Callistephus chinensis Kleurentapijt

The mix of Callistephus chinensis Kleurentapijt brings together several varieties of dwarf China Asters, producing double flowers in a range of shades from creamy white to deep red and violet blue. Their flowering lasts from July to October, depending on the sowing date. These plants are very low-growing and perfect for borders and flowering pots. Chinese asters can be sown under glass or directly in open ground, in a good, fertile, and well-drained soil. They are easy to grow, even for beginner gardeners.

Callistephus, also known as China Aster, is an annual plant from the Asteraceae family with a very ancient culture that has produced and still produces many very interesting varieties for flower beds and cut flowers. The plants in the Colour Carpet mix reach a height of 25 cm (10in) in a few months and are well-branched. Their stems bear oval and toothed leaves of bright green. The flowering is renewed for at least two months.  Each flower, measuring 6 to 8 cm (2 to 3in) in width, is composed of multiple rows of colourful ligulate or petal-like florets surrounding a small centre of fertile florets in golden yellow, visible when the flower withers. The plant lives only one season, with time to flower and produce seeds.

Callistephus Colour Carpet is a flagship plant for borders and patios.  It creates floral and colourful carpets that are truly decorative. Although a bit out of fashion, China asters remain popular plants for their abundant flowering and ease of cultivation. Their flowers are perfect in wildflower bouquets, and the plants bloom for months if you take care to remove the faded flowers. Even if only for bouquets, sow them in the vegetable garden to obtain a profusion of flowers at the end of summer. Among the wide range of varieties, you will find flowers of various shapes resembling chrysanthemums, with very fine, sometimes even tousled, finely tapered petals, in pompoms, or simple like those of the species. They come in many shades, ranging from white to yellow, and all shades of pink and purple. Dwarf cultivars will be perfect for borders and will thrive in balcony planters, while tall varieties with single or double flowers will decorate the back of flower beds.