Chrysanthemum 'Anastasia' (Anastasia Chrysanthemum) — Bushy, upright

Overview

Chrysanthemum 'Anastasia' is a bushy, upright perennial in the genus Chrysanthemum, part of the Asteraceae family, with deciduous; lobed, aromatic, mid to grey-green foliage. Chrysanthemum 'Anastasia' grows best in full sun, and tolerates fertile and well-manured loam soils and neutral to slightly acid pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H2–H5 depending on group. Suggested uses include borders, cut flowers and floral displays. It is native to Mongolia, Western Australia and Russian Far East.

About

Chrysanthemum 'Anastasia' is a perennial chrysanthemum that produces its main display of flowers from August to October. It forms a well-branched, upright clump with deciduous, lobed, aromatic leaves in mid to grey-green. Plant in full sun on fertile, well-manured loam that stays moist but drains freely, positioned on a south- or west-facing, sheltered aspect. It is commonly used in borders and grown for cut flowers and floral displays.

About the genus

Chrysanthemums, sometimes abbreviated to mums or chrysanths, are perennial herbaceous flowering plants in the family Asteraceae that bloom in the autumn. They are native to East Asia and northeastern Europe. Most species originate from East Asia, and the center of diversity is in China.

Wikipedia contributors, "Chrysanthemum", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Chrysanthemum

In the garden

Chrysanthemum 'Anastasia' belongs to the Asteraceae and is a perennial valued for its late-summer to autumn flowering, reliably putting on a display from August to October. The variety traces its heritage to populations in Mongolia, Western Australia and the Russian Far East, and carries the typical lobed, aromatic foliage of the genus. Choose a site in full sun with a south- or west-facing aspect and protection from exposed winds. Soils should be fertile, well-manured loams, neutral to slightly acid in reaction, kept moist but with good drainage; avoid waterlogged hollows. The cultivar’s UK hardiness ranges from H2 to H5 depending on the group, which in practical terms means some forms are half-hardy and need winter protection while others will tolerate most UK winters; it also corresponds to USDA zones 5–9. Use Chrysanthemum 'Anastasia' at the back of mixed borders where its late-season colour complements perennials finishing their season, and for cutting into arrangements and floral displays. The leaves are mid to grey-green and release a faint scent when handled, which can add an extra sensory note to beds where the plants are placed close to paths or seating.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Chrysanthemum

Sunlight: Full sun
Soil type: Fertile, well-manured loam
Soil pH: Neutral to slightly acid
Soil moisture: Moist but well drained
Aspect: South or west facing
Exposure: Sheltered
UK hardiness: H2–H5 depending on group

Plant details

Chrysanthemum 'Anastasia' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Perennial
Habit: Bushy, upright
Foliage: Deciduous; lobed, aromatic, mid to grey-green
Suggested uses: Borders, cut flowers, floral displays
Native to: Mongolia, Western Australia, Russian Far East

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Chrysanthemum 'Anastasia'

Cultivation: These are hungry plants: feed and water generously right through the growing season. Stop the growing tips in early summer to build a branching, well-furnished plant, stake before the flower weight arrives, and lift tender or exhibition kinds after flowering to overwinter the stools in a frost-free frame.
Pruning: Pinch out growing tips in late spring and early summer to encourage branching. Cut stems down to about 15cm after flowering, then lift for storage where the cultivar is not reliably hardy.
Propagation: Take basal cuttings from overwintered stools in late winter and early spring. Hardy border kinds can also be divided in spring.
Pest resistance: Aphids, leaf miner, capsid bug and earwigs all favour the soft growth; eelworm affects long-established stools.
Disease resistance: Susceptible to white rust and powdery mildew under glass or in crowded plantings, so ventilation is essential.

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Chrysanthemum 'Anastasia'?

These are hungry plants: feed and water generously right through the growing season. Stop the growing tips in early summer to build a branching, well-furnished plant, stake before the flower weight arrives, and lift tender or exhibition kinds after flowering to overwinter the stools in a frost-free frame.

Where is the best place to plant Chrysanthemum 'Anastasia'?

Chrysanthemum 'Anastasia' prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Chrysanthemum 'Anastasia' need?

Chrysanthemum 'Anastasia' grows best in fertile and well-manured loam soil. It prefers neutral to slightly acid soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well drained.

How do I prune Chrysanthemum 'Anastasia'?

Pinch out growing tips in late spring and early summer to encourage branching. Cut stems down to about 15cm after flowering, then lift for storage where the cultivar is not reliably hardy.

Is Chrysanthemum 'Anastasia' hardy in the UK?

Chrysanthemum 'Anastasia' has an RHS hardiness rating of H2, meaning it is tender, tolerating 1–5°C, and needs frost-free protection over winter.

How do I propagate Chrysanthemum 'Anastasia'?

Take basal cuttings from overwintered stools in late winter and early spring. Hardy border kinds can also be divided in spring.

More in the Chrysanthemum genus

Browse all Chrysanthemum →