Arctic Daisy
Arctanthemum arcticum · Asteraceae
The gardener's calendar
Arctic daisy is in full bloom: enjoy it, watch watering in hot weather and let spent flowers feed pollinators before pruning.
ID card
- Family
- Asteraceae (Daisy family)
- Type
- Perennial herbaceous plant
- Adult height
- 25 cm
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Flowering
- July to September
- Exposure
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Very hardy (arctic zone)
- Origin
- Arctic and subarctic regions
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability high.
Expert tips
The key tip
Arctanthemum arcticum flowers very late (July-September): plant it in a sunny, dry spot away from greedy neighbors. Extremely hardy (-30°C), perfect for cold rock gardens and green roofs.
The common mistake
Overwatering or over-fertilizing makes it soft and leggy, pushing blooms back to October-November where early frosts catch them.
The pro's trick
Divide clumps every 3 years in April to boost vigor and prevent dieback at the center.
Care
Exposure
Arctic chrysanthemum demands full sun exposure to bloom abundantly and display its colors. Place it in an open location, without excessive shade. This plant thrives in cold regions and adapts remarkably well to the bright conditions found at high latitudes.
Watering
Water moderately and regularly during the growing season, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. During summer flowering, slightly increase watering if the climate is dry. Reduce watering in autumn and let your plant rest before winter.
Soil
Choose well-draining, light, and slightly acidic soil. This arctic plant prefers fresh, porous substrates similar to tundra soils. Improve drainage with sand or gravel if you're growing it in heavy soil.
Fertilizing
Apply balanced fertilizer in spring as vegetation starts. A light second application in early summer can support flowering. Avoid excess nitrogen, which would encourage lush foliage at the expense of flowers.
Pruning and cleanup
Pinch back young stems lightly in spring to encourage a more compact form. After autumn flowering, cut withered stems back to ground level. In late winter, clean up debris to allow new growth to emerge.
Diseases and pests
This hardy plant is generally little affected by diseases. Watch for stagnant moisture that could promote rot. Ensure good air circulation around the base and maintain optimal drainage to prevent fungal problems.
Did you know?
Arctic chrysanthemum grows naturally in the glacial regions of the north, where it blooms briefly during the short boreal summer. Its pink or white flowers, which brighten the tundra, fascinated polar explorers as a symbol of resilience in extreme conditions. This plant represents one of the few floral displays encountered at the coldest latitudes on Earth.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- SunflowerHelianthus annuus
- YarrowAchillea millefolium
- Ox-eye daisyLeucanthemum vulgare
- SneezewortAchillea ptarmica
- Canadian goldenrodSolidago canadensis
- WormwoodArtemisia absinthium
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.