Chrysanthemum frutescens 'Jamaica Primrose' — Bushy, upright

Overview

Chrysanthemum frutescens 'Jamaica Primrose' 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 'Jamaica Primrose' 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 Western Australia.

About

Chrysanthemum frutescens 'Jamaica Primrose' is a perennial in the Asteraceae that produces flowers from August to October. It forms a well-branched, upright plant with deciduous, lobed leaves that are mid to grey-green and aromatic when handled. Plant in full sun on fertile, well-manured loam with neutral to slightly acid pH and keep soil moist but well drained. Place in a south- or west-facing, sheltered spot to suit its exposure needs.

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 'Jamaica Primrose' belongs to the Asteraceae and originates from Western Australia. It flowers in the UK from August to October and carries lobed, aromatic foliage that dies back seasonally. The plant’s habit is well-branched and upright, making it straightforward to site where its late-summer to autumn display can be seen. Position the plant in full sun on a south- or west-facing site that is sheltered from strong winds. Prepare fertile, well-manured loam with a neutral to slightly acid pH and ensure the planting position drains freely: the soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Hardiness in the UK ranges from half-hardy to hardy (H2–H5) depending on the group, and it also corresponds to USDA zones 5–9, so check the specific group’s tolerance when planting in colder districts. Use Chrysanthemum frutescens 'Jamaica Primrose' where late-summer and early-autumn flowers are needed in borders or sheltered patio beds. Its deciduous, aromatic leaves make it appropriate for positions close to paths or seating where the foliage scent can be appreciated when brushed.

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 'Jamaica Primrose' size, habit and characteristics

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

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Chrysanthemum frutescens 'Jamaica Primrose'

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 'Jamaica Primrose'?

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 'Jamaica Primrose'?

Chrysanthemum frutescens 'Jamaica Primrose' prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Chrysanthemum frutescens 'Jamaica Primrose' need?

Chrysanthemum frutescens 'Jamaica Primrose' 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 'Jamaica Primrose'?

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 'Jamaica Primrose' hardy in the UK?

Chrysanthemum frutescens 'Jamaica Primrose' 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 'Jamaica Primrose'?

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 →