Chrysanthemum zawadskii aka Zawadski's Chrysanthemum

Chrysanthemum zawadskii is a compact, clump-forming perennial that typically grows 30-45 cm (12-18 inches) tall with a spread of about 30 cm (1 foot). The plant grows from woody, purplish creeping rhizomes and will gradually spread to form colonies in optimal conditions. Individual flowers measure approximately 6 cm (2⅜ inches) across. Growth rate is moderate, and plants benefit from division every 2-3 years to maintain vigor.

Chrysanthemum zawadskii has an extensive native range spanning from Eastern Central Europe to temperate Asia. It occurs naturally in the Carpathian and Ural Mountains of Europe, throughout Siberia (including the extremely cold Kamchatka Peninsula), Mongolia, northern China, Korea, and Japan. The species inhabits diverse environments including alpine slopes, stream banks, forest understories, grasslands, and open rocky places, demonstrating remarkable ecological adaptability.

Chrysanthemum zawadskii is exceptionally cold-hardy, originating from regions including the Kamchatka Peninsula where temperatures can drop to -40°C. It reliably survives USDA zones 3-9 and UK hardiness zone H4 (-10 to -5°C). In zones 4-5, retain top growth over winter and apply loose mulch for protection. The plant can tolerate summer heat in zone 9 but appreciates afternoon shade in hot southern climates to prevent stress.

Chrysanthemum zawadskii tolerates average outdoor humidity levels and doesn't have specific humidity requirements as a garden perennial. Good air circulation is important to prevent fungal diseases like powdery mildew and botrytis, which can develop in overly humid, stagnant conditions. In humid climates, ensure adequate plant spacing and avoid overhead watering to keep foliage dry.

For garden plants, mulching with garden compost or well-rotted organic matter in spring provides sufficient nutrients. Container-grown plants benefit from liquid seaweed fertilizer during active growth, switching to a high-potassium feed (such as tomato fertilizer) when flower buds form to encourage abundant blooms. Avoid excessive nitrogen, which promotes leggy growth at the expense of flowers.

Division is the easiest propagation method—lift and divide established clumps every 2-3 years in spring or fall, separating sections with healthy roots and shoots. Basal softwood cuttings taken in spring from vigorous new shoots root quickly within 3 weeks; cut 5-10 cm stems below a leaf node, remove lower leaves, and optionally dip in rooting hormone. Seeds can be sown in spring where they are to grow, though seedlings may vary from the parent plant.

Chrysanthemum zawadskii produces daisy-like flowers from August through November, with peak blooming in fall. Each flower measures approximately 6 cm (2⅜ inches) across, featuring pristine white ray florets surrounding a golden-yellow central disc. Flowers appear solitarily or occasionally in loose clusters (corymbs). Pinching stems back in late May through early July delays flowering and promotes bushier growth with more blooms.

Chrysanthemum zawadskii has aromatic foliage containing essential oils with a characteristic herbal scent. Scientific analysis identified the main volatile compounds as borneol (12.96%), camphor (10.54%), and various terpenes, giving the leaves and flowers a distinctive medicinal-herbal fragrance when crushed. The cultivar 'Clara Curtis' is specifically noted for having fragrant pink flowers.

'Clara Curtis' is the most widely grown variety, discovered in Wales in 1929, featuring luminous pale pink flowers with a touch of lilac and notable fragrance. 'Mary Stoker' produces bronze-yellow flowers with bright yellow centers and has been popular for over 50 years. Both cultivars are valued for exceptional cold tolerance, informal charm, and long-lasting blooms. These and other Korean chrysanthemum hybrids were developed by crossing C. zawadskii with C. × morifolium.

Chrysanthemum zawadskii is an outdoor garden perennial, hardy in USDA zones 3-9 and UK zone H4. It reliably overwinters in northern climates where florist mums fail. Plant in full sun in fertile, well-drained soil that stays consistently moist. The species tolerates rabbit and deer browsing and attracts butterflies. In zones 4-5, provide winter mulch protection.

Pinch or cut back growing tips from late May through early July when plants reach about 20 cm tall to encourage bushier growth, more branches, and delayed but more abundant fall flowering. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to extend the blooming period. After flowering ends in late fall, cut the entire plant back to about 15-20 cm (6-8 inches). In cold zones, leave some top growth over winter for protection, then tidy in spring.

Container-grown Chrysanthemum zawadskii should be repotted or divided every 2-3 years in spring when new growth emerges. Use a pot at least 30 cm in diameter with good drainage. Refresh the soil using fertile, well-draining potting mix (peat-free John Innes No. 2 or similar). Divide overcrowded clumps at repotting time to maintain plant vigor and prevent decline.

In spring, divide established clumps if needed and apply organic mulch. During summer, pinch back stems in May-July for compact growth, maintain consistent moisture, and begin high-potassium feeding when buds form. In fall, enjoy the blooms and deadhead to prolong flowering. After frost, cut back stems to 15-20 cm. For winter in zones 4-5, retain some top growth and apply loose mulch; in milder areas, plants need no special protection.

Common pests include aphids, thrips, spider mites, earwigs, leaf miners, and slugs/snails. Diseases to watch for include chrysanthemum white rust, powdery mildew, grey mould (botrytis), leaf spots, stem and root rots, verticillium wilt, aster yellows, and various viruses. Ensure good air circulation, avoid overhead watering, remove infected material promptly, and practice crop rotation to minimize problems.

Chrysanthemum zawadskii is pollinated by insects, particularly bees and butterflies. The daisy-like flower heads provide easy access for pollinators, with the yellow central disc florets offering nectar and pollen. Missouri Botanical Garden notes the plant 'attracts butterflies', making it valuable for pollinator gardens. The open flower structure is typical of the Asteraceae family's insect-pollination strategy.

Known as 'Gu-jeol-cho' in Korea, Chrysanthemum zawadskii has been used in traditional Asian medicine for centuries. It treats respiratory conditions (pneumonia, bronchitis, cough, common cold), digestive disorders (gastroenteritis), hypertension, bladder diseases, pharyngitis, and women's health issues including menstrual irregularity. Modern research has confirmed anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer properties, attributed to active compounds including linarin, apigenin, acacetin, and luteolin.

Beyond ornamental and medicinal applications, Chrysanthemum zawadskii has several additional uses. The aromatic essential oils (containing borneol, camphor, and terpenes) have potential in food flavoring and pharmaceutical industries. Extracts are used in cosmetics for skin conditioning. Horticulturally, the species has great importance as breeding stock—it was crossed with C. × morifolium to develop frost-hardy Korean chrysanthemums that reliably overwinter in cold climates.

With a bit of knowledge and dedication, you can successfully care for Zawadski's Chrysanthemum, making it a rewarding choice for those seeking a moderate challenge.

Zawadski's Chrysanthemum should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Zawadski's 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.

Zawadski's 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 Pireo Giku.

No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.