Chrysanthemum coccineum 'Eileen May Robinson' (Painted Daisy) — Bushy, upright

Overview

Chrysanthemum coccineum 'Eileen May Robinson' 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 'Eileen May Robinson' 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.

About

Chrysanthemum coccineum 'Eileen May Robinson' is a perennial in the Asteraceae notable for its aromatic, lobed mid to grey‑green foliage and upright, well‑branched habit. It flowers in the UK from August to October. Plant in a sheltered, south- or west-facing spot with fertile, well-manured loam that is neutral to slightly acid and remains moist but well drained. Hardiness ranges from H2 to H5 in the UK (USDA 5–9), so tolerance varies with group.

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 'Eileen May Robinson' is a perennial member of the Asteraceae grown for late-summer to autumn flowering and its aromatic, lobed leaves. The foliage is mid to grey‑green and deciduous; plants form upright, well‑branched clumps that supply colour from August to October. Soil and situation are important: situate plants in full sun on fertile, well‑manured loam with a neutral to slightly acidic pH. The soil should hold moisture yet drain freely; avoid waterlogged hollows. Choose a sheltered site, ideally south- or west-facing, to suit its exposure needs and to reduce winter damage where groups sit at the lower end of the H2–H5 range. The cultivar corresponds to USDA zones 5–9 in broader terms, so planting and winter protection should reflect local microclimate. A mix of late-flowering perennials in the border complements its season, and a well-prepared, manured planting hole helps establishment. Position plants where their late-summer display can be seen close to paths or seating; the aromatic foliage also makes them useful where scent is welcome. Expect reliable flowering from August to October, after which the deciduous foliage will die back.

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 'Eileen May Robinson' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Perennial
Habit: Bushy, upright
Foliage: Deciduous; lobed, aromatic, mid to grey-green

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Chrysanthemum coccineum 'Eileen May Robinson'

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 'Eileen May Robinson'?

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 'Eileen May Robinson'?

Chrysanthemum coccineum 'Eileen May Robinson' prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Chrysanthemum coccineum 'Eileen May Robinson' need?

Chrysanthemum coccineum 'Eileen May Robinson' 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 'Eileen May Robinson'?

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 'Eileen May Robinson' hardy in the UK?

Chrysanthemum coccineum 'Eileen May Robinson' 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 'Eileen May Robinson'?

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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