Kalimeris incisa Charlotte

Kalimeris incisa 'Charlotte' is a very pretty and charming perennial that is easy-to-grow. Its small aster-like flowers are pale lilac with a yellow centre. They bloom from July to September, above light green dentate foliage. The flowers are popular with pollinators. Easy to cultivate, this kalimeris is very tolerant and can grow in all exposures, in rich, moist and light soils. Plant it at the edge of a sunny flower bed for a natural and spontaneous atmosphere.

Kalimeris incisa is an herbaceous plant of the Asteraceae family, native to Northeast Asia. 'Charlotte' is a bushy and upright perennial, reaching approximately 60cm (24in) in all directions. Its upright stems bear deciduous, oblong, dentate and light green leaves. Small but numerous, they cover the clump, forming a green background that welcomes a multitude of flowers from late spring. These flowers are similar to those of asters, shaped like small daisies measuring 2 to 3cm (1in) in diameter. They have a yellow centre with prominent stamens and a row of delicate, long and graceful florets in a very soft lilac-blue. They succeed each other from the beginning of summer until the first frost, if faded flowers are regularly removed.

Kalimeris incisa 'Charlotte' is a robust and hardy perennial (it easily withstands temperatures below -15°C (5°F)) that requires little monitoring. It prefers full sun but will tolerate partial shade. It prefers ordinary, well-drained soils with a tendency to be moist. Once established, it can tolerate some drought. It can be placed at the edge of flower beds, in ribbons, highlighting the silhouette of tall summer plants such as lavateras and dame's rocket. For a wild effect, combine it with yarrows, sidalceas, and field scabious, at the base of Rosa 'Ballerina' or Buddleia 'Lochinch'.