Indian chrysanthemum

Also known as: Japanese chrysanthemum; winter aster

An upright deciduous, perennial species, producing stems to 60cm (2ft) high on a plant 60cm (2ft) across, with deeply divided and sweetly aromatic leaves. They have a fragrance reminiscent of lemon and chamomile. Single yellow daisy flowers are produced from August to October. The leaves are used for making a herbal tea, while the strongly fragrant flower heads are pickled and used as a condiment is Asian cuisine.

Scientific classification

Species: Indian chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum indicum)
Genus: Chrysanthemum
Family: Asteraceae

Skin allergen. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Toxicity: Herbaceous Perennial
Plant type: 0.5-1 metres
Height: 0.5-1 metres
Spread: Deciduous
Foliage: Bushy · Clump forming
Habit: Spring · Summer · Autumn
Season of interest: Full sun
Sunlight: Information to be completed
Ideal temperature

Indian chrysanthemum pictures

Distribution of Indian chrysanthemum

Distribution map

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Culture

Information to be completed

Toxicity

Skin allergen. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling

Quick identification of Indian chrysanthemum

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Indian chrysanthemum care guide

Moderate regular watering, allowing brief slight drying between soakings
Watering: Full sun
Sunlight: Information to be completed
Ideal temperature

Watering

Moderate regular watering, allowing brief slight drying between soakings

Fertilizing

Balanced perennial feed every four weeks from spring through summer

Pruning

Once flowering is over in late autumn, cut the whole plant down to 20cm (8in) tall.

Propagation

Propagate by seed and basal softwood cuttings from overwintered stools in late winter or early spring. Cuttings should be rooted in a loamless compost the surface of which is covered with dry sand and kept in a temperature of 16°C. Place in a cold frame after first rooting and protect from frost. Harden off in mid spring. Established clumps may be propagated by division in spring.

Growing

Grow in a well-drained, fertile, moisture-retentive soil in full sun. In cool regions, lift the plants in autumn, before the first frosts and store the crowns in trays of just moist compost in frost-free conditions until spring. In areas where temperatures fall no lower than -5˚C (23˚F) in winter, plants may be left in the ground and protected by a thick mulch over winter, carefully removing this in spring, after the risk of frosts has passed.

More growing and care information →