Kalimeris incisa

Kalimeris incisa is a perennial in the daisy family, Asteraceae. Gardeners also know it as Japanese cutleaf aster. Older names include Aster incisus and Boltonia incisa. Its native range spans southeastern Siberia, northern China, Korea, and Japan. It grows in temperate parts of Asia. In central and southern Japan, it grows in lowland meadows and waste ground. It is not native to Britain or Ireland.

The plant forms upright clumps with leafy stems that branch. Its leaves fall away at the end of the season. Garden plants reach about 3.3–4.9 feet [1–1.5 metres] tall. Their spread reaches 1.6–3.3 feet [0.5–1 metre]. The Chicago Botanic Garden reports plants reaching 5 feet [1.52 metres]. Plants take two to five years to reach full size. The branching stems carry daisy-like flowerheads with pale purple or white rays. Their centres range from golden yellow to greenish yellow. Each head can measure about 0.13 feet [0.04 metres] across.

Flowers appear from early summer into autumn, according to the RHS. In Chicago, blue flowers bloom from August through October. These reports show that colour and bloom dates can vary. Butterflies visit the flowers. Gardeners can use this plant in beds, borders, and meadow plantings. It also suits cottage gardens, coastal gardens, and city courtyards. The RHS lists it for containers and cut flowers. Chicago also lists its use as groundcover.

Grow it in sun or light shade, with soil that drains well. It prefers moist soil with a moderate level of fertility. Clay, loam, and sand all suit it. It accepts acid, neutral, and alkaline soil. Chicago reports tolerance of heat, humid weather, and drought. This does not replace its preference for moist growing conditions. The RHS rates its cold hardiness as H7. Chicago lists USDA zones 4–8. Divide clumps in spring, or take softwood cuttings from the base. Division every third year can help keep plants vigorous. Cut stems near ground level in late autumn.

Possible pests include leaf and bud eelworms, slugs, and snails. Diseases include Verticillium wilt, powdery mildew, and grey mould. PFAF records cooked leaves and young plants as edible. It gives the plant a low food-use rating. PFAF lists no known hazards or medicinal uses.