Lelka is an aster variety from the Unicum group, distinguished by its upright and inverted-pyramidal bush form. The adult plant reaches a height of about 60–70 cm, and the flowers are snow-white with a double-flowered structure featuring a characteristic "topper" of thin tubes that cover the center of the bud. Typically, up to 15 buds form on one stem, blooming simultaneously to create an impressive pyramid in the garden or on a flowerbed.
The blooming period of Lelka begins in June and continues until the end of September, making it ideal for decorating gardens in late summer and early autumn. The flowers retain their decorative qualities even after cutting, and the aroma resembles the sweetness of fresh summer, suitable for both live flowerbeds and bouquets. The plant prefers sunny locations with moderately moist soil; optimal planting depth is 5 cm, with a distance between plants of about 30 cm.
Lelka is resistant to fusarium and other adverse weather conditions. For cultivation, seeds can be sown in a greenhouse or cold frame in March–April, or directly into the ground in April–May. At temperatures of 18–21 °C, seedlings appear within 10–15 days. The plant requires moderate watering and regular weed removal to avoid diseases. Thanks to its durability and attractive appearance, Lelka is excellent for simple plantings, high borders, and decorative flowerbeds.
