Kalimeris incisa

Kalimeris incisa is a pretty little floriferous perennial with aster-like flowers.

Kalimeris incisa, sometimes called Japanese aster, is a small perennial from the Asteraceae family. It is native to East Asia. More specifically, it comes from Japan, Korea, Northern China, or Siberia. This variety is an herbaceous perennial with a very bushy habit. The plants reach a height of 60 to 80cm (24 to 32in), but in good conditions, they can sometimes reach 1m (3ft). Each plant forms a mass of oblanceolate, dentate, and dark green leaves, on which a constellation of small inflorescences, 2 to 3cm (1in) in size, appears. This very floriferous perennial produces flowers with few but very slender white ligules that sometimes take on pale-blue tinges. The yellow central disc appears villous due to the prominent florets. The inflorescences are arranged in corymbs. The flowers are strikingly similar to autumn asters and bloom from June to September before giving way to the latter.

By combining kalimeris and asters, one ensures a delicate floral continuum of small stars. A beautiful display can be created when they are planted in borders with old roses like Rosa 'Larissa', or with phlox, echinacea, or Euphorbia characias.

Kalimeris incisa is very hardy, it is said to withstand temperatures as low as -35°C (-31°F). This seems true considering its origins. However, this will not be tested in our climates, as such extremes are rare in our latitudes. It appreciates moist and rich soils but has no particular requirements. Kalimeris make excellent cut flowers. Feel free to cut them to encourage continuous blooming throughout the summer.