Chrysanthemum arcticum, the arctic chrysanthemum
Would you like to plant Chrysanthemums in your garden for autumn flowers, but you're short of space? Opt for Chrysanthemum arcticum. This variety, native to North America, Russia and Japan, is much less bulky than autumn Daisy (Chrysanthemum rubellum) or florist's Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium).
How to recognize Chrysanthemum arcticum?
Chrysanthemum arcticum is only 30 centimetres high. It's a flowering perennial with a bushy habit that can spread out to 40 centimetres and form a ground cover.
The branched stems are covered with green, glossy leaves. Toothed, cut or whole, they are no more than five centimetres long.
Flowering starts at the end of August and lasts until October. Daisy-like flower heads bloom on flexible flower stalks. In the botanical variety, long white petals surround a yellow heart. There are also cultivars with yellow or pink flowers.
Chrysanthemums are toxic to animals. Ingestion of leaves and stems causes digestive problems, particularly in dogs and cats. In humans, the foliage can cause allergic reactions on contact with the skin.
Our maintenance tips
Arctic Chrysanthemums are hardy plants. Nevertheless, avoid wetting their foliage when watering them. This will reduce the development of diseases such as rust and powdery mildew.
Watering
Arctic Chrysanthemums appreciate moderate, regular watering. Between two applications of water, leave the potting soil to dry out by two or three centimetres. Check this simply by touching the soil.
Always use water at room temperature to avoid thermal shock, which can damage the roots.
Be sure to remove any standing water in the saucer or planter.
Repotting
In spring, transfer your Chrysanthemum arcticum to a larger pot, so that it can continue to grow.
Obtain a pierced pot suitable for the size of your Arctic Chrysanthemum. Choose one deep enough (around 20 centimetres) for the roots to develop.
Line the bottom with a bed of clay balls to promote drainage, then add a layer of potting soil for flowering plants. Plant your Arctic Chrysanthemum, the root ball should be a few centimetres below the edge of the pot. Fill in with substrate.
Water generously to remove air bubbles and help the plant take root.
Fertilization
You can stimulate the growth of your plant during its growth phase, in spring and summer, with fertilizer.
Apply a flowering plant fertilizer diluted with water. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to avoid burning the foliage.
Prune
Using clean, sharp pruning shears, cut back the clumps to within ten centimetres of the ground.
Plantation
Once the last spring frosts have passed, you can plant.
Basin your Arctic Chrysanthemum to rehydrate it.
Choose a sunny spot and dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball. If you're planting several specimens, space them at least 50 centimetres apart. Remove any stones, weeds or other branches that might hinder root development. Place a little compost at the bottom of the hole.
Plant your plant. The top of the rootball should be level with the ground. Fill in with garden soil. If your soil is heavy, add a little sand to lighten it and improve drainage.
You can mulch the base with a mineral material to keep it warm in winter and cool in summer. Water generously to encourage rooting.
Cutting
Dig up your Arctic Chrysanthemum without damaging the roots. Using your spade or a suitable tool, cut the plant into at least two parts.
Transplant or repot the two parts in the desired locations.
Diseases / Threats
Information
Family | Asteraceae - Asteraceae |
Type | Chrysanthemum - Chrysanthemum |
Species | Arctic Chrysanthemum - Chrysanthemum arcticum |
Lifecycle | Perennial |
Foliage | Evergreen |
Exposure | |
Substrat | |
Planting methods |
Open ground In pots In tubs |
Category | |
Tags |
Beginner Flowery Rustic Toxic |
Origins |
North Asia Northern Europe North America |
Hardiness (USDA) | 5a |
Leaf color |
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Flower colors |
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