Blue Star Kalimeris
Kalimeris incisa 'Blue Star'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
15 inches
Width
21 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Average
Humidity
Average
Lifespan
Herbaceous perennial
Native To
Eastern Asia
Toxicity
Non-toxic to humans and pets.
The Story
Plant Bio
Kalimeris incisa, also known as Japanese Aster, is a genus of hardy, daisy-like perennials prized for their long bloom season and easy-going nature. They form tidy clumps and are very reliable performers. 'Blue Star' is a compact and exceptionally floriferous cultivar, covering itself in 1-inch, pale lavender-blue, daisy-like flowers from early summer until fall. It maintains a neat, mounding habit without needing to be staked.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
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Planting
How to Grow
- Select a spot with full sun or light afternoon shade.
- Prepare a bed with average, well-drained soil.
- Dig a hole as deep and twice as wide as the pot.
- Gently remove the plant and loosen the roots.
- Set the plant in the hole with the crown at soil level.
- Water well after planting and mulch to conserve moisture.
Pro Tip
For continuous blooming, shear the entire plant back by about one-third to one-half after the first major flush of flowers fades.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Provide consistent moisture, especially during dry spells.
- Plant in well-drained soil to prevent root rot.
- Deadhead or shear spent flowers to promote reblooming.
- Divide every few years to keep the plant healthy and vigorous.
Don't
- Don't plant in heavy, waterlogged clay soil.
- Avoid deep shade, which will reduce flowering and cause leggy growth.
- Don't over-fertilize, as this can lead to weak stems.
- Don't let the soil dry out completely for extended periods.
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deadhead | ||||||||||||
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Blue Star Kalimeris questions
What zones can Blue Star Kalimeris grow in?
Blue Star Kalimeris is hardy in USDA Zones 5–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Blue Star Kalimeris deer resistant?
Yes — Blue Star Kalimeris is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Blue Star Kalimeris bloom?
Blue Star Kalimeris typically blooms in early summer through early fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Blue Star Kalimeris need full sun?
Blue Star Kalimeris does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Blue Star Kalimeris drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Blue Star Kalimeris handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
Keep exploring
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Grow Blue Star Kalimeris with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
