Dendranthema lavandulifolium
At a glance
- Lifecycle
- Perennial (hardy)
- Exposure
- Full sun
- Frost limit
- −23.3 °C
Cultivation
Succeeds in most well-drained fertile soils in a sunny position. This species is closely related to D. indicum. When bruised, the foliage has a pungent refreshing fragrance that is somewhat lemon-like and reminiscent of chamomile.
Propagation
Seed - sow spring to early summer in a greenhouse and only just cover the seed. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. Division in spring. Larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the spring.
Edible uses
The following uses are for the closely related D. indica. They quite possibly also apply to this species. The flower heads are pickled in vinegar. Young leaves - cooked. An aromatic tea is made from the leaves. Seed. No more details are given but it is very small and would be rather fiddly to use.
Medicinal uses
The flowers are hypotensive and vasodilator.
Material uses
The following uses are for the closely related D. indicum. They quite possibly also apply to this species. The seed contains about 16% of a semi-drying oil, but no information is given as to its uses. The seed is rather small, commercial extraction is probably not viable[K].
Habitat
Mountain slopes, rocks, river valleys, river banks, wastelands and hilly lands at elvations of 600--2800 metres.
Native range
E. Asia - Northern China, Japan, Korea and Manchuria.