Callistephus chinensis 'Bonita Blue' – Double Pompon Asters for Garden and Cut Flowers

Callistephus chinensis 'Bonita Blue' is a beautiful aster known for its fully double, pompom-like flowers in a rich blue. This variety combines ornamental value, long vase life, and ease of use, making it ideal for gardens, borders, and cut flower production.

Features of Bonita Blue

• Fully double pompom flowers: The flowers are round and dense, with a uniform shape that creates a full, lush appearance. They retain their attractive shape even as they age, making them ideal for long-lasting decoration.

• Perfect flower angle: The flowers are placed at an optimal angle, which gives the maximum visual effect, both in the garden and in bouquets.

• Flower size similar to Matsumoto: Bonita Blue produces flowers of a size that complements other aster varieties such as Matsumoto, making companion planting easy.

• Cultivation time: Bonita Blue has a cultivation time about a week longer than Matsumoto, making it possible to spread out flowering over a longer period.

• Fusarium Tolerance: Like Matsumoto, Bonita Blue has a similar tolerance to Fusarium wilt, an important trait for healthy and long-term cultivation.

Cultivation and care

Asters are susceptible to Fusarium, a root and stem disease that can weaken or kill plants. To maintain healthy plants:

• Rotate location: Change growing location annually to prevent Fusarium build-up in the soil.

• Soil and drainage: Choose well-draining soil and avoid overwatering. Poorly draining soil significantly increases the risk of root diseases.

• Sowing and planting: Bonita Blue can be sown early under controlled conditions, after which young plants can be transplanted outdoors. For continuous flowering, sowing can be done in stages.

• Maintenance: Regular watering without flooding, and removing wilted flowers, promotes healthy growth and continued flowering.

Use in garden and as cut flower

• Garden and borders: Bonita Blue makes a lush, colorful addition to borders and gardens. The vibrant blue contrasts beautifully with yellow, pink, or white flowers in mixed flowerbeds.

• Cut flowers: Thanks to their sturdy stems and compact flower shape, Bonita Blue asters are ideal for bouquets and flower arrangements. The flowers retain their shape and color long after cutting, making them an excellent choice for florists.

• Companion Planting: Fits perfectly into breeding programs together with Matsumoto and other aster varieties.

Benefits of Callistephus chinensis 'Bonita Blue'

• Beautiful, fully double pompom flowers in blue colour.

• Round flowers that remain attractive with age.

• Optimal flower angle for maximum visual impact.

• Cultivation time slightly longer than Matsumoto, ideal for staggered flowering.

• Similar Fusarium tolerance to Matsumoto, important for healthy plants.

• Very suitable for gardens, borders and cut flowers.

Conclusion

Callistephus chinensis 'Bonita Blue' offers an ideal combination of ornamental value, cut flower quality, and ease of cultivation. With its fully double, pompom-like flowers, rich blue hues, and excellent vase life, this aster is perfect for gardeners, florists, and growers looking for a striking and reliable aster. Add Bonita Blue to your borders, pots, or bouquets for a long-lasting, colorful impact in the garden or in a vase.