Chrysanthemum pacificum (Ajania pacifica)
Chrysanthemum pacificum, widely treated today as Ajania pacifica, is a compact perennial grown mainly for its silver‑edged leaves. It stands out for very late, button‑like yellow blooms over handsome foliage. It performs best in full sun to light shade with excellent drainage. Plants form low mounds that slowly widen by short rhizomes. It is reliably hardy in much of the Upper Midwest and Northeast with winter mulch in exposed sites. Wet winter soils can be fatal.
At‑a‑glance
- Group/Class: Ajania (formerly Chrysanthemum)
- Height × spread: 12–24 in (30–60 cm) × 12–36 in (30–90 cm)
- Bloom window: October to November
- Color & flower form: yellow button clusters; foliage with silver margins
- Fragrance: 1 trace
- USDA hardiness: zones 5–9
- Breeder / Year / Origin: unknown
- Pet safety: avoid
How it differs
- Grown primarily for variegated foliage rather than showy blooms.
- Later bloom than typical garden mums.
- Compact, slowly spreading habit suits edging and containers.
- Tolerates lean soils if drainage is sharp.
Strengths
- Attractive foliage for three seasons.
- Cold hardy in much of the northern U.S.
- Few serious insect or disease problems reported.
- Handles full sun to light shade.
Care in one minute
- Site in full sun to light shade with well‑drained, even gritty soil.
- Water regularly the first season; reduce once established.
- Feed lightly in spring.
- Pinch in early summer if stems elongate.
- Mulch in USDA zone 5 and avoid winter‑wet locations.
Watch‑outs
- Losses occur in winter‑wet soils.
- Flower display is modest compared to florist mums.
- Can spread into a low colony if not divided.
Best uses (tags)
borders, ground cover, containers, fall interest, coastal gardens
Provenance note
Native to coastal Japan; also listed as Dendranthema pacificum and Chrysanthemum pacificum in older references.
References
- Missouri Botanical Garden – Plant Finder: Ajania pacifica
- Kew – Plants of the World Online: Ajania pacifica
- RHS – How to grow chrysanthemums (general care cues)
- ASPCA – Chrysanthemum toxicity to pets (genus‑level guidance)
Written by: Your Flowers Guide editorial team
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