as the Chinese Aster, is a Chinese annual plant from the Asteraceae family with a very ancient cultivation, which has produced and still produces many very interesting varieties for flower beds and cut flowers. The plants of the Matsumoto Formula Mix reach a height of 70 cm (28in) in a few months and are well-branched. Their stems bear oval and dentate leaves in bright green. Flowering takes place from June to September, depending on the sowing date, in 6 cm (2in) diameter heads, composed of a double row of ligules or coloured petals surrounding a centre of fertile florets in golden yellow. The plant only lives for one season, with time to bloom and produce seeds.

Callistephus  Matsumoto Formula Mixture is a flagship plant for flower beds. Its flowers create unforgettable compositions. A bit out of fashion, Chinese asters remain highly decorative plants, planted in large groups among other annuals or perennials. Their flowers are perfect in rustic bouquets, and the plants bloom for months if you take the time to remove old flowers. Even just for bouquets, sow them in the vegetable garden to get a profusion of flowers at the end of summer. Among the wide range of varieties, you will find flowers of various shapes, resembling those of chrysanthemums, with fine, very slender petals, sometimes even ruffled, in pompoms or single like those of the species. They come in many shades, ranging from white to yellow, through all intensities of pink and purple. Dwarf cultivars will be perfect for borders and will thrive in balcony containers, while large varieties with single or double flowers will enliven the back of flower beds.