Chrysanthemum 'Emperor of China' — Bushy, upright

Overview

Chrysanthemum 'Emperor of China' is a bushy, upright perennial in the genus Chrysanthemum, part of the Asteraceae family, with deciduous; lobed, aromatic, mid to grey-green foliage. Chrysanthemum 'Emperor of China' 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 Mongolia, Western Australia and Russian Far East.

About

Chrysanthemum 'Emperor of China' is an autumn-flowering perennial with upright, well-branched stems and aromatic, lobed leaves. The foliage is deciduous, mid to grey-green in colour. It favours full sun on fertile, well-manured loam with a neutral to slightly acid pH and a moist but well drained profile. Flowering occurs from August to October.

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 'Emperor of China' is a perennial in the Asteraceae family originating from Mongolia, Western Australia and the Russian Far East. Its growth habit is upright and well-branched, carrying lobed, aromatic leaves that are deciduous. It produces its blooms in the late summer and autumn months. Plant this Chrysanthemum in a south- or west-facing, sheltered spot where it will receive full sun. Work a fertile, well-manured loam to give it available nutrients and aim for a neutral to slightly acid soil reaction; the soil should stay moist but must drain freely. Hardiness varies by group, ranging from H2 (half-hardy) through to H5 (hardy) in UK terms, and it is also listed for USDA zones 5–9 — consider the local microclimate and winter protection accordingly. In the UK garden it suits late-season mixed borders and any sunny, sheltered bed where autumn colour is required. Its aromatic, lobed foliage will be present through the growing season, and the plant reliably produces flowers 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 'Emperor of China' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Perennial
Habit: Bushy, upright
Foliage: Deciduous; lobed, aromatic, mid to grey-green
Native to: Mongolia, Western Australia, Russian Far East

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Chrysanthemum 'Emperor of China'

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 'Emperor of China'?

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 'Emperor of China'?

Chrysanthemum 'Emperor of China' prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Chrysanthemum 'Emperor of China' need?

Chrysanthemum 'Emperor of China' 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 'Emperor of China'?

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 'Emperor of China' hardy in the UK?

Chrysanthemum 'Emperor of China' 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 'Emperor of China'?

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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