Chrysanthemum frutescens (Marguerite Daisy) — Bushy, upright

Overview

Chrysanthemum frutescens is a bushy, upright perennial in the genus Chrysanthemum, part of the Asteraceae family, with deciduous; lobed, aromatic, mid to grey-green foliage. Chrysanthemum frutescens 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, containers and bedding. It is native to Western Australia.

About

Chrysanthemum frutescens is a perennial daisy with a long late-summer to autumn flowering period, producing classic white heads with a yellow centre from August to October. Plants form well-branched, upright clumps with lobed, aromatic mid to grey-green leaves. It prefers a sunny, sheltered position and fertile, well-manured loam that stays moist but drains freely. Hardiness varies by group from half-hardy to fully hardy, so site choice and winter protection affect survival.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Argyranthemum frutescens

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 frutescens belongs to the Asteraceae and originates in Western Australia. It reliably flowers from August to October, the season when its daisy-like heads are most in evidence. Typical plants carry several blooms on each stem, offering a prolonged display in late summer and into autumn. Place plants in full sun on a south- or west-facing site that is sheltered from cold winds. They do best in fertile, well-manured loam with a neutral to slightly acid pH and a soil that remains moist but is well drained; avoid waterlogged ground. The UK hardiness of garden marguerites runs from H2 to H5, meaning some groups are half-hardy and will need frost protection, while others will tolerate average UK winters when sited well. Use Chrysanthemum frutescens in mixed borders, on patio containers or as bedding where a late-summer surge of daisy flowers is wanted. Plants suit a position near taller perennials that can shelter them from prevailing winds and help create a sheltered microclimate. The lobed, aromatic foliage maintains interest after the main bloom and gives a cool, grey-green texture beneath the flower heads.

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 frutescens size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Perennial
Habit: Bushy, upright
Foliage: Deciduous; lobed, aromatic, mid to grey-green
Suggested uses: Borders, containers, bedding
Native to: Western Australia

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Chrysanthemum frutescens

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 frutescens?

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 frutescens?

Chrysanthemum frutescens prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Chrysanthemum frutescens need?

Chrysanthemum frutescens 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 frutescens?

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 frutescens hardy in the UK?

Chrysanthemum frutescens 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 frutescens?

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 →