Callistephus chinensis 'Princess Deep Red' – Robust, Beautiful Cut Aster

Callistephus chinensis 'Princess Deep Red' is a striking aster distinguished by its large, densely filled flowers in an intense deep red. This variety combines ornamental value, robustness, and excellent cut flower quality, making it ideal for both gardens and flower arrangements. The sturdy stems and compact flower shape ensure that Princess Deep Red retains its beauty and structure after cutting, making it a favorite choice for both home gardeners and professional florists.

Key Features of Princess Deep Red

• Large, densely filled flowers: The flowers are full and generous, with an intense red color and a striking bright yellow center that creates a beautiful contrast.

• Strong stems: The sturdy stems make this aster perfect for cut flowers, ensuring long-lasting blooms in bouquets and arrangements.

• Tolerant of difficult growing conditions: Princess Deep Red grows well under varying conditions and also performs in less than ideal soil or in changeable weather.

• Bright, striking colours: The deep red flowers with a yellow centre create a striking visual effect in borders, pots and flower arrangements.

• Long-lasting flowering: Blooms from mid-summer to early autumn, with the flowers retaining their colour and attractiveness throughout the flowering period.

Cultivation advice for optimal results

Asters are susceptible to Fusarium wilt, a fungal disease that can attack roots and stems. By following proper growing practices, you can ensure a healthy and decorative harvest:

• Site rotation: Change the location annually to prevent Fusarium buildup in the soil. Disinfect the soil if necessary.

• Water management: Avoid overwatering and poorly draining soil. Well-draining soil promotes strong root development and healthy plants.

• Sowing: Sow indoors from March to the end of April at approx. 20 °C, direct sowing outdoors is possible from the end of April.

• Care: Sowing thinly and thinning promotes even development. Regular watering and removing faded flowers encourages further flowering and prolongs the ornamental value.

Use in garden and as cut flower

• Borders and pots: Princess Deep Red adds color, texture, and depth to borders and planters. The intense red hue creates a striking focal point in mixed plantings.

• Cut flowers: Thanks to its strong stems and full blooms, this aster is ideal for bouquets, vase arrangements, and flower arrangements. The flowers retain their beauty and firmness long after cutting.

• Companion Planting: Princess Deep Red combines well with other asters or summer bloomers to create a colorful, layered effect in both garden and cut flower production.

Benefits of Callistephus chinensis 'Princess Deep Red'

• Large, densely filled flowers with a striking bright yellow center.

• Strong stems for long-lasting cut flowers.

• Robust and tolerant of difficult growing conditions.

• Ideal for borders, pots and cut flowers.

• Long lasting flowering from midsummer to early autumn.

• Suitable for both home gardeners and professional florists.

Conclusion

Callistephus chinensis 'Princess Deep Red' is a robust and graceful aster that excels in color, sturdiness, and cut flower quality. The large, densely filled flowers with deep red hues and bright yellow centers, along with the strong stems, make this variety perfect for both garden and cut flower use. Add Princess Deep Red to your garden or cut flower collection and enjoy long-lasting blooms, intense colors, and an elegant appearance from midsummer to autumn.