For years, I’ve been fascinated by the sheer variety of chrysanthemums. If you’ve ever walked through a garden center in autumn, you know what I mean. There are so many different kinds. What I found, though, is that not all chrysanthemums are created equal, especially if you’re interested in their traditional uses. The Chrysanthemum x morifolium (often simply called chrysanthemum morifolium or chrysanthemum ×grandiflorum) is a particular type that stands out, not just for its beauty but for its long history as a revered herb in China, often called juhua.
I made the mistake early on of thinking any chrysanthemum would do. It wasn’t until I started specifically seeking out the medicinal varieties that I began to understand the nuances. There are literally thousands of cultivars of chrysanthemums, but for herbal purposes, you need to be precise.
Understanding Key Varieties: Juhua and Its Forms
When we talk about chrysanthemum morifolium as an herb, we’re usually referring to juhua. This isn’t just one flower; it encompasses several distinct types, each with slightly different properties and traditional uses. I’ve been growing a few of these, and the differences are subtle until you start paying attention.
Hang Juhua (Yellow Chrysanthemum)
This is the yellow variety. When I first started, I assumed all juhua was the same, but the yellow one, hang juhua, is generally considered more bitter. Its traditional use leans towards what’s called ‘releasing the exterior’ and ‘treating toxicity.’ It’s often used in the early stages of a cold, especially when there’s ‘wind-heat.’ I’ve seen it combined with mulberry leaves for this purpose.
Bo Juhua (White Chrysanthemum)
Then there’s the white juhua, or bo juhua. This one is often called the ‘sweet chrysanthemum,’ though I’d describe it more as ‘less bitter’ compared to the yellow. It’s particularly valued for its connection to the liver and eyes. I’ve found it makes a very pleasant tea, especially when combined with goji berries. It’s a classic combination for red or tired eyes due to heat. You can add a bit of green tea if you like and sip it throughout the day. This is the main one you’ll want for most general purposes.
Other White Forms
Beyond the single white bo juhua, there are other white varieties. There’s a double white one, which has many more petals, making it look much fuller, without the visible central disc you see on the single white. There’s also a small white one, often called a ‘button chrysanthemum.’ The naming can get a bit confusing, even among experienced growers. I’ve spent a fair bit of time cross-referencing sources, and sometimes they contradict each other, but the general consensus on yellow for exterior release and white for liver/eyes holds true.
Chrysanthemum indicum: A Close Relative
Separate from chrysanthemum morifolium is chrysanthemum indicum, sometimes called yuhua. Visually, the leaves are quite similar, almost indistinguishable to my eye, but the flowers are distinctly different. This one falls into the category of ‘clear heat, resolve toxicity.’ It’s bitter and slightly cool, often used externally for hot, swollen sores or extreme sore throats and red eyes caused by heat. While it’s easy to grow, I’ve found it’s not considered as important an herb as bo juhua.
Cultivating Chrysanthemums: What I’ve Learned
Growing these chrysanthemums is surprisingly straightforward once you have the right start. They are tough, resilient perennials that can handle a range of conditions.
Getting Started Right
I wouldn’t recommend starting these from seed, especially for the medicinal varieties. It’s much better to get a start from a reputable source. This ensures you’re getting the correct cultivar. Once you have a good start, they multiply easily. I’ve found that they send out runners from the main plant, and you can simply detach these to create many new plants. It’s an easy way to expand your patch without much effort.
Ideal Growing Conditions
Chrysanthemums aren’t particularly picky. They do best in mostly sun, but I’ve had success with them in light shade as well. They can get quite large. One year, I staked some out, and they reached four or five feet tall, with lengthy flowering stems. They make a nice addition to an ornamental flower border or can simply be tucked into any sunny spot in your garden.
Post-Harvest Considerations
Harvesting and drying these flowers is where I’ve run into some challenges. When I first started, I’d pick them when they were fully open. What I found was that the petals would often fall off during drying, and you wouldn’t get that beautiful effect of the dried flower reconstituting in hot water. The Chinese have developed specific post-harvest techniques, often involving steaming before drying, that we haven’t quite mastered here. My dried flowers might not have the same aesthetic appeal as some imported ones, but the medicinal value is still there. Drying them promptly after picking is key to preserving their properties.
Traditional Uses and Benefits
Juhua has been cherished in China for thousands of years, not just for its beauty but for its health benefits. It’s often associated with anti-aging properties and is a symbol of resilience, flowering in the face of cooler weather.
- Cools and tonifies the liver: The white bo juhua is particularly noted for this, which is why it’s so often recommended for eye health.
- Brightens the eyes: This is a famous benefit, especially when combined with goji berries.
- Resolves toxicity and disperses wind: The yellow hang juhua is stronger in these actions, often used for early cold symptoms.
- Clears heat: Both varieties contribute to clearing heat from the body, though their specific applications differ.
What Works for Me
If you’re looking to add chrysanthemum morifolium to your garden, start by finding a reliable source for young plants of the medicinal varieties. Focus on bo juhua if you’re interested in the liver and eye benefits, or hang juhua for its stronger exterior-releasing properties. Plant them in a sunny to lightly shaded spot, and don’t worry too much about perfect soil conditions – they’re quite forgiving. Once established, you’ll have a steady supply of these beautiful and beneficial flowers for teas and other preparations. It’s a rewarding plant to grow, connecting you to a long tradition of herbal wisdom.
