Genus: Chrysanthemum

Common Names: chrysanthemums

A genus of around 36 species that typically bloom in autumn. They have been cultivated and bred in China for over 3,000 years and are culturally significant across East Asia as well as in other parts of the world. There are over 20,000 cultivars in existence, mostly grown as ornamentals. There are several species grown for culinary use and as traditional medicine.

Distribution: widespread around the Northern Hemisphere

Chrysanthemum ×morifolium 'Bo Ju Hua'

Common name(s): Chinese chrysanthemum, bo ju hua, tea chrysanthemum

Description: perennial; a late-blooming (November) Chinese tea chrysanthemum from Bozhou in the Anhui province. We harvest full, open flowers in the late morning when they are most potent and store them in a dark, dry place indoors for later consumption. 

Height: to 3 ft. Spread: to 3 ft.

Position: full sun and well-draining soil

Uses: medicine, culinary- herbal tea

Winter Hardiness: to 5 F and below

Chrysanthemum ×morifolium 'Gong Ju Hua'

Common name(s): Chinese chrysanthemum, gong ju hua

Description: perennial; a late-blooming (late November) Chinese chrysanthemum from the Anhui province also known as the tribute chrysanthemum (for the ancient emperors of China). We harvest full, open flowers in the late morning when they are most potent and store them in a dark, dry place indoors for later consumption.

Height: to 3 ft. Spread: to 3 ft.

Position: full sun and well-draining soil

Uses: medicine, culinary- herbal tea

Winter Hardiness: to 5 F and below