Aster Ostrich Plume

Name: Aster Ostrich Plume
Brand: Bishy Barnabees Cottage Garden
SKU: AST-OST
Price: 2.30 GBP
Availability: InStock

£2.30

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Aster 'Ostrich Plume' Mixed Seeds

If you love the look of expensive Chrysanthemums but want something you can grow easily from seed, 'Ostrich Plume' is the answer. This heirloom variety is famous for its massive, shaggy heads composed of long, curled, and twisted petals that resemble the feathery plumes of an ostrich.

This is a flower with serious retro charm. The mix includes soft shades of shell-pink, deep violet, lavender, crimson, and white. Blooming late in the season (August to October), they arrive just as the rest of the garden is starting to fade, providing a fresh burst of energy and long-stemmed beauty for your autumn vases.

🌿 Understanding the Plant

The China Aster (*Callistephus chinensis*) is a Half-Hardy Annual.

Do not confuse these with the perennial "Michaelmas Daisies." These annual Asters are grown fresh from seed every year. They are prized by florists for their incredibly long vase life—often lasting two weeks in water.

The "Mop Head": The flowers are fully double, meaning the central yellow disc is completely hidden by layers of fluffy petals, giving them a soft, cloud-like appearance.

🌱 Growing Guide: How to Sow and Grow

Asters need a little warmth to get started, but once established, they are robust.

Germination:
Sow indoors from March to April. Sow onto the surface of moist compost and cover with a fine sprinkling of vermiculite (approx 3mm). Keep at 18-21°C. Germination takes 10-14 days.

Where to Sow:
Plant out after the last frost (late May/June). They need full sun and rich, well-drained soil.

Care While Growing:
Rotation is Key: To prevent wilt diseases, do not plant Asters in the exact same spot two years in a row. Give them fresh ground each season.
Support: The flower heads are heavy! In windy gardens, give them some netting or stakes to keep the stems straight for cutting.

📋 Plant Specifications

Latin Name	Callistephus chinensis
Common Name	China Aster 'Ostrich Plume'
Hardiness	H2 (Half-Hardy - Needs Frost Protection)
Light Required	Full Sun ☀️
Height	↕️ 45cm - 60cm
Spread	↔️ 30cm
Spacing	🌱 25cm apart
Great for	✂️ Cut Flowers 🍂 Late Summer Colour 🦋 Pollinators 🏡 Cottage Gardens
Seed Count	Approx. 200 seeds per packet

🤝 Perfect Garden Companions

Because Asters bloom late, pair them with other late-season stars:

🌼 Rudbeckia 'Marmalade': The Autumn Glow. The golden yellow of Rudbeckia contrasts beautifully with the purple and pink tones of the Asters. Together they create a classic "Harvest Festival" look.
🌸 Cosmos 'Purity': The Softener. The large, heavy heads of the Asters look wonderful nestled among the airy, ferny foliage of white Cosmos.

📅 Sowing & Flowering Calendar

Sow indoors in spring. Plant out in June. Flowers August to October.

Month	M	A	M	J	A	S	O
Sow Indoors	🟢	🟢
Plant Out			🌱	🌱
Flowers					🌸	🌸	🌸

⚠️ Cut Flower Tip
China Asters have excellent vase life. Remove all leaves that would sit below the water line to keep the water clean. They can last up to two weeks in a cool room!