Chrysanthemum coccineum (Painted daisy) — Bushy, upright

Overview

Chrysanthemum coccineum is a bushy, upright perennial in the genus Chrysanthemum, part of the Asteraceae family, with deciduous; lobed, aromatic, mid to grey-green foliage. Chrysanthemum coccineum 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, rock gardens and cottage gardens. It is native to Southeastern Europe.

About

Chrysanthemum coccineum is a perennial with an upright, well-branched habit that produces daisy-like blooms from August to October. Flowers occur in single or double forms, with pink, red or white rays around a yellow central disk. Leaves are lobed, aromatic and mid to grey-green, and the foliage is deciduous.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Tanacetum coccineum

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 coccineum originates from southeastern Europe and has long been grown for its daisy-like late-summer and autumn flowers. Plants may bear single or double blooms that display coloured rays with a yellow central disk, and the leaflets are aromatic and lobed. Flowering in the UK runs from August to October. Give this perennial a sunny site in fertile, well-manured loam that is neutral to slightly acid and remains moist but well drained. Choose a south- or west-facing, sheltered position to protect the crowns; exposure can be important where plants are towards the lower end of the hardiness range. Its UK hardiness spans H2–H5, which is to say groups range from half-hardy (H2) through to hardy (H5), so plants from more tender groups need winter protection in colder, exposed gardens. The equivalent USDA range is 5–9. Painted daisy suits mixed borders, cottage and rock gardens where late-season colour is required, especially planted towards the front or centre where the aromatic, lobed foliage can be seen. The leaves are deciduous and die back over winter, leaving the rootstock ready for the following season.

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 coccineum size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Perennial
Habit: Bushy, upright
Foliage: Deciduous; lobed, aromatic, mid to grey-green
Suggested uses: Borders, rock gardens, cottage gardens
Native to: Southeastern Europe

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Chrysanthemum coccineum

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 coccineum?

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 coccineum?

Chrysanthemum coccineum prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Chrysanthemum coccineum need?

Chrysanthemum coccineum 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 coccineum?

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 coccineum hardy in the UK?

Chrysanthemum coccineum 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 coccineum?

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

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