The Chinese Wormwood, botanically known as Crossostephium chinense, is a beautiful shrub to grow and is a member of the daisy family, Asteraceae. The Chinese in Singapore refer to it as ‘芙蓉菊’ which translates into ‘hibiscus daisy’, strangely. It occurs naturally in southern China, the Ryuku Islands, Taiwan and the Philippines where it grows near coastal areas on limestone and coral formations. It was once classified under the genus Artemisia.
Crossostephium chinense is admired for its aromatic, silver-coloured, furry foliage and therefore an ideal candidate for planting up a silver-theme garden. It grows as a much-branched shrub that can attain a height of 30 cm tall, adopting a bushier appearance near the ends of each growing point and older leaves are usually shed away. Older plants flower freely and produce daisy-like flowers with yellow ray florets. Fruits are seldom formed in the tropics.
Besides being an ornamental plant, Crossostephium chinense possesses some medicinal properties. In the Philippines and Thailand, an infusion of its aerial parts is documented to be used to calm the digestive system and promote the production of milk in lactating mothers. In China, it is used to treat congestions, cough and menstrual irregularities.
This plant makes a good border plant for any garden where its silvery leaves contrast against a largely green background. It is not an easily plant to grow in the wet, lowland tropics as it is very sensitive to waterlogging and prolonged wet feet. Crossostephium chinense is best planted in a pot containing well-draining, alkaline soil. Soil can be allowed to dry out a little between each watering. It should be protected under shelter during the wet monsoon season to avoid rotting of the plant. Crossostephium chinense is seldom affected by pests. It has a moderate growth rate and is best grown in a sunny spot. Because seeds are not readily available, Crossostephium chinense can only be propagated via softwood to semi-hardwood stem-cuttings.
