Chrysanthemum frutescens 'Mary Wotton' (Marguerite) — Bushy, upright

Overview

Chrysanthemum frutescens 'Mary Wotton' 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 'Mary Wotton' 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 'Mary Wotton' is a perennial in the Asteraceae with a well-branched, upright habit and aromatic, lobed foliage. It flowers from August to October, typically producing white daisy-like blooms. It prefers full sun on fertile, well-manured loam that is neutral to slightly acid and kept moist but well drained. Sit it in a sheltered south- or west-facing position; hardiness ranges H2–H5 depending on group.

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 'Mary Wotton' belongs to the Asteraceae and originates from Western Australia. Plants of this group are valued for their daisy-form flowers and aromatic, lobed leaves; 'Mary Wotton' flowers in the UK from August to October. Give it a sunny, sheltered spot on fertile, well-manured loam with a neutral to slightly acid pH. Soil should be kept moist but well drained — heavy, waterlogged ground will not suit it. Aim for a south- or west-facing aspect to maximise flowering. Hardiness is listed as H2–H5 depending on group, which translates to a range from half-hardy (H2) up to hardy (H5); the cultivar you choose determines how much winter protection, if any, is needed. It also carries a USDA range of 5–9 for reference. Use 'Mary Wotton' towards the front of a sunny mixed border, in large containers on a sheltered patio, or where its flowering period will bridge late summer into autumn. The mid to grey-green, aromatic foliage provides texture and scent through the blooming months, so place it where that leaf character can be appreciated close up.

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 'Mary Wotton' 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 'Mary Wotton'

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 'Mary Wotton'?

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 'Mary Wotton'?

Chrysanthemum frutescens 'Mary Wotton' prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Chrysanthemum frutescens 'Mary Wotton' need?

Chrysanthemum frutescens 'Mary Wotton' 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 'Mary Wotton'?

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 'Mary Wotton' hardy in the UK?

Chrysanthemum frutescens 'Mary Wotton' 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 'Mary Wotton'?

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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