Aster yomena, commonly known as kalimeris or Japanese aster, is a herbaceous perennial native to open woodlands and grassy areas in Korea and Japan. It typically grows to a height of 1.5 feet (45 cm) and is hardy in USDA zones 5 through 8. The plant features lance-shaped, green leaves and bears daisy-like flowers with pale blue to violet petals and yellow centers, blooming from mid-summer to early fall. The flowers are modestly showy and attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

Kalimeris is valued for its low maintenance requirements and its ability to thrive in a variety of garden settings, including borders and cottage gardens. It is also used as a ground cover due to its spreading habit. This plant prefers full sun to part shade and requires well-drained soil. It is drought-tolerant once established and can handle occasional wet soils. ’Shogun’, a variegated cultivar, is sought after for its attractive foliage and is widely available in the horticultural trade. While generally disease-resistant, Aster yomena can occasionally suffer from fungal issues in overly moist conditions. It is not known for aggressive roots or invasiveness.CC BY-SA 4.0