Description
Chrysanthemum Pure White (Chrysanthemum Paludosum) flowers are a delightful and versatile, perennial flowering plant apart of the Asteraceae family.
Chrysanthemum contains a natural insecticide chemical called Pyrethrin that naturally repels pests and kills a variety of insects that could be damaging to your garden, thus this plant is best used for pest control.
They produce white and yellow petals that encircle a golden center. The leaves are deeply lobed and feathery like, dark green in colour. The average height of Chrysanthemums is 60cm.
Chrysanthemum flowers are 100% edible, but the flavour varies widely from plant to plant, they can be sweet, tangy, bitter or even peppery.
Benefits
Produces a Natural Insecticide called Pyrethrin
- Pyrethrin is a natural neurotoxin that attacks the nervous system of all insects, however, is not harmful to mammals or birds.
- Pyrethrin is quickly becoming a first-choice pest control for many growers due to the fact that it is biodegradable, breaks down with light and oxygen exposure and it is completely natural.
- Chrysanthemum can be used to repel: aphids, leafhoppers, spider mites, harlequin bugs, ticks, pickle worms and root nematodes.
How to make your own Natural Chrysanthemum Insecticide Dust
- Harvest some fresh Chrysanthemum flowers from your garden.
- Ensure this is done before the flowers begin to wilt.
- Lay the harvested flowers out evenly in a well circulated area to dry.
- Once dried, grind/blend the flowers into a fine powder and store in a cool, dry place.
- Sprinkle the fine powder around the plants that are prone to pests when needed.
Companion Planting
- Acts as a trap crop for leaf miners and thrips, protecting neighbouring vegetables.
- Pairs well with brassicas, tomatoes, aubergines, beans, and cucurbits.
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Avoid planting with crops needing frequent root disturbance or deep cultivation.
Health benefits
- Chrysanthemums have been used in Chinese medicine for hundreds of years.
- Chrysanthemums are high in many vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
- Potassium: having enough potassium in the body can reduce the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, arthritis, cancer, digestive disorders, and infertility.
- Iron: this is vital for growth development as well as transporting oxygen through the blood.
- Chrysanthemums are also a great source of magnesium and phosphorus.
Garden Performance
- Thrives in well-drained soil with full sun, producing vigorous and extended flowering.
- Tolerant of mild South African drought periods once established, though regular watering boosts bloom longevity.
- Deer and rabbit resistant, offering lower maintenance and better longevity in wildlife-prone areas.
- Can be overwintered in frost-free zones like parts of the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal.
How To Use
Chrysanthemum Pure White flourishes under the following conditions:
- Season: Plant in late summer or early autumn for spring blooming, or late winter to spring for summer bloom.
- Temperature: 15-25°C
- Germinate: 10-18 days
- Depth: 3mm
- Spacing: 25 x 40cm
- Harvest: 90 - 110 days
- Height: 40-60cm
- Flowering Season: Spring through Autumn
- Exposure: Full Sun (at least 6 hours daily)
Ideal growing conditions:
- Well-drained loam or sandy-loam, enriched with compost; pH 6.0–7.5.
- Keep soil evenly moist but not soggy; mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Apply balanced organic fertiliser monthly or liquid feed every 2–3 weeks during flowering.
- Moderate, around 50–70%; ensure airflow to avoid fungal disease.
- Prefers moderate South African climates with good air circulation; avoid overly humid or stagnant zones to reduce mildew risk.
- Suitable for raised beds, border fronts, containers, and decorative mass plantings.
For placements of large order please contact us at: office@greenhouston.co.za.