Arctanthemum
( ark - TAN - the - mum )
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At-A-Glance InformationArctanthemum, commonly known as Arctic Daisy, is a small genus of cold-climate-loving daisy flowers that can grow in the harshest of environments, including the Arctic tundra. They form mounds or clumps of foliage of varying leaf types and flowers generally bloom in spring and summer. Use these as groundcovers, additions to potted gardens, in rock gardens, and in alpine gardens.
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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 A1-A3, 1-10 and 14-21 (to find your zone, click here: Zone Map).
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Arctanthemum arcticum Also called Arctic Daisy, this chrysanthemum relative is native to Alaska and is very cold-hardy. They need full sun and regular water and forma a mound of dark green leaves which produces stems 6-12 inches tall topped with white or pink daisy-form blooms. Varietal 'Roseum' has pink flowers. |
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Arctanthemum integrifolium (Entire-Leaved Daisy) This sub-arctic plant grows in Alaska, northern Canada, Greenland, and eastern Russia. It forms a basal rosette of leaves, and has white daisy flowers with yellow centers. It reaches just under 5 inches tall at maturity and grows well in gravelly sites or arctic tundra. |
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Arctanthemum yezoense (Dendranthema yezoense) (Hardy 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 zones 5-9 1A-7, 9, and 16-22. Best in full sun to partial shade, but in warmer areas may need some afternoon shade. |
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Caring for arctanthemum
Plant your Arctic Daisy in full sun to partial shade. The spot should receive at least 6 hours of direct sun each day for best performance and flowering. Well-draining soil is crucial for these plants; they do well in rocky soils with slightly acidic to neutral pH levels. Amend soil with compost before planting if soil is compacted or too clay. 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. These flowers don't require fertilizing, though if you are growing a pink-flowering variety, these need to be fed regularly during the blooming season to ensure color retention.
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. Mulch around the base of these plants to help protect roots over the winter months, to suppress weed growth and increase soil moisture retention. Consider dividing these plants every few years to rejuvenate them and revive their vigor.
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. Mulch around the base of these plants to help protect roots over the winter months, to suppress weed growth and increase soil moisture retention. Consider dividing these plants every few years to rejuvenate them and revive their vigor.
Propagation
Arctic Daisy us best propagated either by seed or by division in springtime. To propagate your plant, follow the instructions below:
Propagating Arctanthemum by Seed
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:
Propagating Arctanthemum by Seed
- 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. If you don't have any potting medium on hand, you can make some. Just mix together equal parts (by volume) moss peat and horticultural-grade sand or grit sand. You will also, after a few weeks, need individual 3-inch pots for each seedling that grows.
- 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 your spray bottle. Place your tray of seeds 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 7-14 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 your fork about an inch and a half, gently working the seedling up until it is out. Then, replant the seedling in its individual pot.
- 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:
- Using a shovel, dig up your existing plant. Start from the outside and work your way in to avoid damaging the roots. Once you have worked it up out of the ground, lay it out.
- Start to tease apart the roots with your gloved fingers. Once the roots are untangled, separate your plant into segments.
- 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.
- 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
These plants are not susceptible to most common garden pests and diseases, as they grow in cooler climates. They can be scorched from the sun or undergo wilting in response to hot environments. Common garden issues to stay on the look out for, however, include:
- Aphids
- Slugs and Snails
- Powdery Mildew
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Resources
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Page 164, Arctanthemum articum
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