Kalimeris-Orphanage Plant, Japanese Aster

Propagating Kalimeris or Orphanage Plant should be done every 3 years and that is accomplished by digging up then dividing the clump in either spring or fall. It prefers a moist well drained soil with morning sun and afternoon shade, is deer resistant and butterflies enjoy its nectar. Depending on the variety its blooms can be white, blue or lavender and reaches a height of 2'-3'. Normally it is a warm zone perennial, but with protection could survive in Zone 5 and blooms May through August. It is evergreen and the old plant should be cut back in the spring to induce new growth.