Dendranthema indicum: The Wild Chrysanthemum That Divides Gardeners
Meet Dendranthema indicum, a plant that goes by many names and sparks plenty of debate in gardening circles. You might know it better by its former scientific name, Chrysanthemum indicum, or simply as wild chrysanthemum. This little yellow-flowered beauty has been winning over some gardeners while frustrating others for decades.
What Exactly Is Dendranthema indicum?
This perennial member of the daisy family hails from Eastern Asia, with its native range stretching across China, Japan, and Korea. The plant produces cheerful, small yellow daisy-like flowers that bloom from late summer into fall, often when many other plants are calling it quits for the season.
Standing about 1-3 feet tall and spreading 2-4 feet wide, this hardy plant has fine, deeply lobed leaves that give it an almost ferny appearance. It’s classified as hardy in USDA zones 5-9, making it suitable for a wide range of climates across the United States.
The Good: Why Some Gardeners Love It
There’s definitely a lot to appreciate about this Asian native:
- Late-season color: When most flowers are fading, these bright yellow blooms keep the show going well into fall
- Pollinator magnet: Bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects flock to the flowers
- Low maintenance: Once established, it’s quite drought tolerant and doesn’t demand much attention
- Adaptable: Happy in full sun to partial shade and tolerates various soil types as long as drainage is decent
The Not-So-Good: Potential Drawbacks
Here’s where things get interesting (and why some gardeners approach this plant with caution):
- Aggressive spreader: This plant can self-seed prolifically and spread beyond where you originally planted it
- Weedy tendencies: In some areas, it’s considered somewhat invasive or weedy
- Not native: If you’re focused on supporting local ecosystems with native plants, this Asian species won’t be your first choice
Growing Dendranthema indicum Successfully
If you decide to give this plant a try, here’s how to keep it happy:
Location and Soil: Plant in full sun to partial shade in well-draining soil. It’s not particularly picky about soil type but definitely doesn’t like soggy conditions.
Planting: Spring is the best time to plant. Space plants about 2-3 feet apart to allow for their spreading nature.
Care and Maintenance: Water regularly during the first growing season to help establish roots. After that, it’s quite drought tolerant. Cut the plants back after blooming to prevent excessive self-seeding if you’re concerned about spread.
Managing Spread: Keep an eye on this one! Deadhead flowers before they go to seed if you want to control its spread, or embrace the naturalized look if you have the space.
Consider Native Alternatives
If you love the idea of late-season yellow flowers but prefer native options, consider these alternatives:
- Bidens species (Bur Marigolds) – Native yellow fall bloomers
- Solidago species (Goldenrod) – Fantastic native fall color and pollinator plants
- Helenium autumnale (Sneezeweed) – Native with bright yellow fall flowers
The Bottom Line
Dendranthema indicum can be a valuable addition to naturalized gardens, cottage-style landscapes, or areas where you want reliable fall color with minimal fuss. Just go in with your eyes open about its spreading tendencies, and be prepared to manage it accordingly.
If you’re gardening primarily for native wildlife or in sensitive natural areas, you might want to skip this one in favor of native alternatives. But for gardeners who appreciate its late-season charm and don’t mind a plant with a bit of wanderlust, it can be a delightful (if spirited) garden companion.
Whatever you decide, remember that every garden is different, and what works wonderfully in one spot might be a challenge in another. Happy gardening!
