Formally called Callistephus or Callistephus chinensis the commonly called China Aster is native to regions of China and Korea. In China, these flowers have been cultivated for at least 2000 years. Cultivation would begin in Europe around 1728 or 1731. There are differences of opinion on this. In the book The Cultural History of Plants prominent British botanist Sir Ghillean Prance asserts that China Aster was brought to Europe around 1731 and made its way to North America sometime in the 1800s.
However, The Monticello and Thomas Jefferson Foundation talks of John Custus. He was an American-born Colonial British politician who became almost as well known for his marriage squabbling that culminated in him and his wife signing a peace treaty where he promised half his wealth to her if she ceased calling him “vile names.” He was a tobacco farmer and avid plant collector/importer/exporter/etc. and the foundation says it was he. in the 1720s that first imported China Aster and by the very early 1800 B. McMahon of Philadelphia was selling 4 different cultivars.
So, long story short–we don’t have a consensus.
Other Interesting or Semi-Interesting Things About This Plant
Some credit the Jesuit missionary Pierre Nicolas D’Incarville with introducing China Aster to Europe. The problem with that is the majority believe the plant was introduced between 1728-1731 and most date D’Incarville’s mission to China started in 1740.
They have a vase life of 7-10 days.
Specifications & Growing Information
These flowers are pretty easy to grow, but make sure you pick a garden spot with good drainage and plenty of air circulation because they sometimes can get downy mildew. That said, these flowers can be pretty forgiving about growing conditions. They like full sun, but they’ll be fine with a little shade. Once the plants are established, they won’t hold moderate watering against you.
- Latin: Aquilegia
- Annual
- Prefers full sun/tolerates a little shade
- Stratification: No
- Germinates in 10-16 days at 70F
- Grows up to 24 inches
- Sow in Spring
- Bloom time is Summer-Fall
- Self-Seeds in some areas
- Can be started indoors
For direct sow-Plant in a weed-free garden bed after ground temperatures have reached at least 67F. Moisten the soil and press seeds gently into place. Lightly scatter soil over them. The seeds should have no more than 1/8 inch of soil cover.
- Shade tends to make the plant less productive.
- These flowers do best in rich soil. Mix compost into the soil before sowing outdoors.
- Deadheading encourages new growth.
- A little mild fertilizer can help throughout the growing season.
- Does well in containers.
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