The Book of Annuals 33 



* ASTER, CHINA 

 Callistephns hortensis 



One of the most popular and highly developed an- 

 nuals. It is easily and safely transplanted, so that 

 it is an excellent plant for a reserve bed from which 

 to fill gaps. 



The orange rust, appearing on the under side of 

 the leaves, occasionally attacks the plants ; spray with 

 ammoniacal copper carbonate solution. (Make a thick 

 paste of 3 oz. copper carbonate with water in a 

 wooden vessel; add to this 5 pints strong ammonia — 

 26° Baume — diluted with 3 or 4 parts water; stir 

 and add water to make 50 gals.) If attacked by 

 black beetles (about Aug. 1) knock these into a pan 

 of kerosene. Dig wood ashes in to keep aphis from 

 the root. Mulch in dry weather with grass clippings 

 to protect the shallow roots. 



Seeds may be sown under glass by Feb. 15 and the 

 plants set out by May 1. The plants will withstand 

 some frost. 



Color: various. 



Height: two feet. 



Period of Bloom: August to October; late asters, 



September to October. 

 Location: light rich soil; sun. 



