Aster Giants of California

Aster (Callistephus chinensis) 'Giants of California' Giant China Aster 'Giants of California'

Massive, fully double, ostrich-plume blooms in deep purple, hot pink and clear violet — flowers so densely packed with petals that the yellow centre is rarely visible — held on tall, strong 70–80cm stems bred specifically in Santa Maria, California for the cut-flower trade.

This is the giant of the Aster world. Where standard peony-flowered asters produce flowers around 6–8cm across, 'Giants of California' delivers heads up to 12cm — large, luxurious pompoms with the full feathery softness of an ostrich plume. The strain was developed in California's flower fields specifically for the cut flower industry, which means stronger stems, longer vase life and bigger flowers than ordinary garden asters. Fleuroselect Quality Mark winner, recognised for garden performance, uniformity and unique flower form. RHS Plants for Pollinators recognised. As with all Callistephus asters, this is a half-hardy annual flowering from August to October, providing exceptional late-season cutting material at the moment your cutting patch most needs reinforcements.

A note on growing

Sow indoors from March to April. Surface-sow onto moist compost and cover with a fine 3mm sprinkling of vermiculite. Keep at 18–21°C; germination takes 10–14 days. Plant out after the last frost in late May or June, in full sun and rich, moisture-retentive soil. Dig in plenty of organic matter before planting — Giants of California is a hungry plant and rewards generous feeding with bigger blooms. Space 30–40cm apart. Rotation is essential: do not plant asters in the same spot two years running to avoid wilt disease build-up. The substantial flower heads can be top-heavy in windy gardens; netting or staking is sensible in exposed sites.

Where it shines

In the cutting garden as a single-stem statement flower — the size and form make 'Giants of California' the obvious centrepiece of any late-summer bouquet. The exceptional vase life (often two weeks in a cool room) means a single cut goes a long way. In the border, plant in generous groups for proper effect; single plants get lost. Particularly outstanding for autumn arrangements where the rich, deep colours echo seasonal foliage tones.

Plant alongside

For a romantic late-summer cutting combination, pair Giants of California with the lacy white of Ammi majus and the soft cream tones of Calendula 'Art Shades Mixed'. In the border, contrast the large solid heads with the airy quaking-grass plumes of Briza Maxima and the architectural lime-green of Bupleurum 'Griffithii' for textural variety.