Chrysanthemum morifolium 'Gong Ju Hua'

Common name(s): Chinese chrysanthemum

Description: perennial; a very late-blooming (November) Chinese chrysanthemum from the Anhui province also known as the tribute chrysanthmum (for the ancient emperors of China). It has been cultivated for 3,000 years and perhaps longer. There are 4 cultigens noted as having superior flowers for making chrysanthemum tea (bo ju hua, chu ju hua, gong ju hua, and hang ju hua). Each cultigen has its own lore and unique uses in traditional Chinese medicine. We harvest full, open flowers in the late morning when they are most potent  and then 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