Chrysanthemum coccineum 'Brenda' (Painted Daisy) — Bushy, upright

Overview

Chrysanthemum coccineum 'Brenda' 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 'Brenda' 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 Europe.

About

Chrysanthemum coccineum 'Brenda' is a perennial in the Asteraceae valued for its late-summer to autumn flowering. It bears an upright, well‑branched habit with lobed, aromatic, mid to grey‑green leaves that are deciduous. Plants suit a sheltered, south- or west-facing position in fertile, well‑manured loam that stays moist but drains freely. Flowering occurs from August to October.

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 'Brenda' is a European perennial in the daisy family (Asteraceae) with a compact, upright form and lobed, aromatic foliage. The leaves are mid to grey‑green and drop back in winter; the cultivar is grown principally for its late-season flowers. Its native lineage explains its preference for temperate, well-supplied soils. Give 'Brenda' a sunny, south- or west-facing location that is sheltered from prevailing winds. It performs best in fertile, well‑manured loam with a neutral to slightly acid pH and soil that remains moist but is not waterlogged. Hardiness varies by selection: H2 indicates roughly half-hardy, H3 is borderline, H4 tolerates average UK winters and H5 is fully hardy in most sites; the equivalent USDA range is 5–9. Plant where it can contribute to late-season structure: front or middle of mixed borders, in a rockery where soil is rich and moisture steady, or within a cottage garden scheme. Allow space for its upright clumps and avoid exposed, windy sites. Expect the main flowering display from August to October.

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 'Brenda' 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: Europe

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Chrysanthemum coccineum 'Brenda'

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 'Brenda'?

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 'Brenda'?

Chrysanthemum coccineum 'Brenda' prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Chrysanthemum coccineum 'Brenda' need?

Chrysanthemum coccineum 'Brenda' 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 'Brenda'?

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 'Brenda' hardy in the UK?

Chrysanthemum coccineum 'Brenda' 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 'Brenda'?

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 →