Chrysanthemum indicum aka Indian Chrysanthemum

Taxonomy

Chrysanthemum indicum, also known as Indian chrysanthemum, is a flowering plant in the Asteraceae family and the Chrysanthemum genus. It is an erect, woody-based, deciduous perennial that can grow up to 90cm (3ft) in height and has a spread of 50cm (20in). The plant features deeply divided, dark-green aromatic leaves. During late summer and autumn, it produces sprays of fully-double, white flowers with a lemon yellow center formed by the unfurling petals. These flowers are long-lasting in water and are perfect for cutting. Chrysanthemum indicum is winter hardy in most parts of the UK, but in colder areas, it is recommended to heavily mulch or lift the plant after flowering and keep it in cold, frost-free conditions until spring. This plant is one of the parents of the renowned 'Mothers Chrysanthemum'. It typically blooms from August to October and requires sunlight and moist soil for optimal growth. The flowers of Chrysanthemum indicum are usually yellow or white with yellow pollen. The name of the plant, Chrysanthemum, is derived from the Greek words 'chrysos' meaning 'gold' and 'anthos' meaning 'flower', referring to its golden flowers.

Common names

Indian Chrysanthemum, Chrysanthemum

How to care for Indian Chrysanthemum

Difficulty

Even if you don't have a green thumb, you can successfully care for Indian Chrysanthemum due to its easy-going nature.

Water

Indian Chrysanthemum should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Indian Chrysanthemum loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Indian Chrysanthemum thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Indian Chrysanthemum.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it's common for Indian Chrysanthemum to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

The toxicity level of this plant has not been officially confirmed by Ploi. If there is a possibility of ingestion of plant material with an uncertain toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a medical professional.


More info:
Wikipedia