Chrysanthemum indicum Anastasia

Chrysanthemum x indicum Anastasia, more commonly known as Garden Chrysanthemum, is a late-flowering variety that is highly decorative. From September onwards numerous floral buds open into small pink flowers, grouped in dense clusters. Reaching a height of 70 to 100 cm (28 to 39in), this perennial plant forms floriferous clumps in most climates, at a time when blooms are scarce. It also makes for stunning indoor bouquets.

The Garden Chrysanthemum belongs to the large Asteraceae family, which includes nearly 33,000 different species! Also known as Compositae, it includes native plants (daisies, dandelions) as well as highly prized horticultural varieties in gardens and floristry. The Chrysanthemum x indicum (or Dendranthema x indicum) is a plant native to East Asia, cultivated since ancient times in China, Japan, and Korea, and is the origin of florist chrysanthemums.

Anastasia is a truly charming variety. This fast-growing plant forms a clump that reaches a height of 70 cm (28in) to 100 cm (39in), with a width of about 50 cm (20in). Flowering takes place from September to early November depending on the climate, and it spreads over several weeks. The plant is covered with numerous daisy-like flowers, the very double corollas are actually capitula of approximately 3 cm (1in) in diameter and larger, grouped in clusters called corymbs at the ends of the stems. The dark pink floral buds give rise to flowers with a romantic magenta pink colour, enhanced by a golden yellow centre. The leaves are borne on short petioles measuring 1 to 2 cm (0 to 1in) in length. The oval lamina measures 5 to 7 cm (2 to 3 in) in length and 4 cm (2 in) in width. It is lobed, somewhat resembling an oak leaf, and has a matte medium green colour. The root system of this plant is a superficial rhizome. The above-ground vegetation dries out in winter and regrows in spring.

Garden chrysanthemums are valuable for enhancing the garden during a period with few blooms. They will coexist well with their cousins, the Asters, with dwarf or low-growing varieties that can be planted in the foreground. They also pair well with ornamental grasses such as Stipa pulcherrima with its long silver inflorescences swaying in the slightest breeze, or Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Gelbstiel' with its fluffy plumes blooming from spring to autumn. In the background, you can choose from a wide range of plants with foliage that takes on beautiful autumn colours, such as Cotinus. This chrysanthemum is also a good flower for cutting, and it lasts very well in a vase.

The aerial parts of Chrysanthemum indicum (flowers, leaves, and stems) are part of Chinese pharmacopoeia. They are used in traditional medicine for the treatment of dizziness, symptoms of hypertension, and several infectious diseases. Chrysanthemum comes from the Greek words "Chrysos" (gold) and "anthemon" (flowered) because originally, the cultivated plant had golden blooms.