Chrysanthemum corymbosum — Bushy, upright

Overview

Chrysanthemum corymbosum is a bushy, upright perennial in the genus Chrysanthemum, part of the Asteraceae family, with deciduous; lobed, aromatic, mid to grey-green foliage. Chrysanthemum corymbosum 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 corymbosum is a perennial in the Asteraceae with a well-branched, upright habit and a late flowering season. It has deciduous, lobed, aromatic mid to grey-green leaves and produces its flowers from August to October. Sit it in full sun on a sheltered south- or west-facing aspect in fertile, well-manured loam.

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 corymbosum is an upright, multi-stemmed perennial in the aster family with lobed, aromatic foliage that is shed in winter. It flowers in the late season; the display runs from August to October, providing colour towards the end of the garden year. The plant performs best in a position that receives a full day of sun and is sheltered from strong winds. Use a fertile, well-manured loam with neutral to slightly acid pH and ensure the soil remains moist but well drained. A south- or west-facing site will maximise light and heat; exposure should be sheltered to protect stems and blooms. Hardiness varies by group from H2 to H5 — in plain terms this spans half-hardy forms that will need winter protection through to hardy forms that tolerate typical UK winters. The species is also grown in USDA zones 5–9. In the garden it suits the back of a mixed herbaceous border or a sunny, sheltered bed where late-season blooms are needed to bridge summer and winter plantings. The aromatic, lobed leaves release scent when brushed, so place plants near paths or seating to make the most of the foliage between blooms.

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 corymbosum 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 corymbosum

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 corymbosum?

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 corymbosum?

Chrysanthemum corymbosum prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Chrysanthemum corymbosum need?

Chrysanthemum corymbosum 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 corymbosum?

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 corymbosum hardy in the UK?

Chrysanthemum corymbosum 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 corymbosum?

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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