Ajania pacifica (Gold & Silver Chrysanthemum)
9/8/2024 5:28 pm
©️Liane Schleifer
Ajania pacifica, formerly known as Chrysanthemum pacificum and commonly known as "Gold & Silver Chrysanthemum," is an herbaceous perennial in the Aster family. Its foliage distinguishes it from our typical fall-blooming asters. With petite deep green leaves outlined in silver, Ajania pacifica looks pretty all summer through late fall.
The buds form in late summer to early fall resulting in a late bloom. For me, it is the last of the perennial asters to bloom. Buds open fully around Halloween -- if, that is, there is not an early frost that kills them. This seems to happen every few years. Still, I'd grow it just for the pretty foliage and unopened buds shown above. (Note: mine are only in part sun, so that may delay my blooms.)
In fact, I am of two minds about Ajania pacifica. I don't really care if the buds ever open fully. My brain has trouble reconciling these three colors -- green, gold and silver -- together. I think I am in the minority on this opinion, however. Here it is in full bloom, with yellow pod like flowers glowing above the foliage. You decide!
©️Liane Schleifer
General
Ajania pacifica grows in full sun, but will take some shade. Like all asters, it can benefit from a summer pinch back to keep the foliage more compact. It is a non-aggressive, mounding perennial that in years with mild winters will remain evergreen. It grows only 1 - 2 feet tall and 2 - 3 feet wide. Ajania performs best in dry to medium soil.
Ajania pacifica makes an attractive ground cover or border plant; it can also be used in containers. It seems mostly impervious to critters and disease. Cold hardy to Zone 5.
where to get it
Ajania pacifica isn't exactly a nursery staple, sadly. It is more common to find it in the Mid-Atlantic. Online sources aren't plentiful, although Putnam Hill in Maryland had it during September 2024. Groff's Plant Farm near Lancaster, Pennsylvania has been a reliable source for this as well (and is a must for any road trip to the area), but they don't ship. Ajania really needs to be one of those excellent pass along plants we in the South so adore. We encourage sharing of this one with fellow Georgia Perennial members if you have it!
Fun Facts
The undersides of the leaves are silver, although there is little occasion to notice them.
Ajania pacifica is true to its epithet (the second part of its Latin name), which refers to the Pacific Ocean). It hails from the mainland of Japan (Honshu).
The genus Ajania is less clear as it refers to a Russian port city. Most of the 30 members of this genus are found in temperate regions of Russia and China. The yellow button flowers are the common factor. Aside from the species described here, none are known to be cultivated in the United States.
Contributed by Liane Schleifer
