Care of the rhizomatous plant Ajania pacifica or Gold and silver chrysanthemum |
The genus Ajania, family Asteraceae, includes 27 species of herbaceous plants native to Asia. Some species are: Ajania pacifica, Ajania truncata, Ajania purpurea, Ajania aureoglobosa, Ajania glomerata. Common names: Gold and silver chrysanthemum, Pacific chrysanthemum, Silver and gold chrysanthemum. Scientific synonym: Chrysanthemum pacificum. This species is native to Japan. They are herbaceous rhizomatous plants with a rounded bushy appearance that reach 60 cm (1.96 feet) in height. The elegant, lobed leaves are bright green with silver margins; in winter they acquire reddish tones. They produce corymbs with yellow flowers. They bloom in autumn and winter. Gold and silver chrysanthemum is used on edges, rockeries, slopes and flower beds. Ajania pacifica prefers full sun exposure but will also grow in partial shade. It resists drought well. The soil can be normal, well-drained garden soil with coarse sand. They also grow in poor but well-drained soils. Water moderately waiting for the substrate to dry completely; never flood. In winter reduce watering. Pacific chrysanthemum does not need fertilizer. Prune the flower stems after flowering and lightly trim the branches in spring to maintain a compact size. Ajania pacifica is a plant resistant to the usual pests and diseases but sensitive to excess moisture in the roots. Silver and gold chrysanthemum is easily propagated in spring by division and by stem cuttings. |
Images of the rhizomatous plant Ajania pacifica or Gold and silver chrysanthemum |