Description
Callistephus chinensis | Chinese Aster ‘Hulk’
Chinese Aster, also known as Annual Aster ‘Hulk’ is a weirdly wonderful flower like no other. It’s a coll weather annual with ovate, toothed, green leaves on thick, sturdy, branching stems that bear showy, petalless, yellow flowers surrounded by petal-like leaves.
While Callistephus chinensis is one of most common flowers to florists, this ‘Hulk’ variety is much more rare and unique. The solitary flowers bloom from midsummer into autumn, and is totally different from other Asters because it has no petals and is instead surrounded by green bracts.. The large creamy yellow center of the flower head looks like a flat fried egg sunny side up.
Plants prefer moist, rich soil and full sun.
Chinese Aster ‘Hulk’ is highly prized for floral art as it makes great, long lasting cut flower since the leafy bracts don’t fade away nearly as fast as a real petal would. They also make a great accent in a mixed arrangement, or are quite striking on their own. Long vase life.
Seeds germinate easily with heat, humidity, and light.
Type: Annual
Sun exposure: Full sun to part shade
Mature height: 12-24 inches
Mature width: 10-14 inches
Hardiness zones: All zones (annual)
