Callistephus chinensis 'Bonita Scarlet' – Radiant Red Double Pompon Asters

Callistephus chinensis 'Bonita Scarlet' is a striking aster that immediately draws attention with its fully double, pompom-like flowers in an intense, fiery red. This variety combines exceptional ornamental value with practical cultivation characteristics, making it ideal for both home gardeners and professional growers seeking a reliable and decorative flower for their garden, border, or cut flower production.

Key features of Bonita Scarlet

• Fully double pompom flowers: Bonita Scarlet produces richly filled, round blooms that create a luxurious and opulent appearance. The flowers retain their shape and color as they age, making them long-lasting and decorative.

• Optimal flower angle: The flowers are placed at a perfect angle, which creates maximum visual impact, ideal for cut flowers, bouquets and borders.

• Large flower size: The flowers are similar in size to the Matsumoto aster, making them easy to integrate into existing breeding programs.

• Growing Time: Bonita Scarlet has a growing time about a week longer than Matsumoto, offering flexibility in flowering schedules and allowing for a longer period of color.

• Fusarium Tolerance: Like Matsumoto, Bonita Scarlet is resistant to Fusarium wilt, an important characteristic for healthy, long-term cultivation.

Cultivation and care advice

Asters, including Bonita Scarlet, are susceptible to Fusarium, a fungus that can damage roots and stems. The following guidelines are essential for successful cultivation:

• Annual location change: Change locations annually to prevent Fusarium build-up in the soil.

• Soil and drainage: Plant in well-drained soil and avoid overwatering. Poorly draining, wet soil increases the risk of root diseases.

• Sowing and planting: Pre-sowing is recommended, followed by transplanting young plants into the garden or greenhouse. Sowing in stages can ensure continuous flowering.

• Maintenance: Regular watering without flooding and removing wilted flowers promotes healthy growth and extends the flowering period.

Use in garden and as cut flower

• Borders and pots: Bonita Scarlet makes an impressive addition to borders, flower beds, and pots. Its deep red pompom flowers contrast beautifully with other summer and autumn bloomers.

• Cut flowers: Thanks to its sturdy stems and compact, round flowers, Bonita Scarlet is ideal for bouquets and flower arrangements. The flowers retain their color and shape after cutting, giving them long-lasting decorative value.

• Companion Planting: Bonita Scarlet can easily be combined with Matsumoto and other Bonita varieties, resulting in uniform and attractive flower production.

Benefits of Callistephus chinensis 'Bonita Scarlet'

• Fully double, pompom-like flowers in an intense red colour.

• Flowers retain their shape and color as they age.

• Optimal flower angle for maximum visual impact.

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

• Fusarium tolerance comparable to Matsumoto for healthy plants.

• Perfect for borders, garden planting and cut flowers.

Conclusion

Callistephus chinensis 'Bonita Scarlet' is the perfect aster for anyone looking for a combination of intense color, cut flower quality, and ease of cultivation. Its fully double, pompom-like red flowers, along with sturdy stems and long-lasting vase life, make Bonita Scarlet an excellent choice for gardeners, growers, and florists. Add Bonita Scarlet to your garden, borders, or bouquets and enjoy a long-lasting and vibrant display of flowers.