Chrysanthemum coreanum (Mum) — Bushy, upright

Overview

Chrysanthemum coreanum is a bushy, upright perennial in the genus Chrysanthemum, part of the Asteraceae family, with deciduous; lobed, aromatic, mid to grey-green foliage. Chrysanthemum coreanum 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. It is native to Korea.

About

Chrysanthemum coreanum is a perennial in the Asteraceae that produces its flowers from August to October. It forms an upright, well-branched clump with deciduous, lobed, aromatic leaves of mid to grey-green. Grow it in full sun on fertile, well-manured loam kept moist but with good drainage. It prefers a sheltered, south- or west-facing position and ranges from half-hardy to hardy in the UK depending on the group.

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 coreanum is a late-season flowering perennial native to Korea. It carries lobed, scented leaves through the growing season and brings autumn blooms between August and October, extending colour into the border after many summer perennials have finished. The plant belongs to the Asteraceae and suits sites where late interest is required. Place Chrysanthemum coreanum in full sun on fertile, well-manured loam with a neutral to slightly acid pH. Soil should be kept moist but never waterlogged; good drainage is essential, so avoid heavy, compacted ground or add organic matter to improve structure. A south- or west-facing, sheltered spot reduces exposure to cold winds and improves flowering performance. Hardiness varies across cultivated groups, running from H2 to H5 — in plain terms that means some forms are half-hardy and will need winter protection, while others tolerate a typical UK winter. For gardeners outside the UK hardiness mapping, USDA zones are 5–9. In a garden setting, place plants where their late blooms will fill gaps in borders or alongside summer-flowering perennials that fade before August. Give the more tender H2 groups a layer of mulch or winter cover; the H4–H5 forms generally survive in a sheltered south- or west-facing border without special treatment.

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 coreanum size, habit and characteristics

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

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Chrysanthemum coreanum

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 coreanum?

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 coreanum?

Chrysanthemum coreanum prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Chrysanthemum coreanum need?

Chrysanthemum coreanum 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 coreanum?

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 coreanum hardy in the UK?

Chrysanthemum coreanum 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 coreanum?

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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