The Ultimate Guide to Tall China Asters for Your Late Summer Garden

If you’re a gardener in USDA Hardiness Zones 2 to 11, you’re in luck – the vibrant and colorful China aster, scientifically known as Callistephus chinensis, can be a wonderful addition to your garden. Belonging to the Asteraceae family, which includes popular flowers like chrysanthemums and daisies, China asters come in a wide range of colors – from bold and vibrant tones to serene pastels.

In our previous article on growing and caring for China asters, we covered all the basics you need to know about cultivating and maintaining these beautiful flowers. Today, we’re taking it a step further by recommending 13 of the best tall varieties that can add exceptional vertical interest to your late summer to fall garden.

Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, these tall China aster varieties are sure to captivate you with their beauty and charm. So let’s dive right in and explore the world of these stunning flowers!

What You Need to Know About China Asters

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Before we introduce you to our top picks for tall China asters, here are some key points to keep in mind when growing these lovely flowers:

Start seeds 6 to 8 weeks before the last average spring frost date or direct sow immediately after.
Provide organically-rich, well-draining soil and maintain even moisture throughout the growing season.
Grow in full sun, except for the warmest regions where some afternoon shade may be beneficial.
Expect gorgeous blooms in three to four months after planting.

13 of the Best Tall China Asters

When it comes to tall China aster varieties, there are countless options to choose from. From compact 12-inch dwarfs to towering 36-inch giants, these flowers offer a wide range of colors and petal formations – from daisy-like singles to peony-esque doubles. Here are our top 13 picks for the best tall China asters:

Blue and White
Compact pompon variety with full-double flower heads.
Features dense, incurved petals with violet outer rings and white inner rings.
Ideal for creating visually stimulating mass plantings.
Crego Giant
Semi-double blooms with ribbon-like petals in bright pink, purple, red, and white.
Towering heights ranging from 18 to 36 inches.
Perfect for informal mixed borders with varying textures and colors.
Fireworks
Semi-double flowers in dark and light shades of pink, purple, and white.
Needle-like petals resemble starbursts in the sky.
Bright cotton-candy colors attract beneficial pollinators.
Giants of California
Large, semi-double blooms with loose, ribbon-like petals in pink, purple, and white.
Impressive heights of up to 36 inches.
Ideal for showcasing in foundation plantings or back-of-bed displays.
Gremlin Double
Fluffy pompon-like flower heads in various shades of pink, purple, and white.
Bold colors and defined shapes suitable for contemporary placements.
Showy blooms perfect for mixed borders and containers.
Hi-No-Maru
Small, compact flower heads with densely packed petals in red/pink or blue/purple.
Vibrant blooms with bold colors that make a striking statement.
Bi-color appearance adds movement and visual interest to any space.
Ostrich Feather
Shaggy full-double blooms in blue, pink, purple, red, and white.
Wild and undefined quality suitable for cottage garden settings.
Compact heights ranging from 16 to 24 inches.
Peony Duchess
Large, cup-like petals in apricot and white colors.
Luscious appearance reminiscent of blooming peonies.
Perfect for creating a peaceful meditation garden.
Powderpuff
Semi-double type with cushion-like petals in rich pinks, reds, and whites.
Button-sized yellow center eyes add a delightful touch.
Vibrant blooms that brighten late summer days in beds and borders.
Purple Burst
- Semi-double flowers with purple petals splashed with white.
- Bold yellow eye for a striking contrast.
- Unique and attention-grabbing blooms for stand-alone displays.
Rubens
- Mixed batch of full- and semi-double blooms in red, pink, purple, and white.
- Densely packed pompons with upturned or curled petals.
- Rainbow of colors perfect for multi-colored bouquets.
Single Mix
- Single cultivars with rich hues of pink, purple, red, and white.
- Prominent, raised center disk adds visual interest.
- Exceptional height makes them perfect for background planting.
Sonata
- Peony-style flowers with layers of upturned petals in soft buttercream yellow.
- Subtle and elegant blooms for massed drifts in late summer gardens.
- Pairs well with lavender and blue varieties for a cohesive look.

Create Your Ever-Changing Aster Palette

With these stunning tall China aster varieties, you have the opportunity to create captivating late summer displays year after year. Experiment with different colors, textures, and heights to design unique garden arrangements that suit your style.

Remember to rotate planting sites annually to prevent pests and diseases, and don’t be afraid to mix and match different varieties for a vibrant and colorful garden. Whether you prefer bold and contemporary or subdued and traditional, tall China asters offer endless possibilities for creative expression in your late summer garden.

So go ahead, pick your favorites, and start planning your next China aster garden! Share your experience with growing China asters in the comments below and feel free to share photos of your beautiful blooms.

For more information on growing asters and other late summer to fall flowers, check out these helpful guides:

How to Grow and Care for Sky Blue Aster
Grow New England Aster for Sensational Summer and Fall Color
How to Grow and Care for Calico Aster in the Late Summer to Fall Garden

With the right knowledge and a touch of creativity, you can transform your garden into a colorful paradise filled with vibrant China asters and other stunning blooms. Happy gardening!