Chinese Chrysanthemum – Gong-ju-hua (quart pot)

Description

Hardy Perennial (zones 5-10). Evergreen subshrub native to China, an ancient cultigen that cannot be propagated by seed.

This is a choice cultivar from Strictly Medicinals, with small, fall to early winter blossoming (significantly later than the Bo-ju-hua cultivar) clusters of flowers of yellow and cream. Strong flavor, taste sweet to slightly bitter, a superior flower for making Chrysanthemum tea.

Prefers sun and well-drained garden soil with frequent watering. Space plants 2 feet apart. Will probably need some staking to keep flowering branches nice and clean.

In one season, my first year old plant produced a whole tray of blossoms…