Callistephus chinensis Matsumoto Mix

Callistephus chinensis 'Matsumoto', also known as marguerite daisy or Chinese aster, surpasses previous varieties with its excellent performance in flower beds and its natural resistance to heat and diseases. As worthy representatives of this timeless annual, the plants in this mix boast a rich palette of attractive colours, ranging from pastel to vibrant, centred around a small yellow heart. Easy to grow, they bloom late in the season, bringing life to flower beds and containers for months. They also make beautiful long-lasting bouquets.

Callistephus chinensis belongs to the large Asteraceae family. It is an herbaceous annual plant native to China and Japan that has given rise to numerous cultivars with double, semi-double, or single flowers, with somewhat frizzled petals displaying a wide range of colours (except orange). The marguerite daisy, once widely planted in cottage gardens for cut flowers, is making a remarkable comeback in our gardens with more compact selections that do not collapse under the weight of the flowers, like the semi-dwarf hybrids 'Matsumoto'.

Each 'Matsumoto' marguerite daisy quickly forms a narrow clump with an upright habit, reaching 75cm (30in) in height and 30cm (12in) in width, without the need for staking. The sturdy stems bear dark green ovate to triangular leaves, deeply and coarsely toothed along the edges. The flowering period, which is particularly long, extends from July to November. At the end of each branching, a 6 to 8cm (2 to 3in) diameter head is formed, composed of 2 to 6 rows of ligulate or petal-like florets surrounding a central yellow disc. Depending on the plants, the heads can be white, soft apricot, dark blue-violet, blue-mauve with a white centre, light yellow, light pink, dark pink, or red. Plant them closely together for a beautiful mass effect.

'Matsumoto' brings colour to the garden until November, a time of year when flowering has become scarce. It can be used in flower beds of all styles, as well as in borders, and even in large pots on a patio or balcony. It lends itself to multiple uses with its delightfully old-fashioned grandmotherly flower appearance. Consider pairing it, for example, with columbines, bellflowers, foxgloves, lilies, chamomiles, marigolds, and snapdragons in large flower beds. The marguerite daisy also finds its place in the vegetable garden, alongside gladioli and dahlias, to enrich the supply of cut flowers.

Note: please be aware that our young plug plants are professional products intended for experienced gardeners: upon receipt, transplant them as soon as possible into pots or containers, or directly into flower beds.