Overview
Callistephus chinensis 'Kurenai' is a bushy annual biennial in the genus Callistephus, part of the Asteraceae family, with deciduous foliage. Callistephus chinensis 'Kurenai' grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H2. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, patio and container plants, city and courtyard gardens, wildlife gardens, cut flowers and flower borders and beds.
About
Callistephus chinensis 'Kurenai' is a bushy annual cultivar of the Callistephus genus, known for its upright growth and coarsely serrated, oval leaves. This cultivar produces large flower heads resembling daisies, which bloom in late summer and autumn. It thrives best in fertile, moist but well-drained loam soil with a neutral pH, in a sheltered, south-facing position with full sun. Suitable for a variety of garden settings including cottage gardens, patios, and city courtyards, 'Kurenai' is also valued for cut flowers and wildlife gardens.
About the genus
Callistephus is a monotypic genus of flowering plants in the aster family, Asteraceae, containing the single species Callistephus chinensis. Its common names include China aster and annual aster. It is native to China and Korea.
Wikipedia contributors, "Callistephus", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Callistephus
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Callistephus
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H2
Plant details
Callistephus chinensis 'Kurenai' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Annual Biennial
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, City and courtyard gardens, Wildlife gardens, Cut flowers, Flower borders and beds
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Callistephus chinensis 'Kurenai'
- Propagation
- Seed sown at 16°C in early spring or in situ in mid-spring
- Pest resistance
- Aphids, Cutworms
- Disease resistance
- Verticillium wilt
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Callistephus chinensis 'Kurenai'?
Callistephus chinensis 'Kurenai' prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Callistephus chinensis 'Kurenai' need?
Callistephus chinensis 'Kurenai' grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Callistephus chinensis 'Kurenai' hardy in the UK?
Callistephus chinensis 'Kurenai' has an RHS hardiness rating of H2, meaning it is tender, tolerating 1–5°C, and needs frost-free protection over winter.
How do I propagate Callistephus chinensis 'Kurenai'?
Seed sown at 16°C in early spring or in situ in mid-spring.