Chrysanthemum arcticum

Sunset

Zones A1-A3, 1-10, 14-21, 32-45

Full

Moderate

Arctic Chrysanthemum
Asteraceae (Compositae)
Perennials, Flowers

CHRYSANTHEMUM

There are about 160 species of chrysanthemum, mostly native to China, Japan, and Europe. Included are some of the most popular and useful of garden plants—the top favorite being C. x grandiflorum, whose modern descendants are known as florists' chrysanthemums.

Taxonomists have split the Chrysanthemum into a number of new genera—and, in certain cases, changed their minds and returned some species to the original genus.

Chrysanthemum arcticum

Native to Alaska. Very hardy fall bloomer. Forms foot-wide clump of spoon-shaped, leathery, usually three-lobed leaves 1 to 3 in. long. Stems are 6 to 12 in. high, bear white or pinkish, 1 to 2-in. flowers. A group of hybrids known as Northland daisies has been developed from this species; they bear single flowers 3 in. or wider, in shades of pink, rose, rosy purple, and yellow. Chrysanthemum arcticum itself is primarily a rock garden plant. Taller-growing hybrids reach 16 to 20 in. and are best in borders.