Arctanthemum

( ark - TAN - the - mum )

At-A-Glance Information

Arctanthemum, commonly known as Arctic Daisy, is a small genus of cold-climate-loving flowers that can grow in the harshest of environments, including the Arctic tundra. They form mounds or clumps of foliage of varying leaf types. Flowers generally bloom in spring and summer and are white or pink. Use these flowers as groundcovers, additions to container gardens, in rock gardens or in alpine gardens. Take care when planting these flowers in the landscape, as plant parts can be toxic to pets of ingested.

arctanthemum species and varietals

The genus Arctanthemum is a member of the plant family Asteraceae, and includes three species. The best growing zones for Arctanthemum are USDA hardiness zones 3-8 or Sunset growing zones A1-A3, 1-10 and 14-21 (to find your zone, click here: Zone Map).

Arctanthemum arcticum (Chrysanthemum arcticum, Dendranthema arctica)
This species is native to Alaska and is very cold-hardy. These flowers need full sun and regular water to perform well in the landscape and form a mound of dark green leaves with flowering stems 6-12 inches tall topped with white or pink daisy-form blooms. Cultivar 'Roseum' has pink blossoms.​

Arctanthemum integrifolium (Entire-Leaved Daisy, Wholeleaf Daisy, Arctic Daisy)
This sub-arctic plant grows in Alaska, northern Canada, Greenland, and eastern areas of Russia. It forms a basal rosette of green leaves, and produces white daisy flowers with yellow centers atop short stems. These plants reach just under 5 inches tall at maturity and grow well in gravelly substrate.

Arctanthemum yezoense (Dendranthema yezoense) (Hardy Chrysanthemum, Hokkaido Chrysanthemum)
This groundcover-type species forms a mat of fleshy green leaves and produces white daisy flowers with yellow centers. Great as a border edging or in pots. This species is native to Japan's Kuril Islands and grows well in USDA hardiness zones 5-9 or Sunset growing zones 5-9 1A-7, 9 and 16-22. These flowers perform best in full sun to partial shade, but in warmer climates may need some afternoon shade.

Caring for arctanthemum

Take care when planting these flowers in the landscape, as plant parts can be toxic to pets of ingested. Plant Arctic Daisies in full sun to partial shade. The planting area should receive at least 6 hours of direct sun each day for best performance and flowering, and in warmer climates these flowers should receive some shade in the late afternoon when temperatures are at their peak. Well-draining soil is crucial for these plants; they do well in rocky soils with slightly acidic to neutral pH levels (between 5.0 and 7.5). Amend soil with compost before planting if soil is compacted or too clayey. Apply a layer of mulch around the planting area to suppress weed growth, maintain consistent soil temperatures, and to increase soil moisture retention. These flowers, although drought-tolerant once established, will need regular waterings as they mature and during dry spells and hot weather. Water deeply but infrequently to encourage deep root growth when plants are established.

Fertilize yearly in early springtime with an application of 2 inches of compost around the base of plants. Pull mulch back before applying, work the compost gently into the soil a bit, water it in, and then replace mulch. Pink-flowering varieties may need more frequent fertilizations than those with white flowers to keep their color. Prune back foliage in late fall after it has died back to neaten up the appearance of the plant. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to keep the blooms coming over a longer season. Consider dividing these plants every few years to rejuvenate them and revive their vigor. For instructions on how to successfully divide an Arctic Daisy plant, see the Propagation section below.

Propagation

Arctanthemum is best propagated either by seed or by division in springtime. To propagate your Arctic Daisy, follow the instructions below:

Propagating Arctanthemum by Seed
  1. Keep in mind that the plant you get from seed will not necessarily mimic all of the characteristics of the parent plant. To propagate by seed, you will need a paper bag, a pot or tray filled with well-draining compost or other organic material, a spray bottle and a fork. The best potting medium for seed germination is a light blend of 1/3 pasteurized soil or compost, 1/3 sand, vermiculite or perlite, and 1/3 coconut coir or peat moss.
  2. Water your prepared seed tray or pot filled with soil, and ensure that good drainage is occurring. Place your seeds in your prepared pot or seed tray about a quarter inch to a half-inch under the soil surface. Cover them with soil and water with a spray bottle to avoid dislodging them. Place the tray in a warm area that receives bright, indirect light. A greenhouse is the most ideal climate, but a planting tray inside a window will do as well. Germination usually takes 10-21 days from sowing. Once you begin to see seedlings sprout and they are able to be handled, transplant them to their own individual 3-inch pots, filled with the same potting medium as described in Step 1. Loosen the seedlings from the potting medium by digging down with the tines of a fork about an inch and a half, gently working the seedling up until it is out. Then, replant the seedling in its individual pot.
  3. Keep the seedling's potting medium moist, but not wet, by spraying the soil with your spray bottle. Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring (after the danger of frost has passed), when you can transplant it to its new home.

Propagating Arctanthemum by Division
This type of propagation is relatively simple; you will need a clean shovel, mulch, fresh soil (any kind will do, though it does need to be well-draining), compost, and pots (12 inch pots will do, and these are only necessary if you will be saving divided plants for transporting elsewhere). Division is best done in spring or fall (after the plant has entered dormancy and been cut to the ground, but before it has begun its new spring growth), and needs to be done every few years regardless of whether you have the goal of propagating the plants for best performance. To propagate by division, follow these steps:
  1. Using a shovel, dig up your existing plant. Start from the outside and work your way in to avoid damaging the roots. Once it is out of the ground, lay it out.
  2. Start to tease apart the roots with your fingers. Once the roots are untangled, separate your plant into segments.
  3. Prepare your pot(s) or new planting site(s) with amended, well-draining soil. You can either bring in new soil or simply amend your existing soil with compost to complete this task. Then, plant your divided rhizomes about an inch under the soil surface and water thoroughly.
  4. Apply a thick layer of mulch over the new planting to protect it from cold weather as it acclimates to its new home. Then, enjoy watching it sprout.

Problems and Pests

Arctanthemum plants are not susceptible to many common garden issues, thought they can be scorched from the sun or undergo wilting in response to hot environments, opening them up to damage from the following pests and diseases:
  • Aphids
  • Slugs and Snails
  • Powdery Mildew
For more information on these issues, including how to eradicate them, see the following pages:
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Resources

Chrysanthemum yezoense Hardy Mum
Wikipedia: Arctanthemum
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Page 164, Arctanthemum articum