The National Arboretum under the Korea Forest Service (Director Lim Young-seok) has announced that the garden plant of the month for October is ‘Gujeolcho’ (Chrysanthemum zawadskii).

Gujeolcho is a perennial plant widely distributed throughout Korea commonly forming colonies along high ridgelines in its natural habitat. Its flowers which can be white or pale pink begin blooming in September and continue into October. As a representative fall plant from the Asteraceae family Gujeolcho shares its genus with other species such as Sangujeolcho Bawigujeolcho Pocheongujeolcho and Hallagujeolcho.

With its beautiful flowers and pleasant fragrance Gujeolcho is best planted in clusters or large groups beneath tall trees in gardens rather than individually. This approach allows people to enjoy both the visual appeal of a white flower field and the fragrant scent of the blossoms.

Gujeolcho thrives in well-drained sunny locations and requires moderate watering. While it is drought-tolerant it must be cultivated carefully to avoid overwatering. The plant emits a delightful fragrance not only from its flowers but also from its leaves and dried Gujeolcho flowers are often used to make tea or as a traditional herbal remedy.

Alongside yellow-flowered fall chrysanthemums like Sangu and Gamguk Gujeolcho—with its white or light pink fragrant blossoms—stands as a “representative fall chrysanthemum for gardens.” Recently large-scale ‘Gujeolcho Festivals’ have been held in various regions. Why not take a trip this fall to see these iconic garden plants for yourself?

In addition the National Arboretum introduces Korea’s native plants through its monthly “Our Garden Plants” project encouraging the public to appreciate them as garden staples. Previous plants introduced include ‘Kkoripul’ in February ‘Amdaegeuk’ in March ‘Baekunsanwonchuri’ in April ‘Maebaltop’ in May ‘Jinjubawisol’ in June ‘Noruojum’ in July ‘Buchaebuchkkot’ in August and ‘Keunkkotuaari’ in September.