Chrysanthemum indicum (Indian chrysanthemum) — Bushy, upright

Overview

Chrysanthemum indicum is a bushy, upright perennial in the genus Chrysanthemum, part of the Asteraceae family, with deciduous; lobed, aromatic, mid to grey-green foliage. Chrysanthemum indicum 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 Taiwan, Japan, Korea, China North-Central and China Southeast.

About

Chrysanthemum indicum is a perennial in the Asteraceae that flowers from August to October. It has a multi-stemmed, upright habit with deciduous, lobed leaves that are aromatic and mid to grey-green. Flowers and foliage both carry a noticeable scent. Handle with care because contact can provoke a skin allergy.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Chrysanthemum indicum

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 indicum originates from Taiwan, Japan, Korea and north‑central and southeast China and is valued for its late-summer to autumn display, reliably flowering from August to October. The plant produces scented flowers and aromatic, lobed foliage that drops for the winter. Native range and scent make it familiar in East Asian gardens and adaptable where similar conditions are met. Give Chrysanthemum indicum a sunny, south or west-facing position in a sheltered spot. It prefers fertile, well-manured loam with a neutral to slightly acid pH and soil that remains moist but drains freely; avoid waterlogging. Hardiness varies by group (H2–H5), which translates roughly from half-hardy to hardy in UK terms, so some selections will need winter protection while others tolerate average winters. It also maps to USDA zones 5–9. Both flowers and leaves have fragrance, so consider siting where you can enjoy scent when blooms open. Use it in late-season herbaceous borders or alongside summer perennials that fade as the chrysanthemums come into flower. Wear gloves and eye protection when pruning, dividing or deadheading: the foliage is a known skin allergen, and direct contact can cause a reaction for sensitive gardeners.

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 indicum size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Perennial
Habit: Bushy, upright
Foliage: Deciduous; lobed, aromatic, mid to grey-green
Native to: Taiwan, Japan, Korea, China North-Central, China Southeast
Fragrance: Flower, Foliage
Toxicity: Skin allergen. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Chrysanthemum indicum

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 indicum?

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 indicum?

Chrysanthemum indicum prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Chrysanthemum indicum need?

Chrysanthemum indicum 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 indicum?

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 indicum hardy in the UK?

Chrysanthemum indicum 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 indicum?

Take basal cuttings from overwintered stools in late winter and early spring. Hardy border kinds can also be divided in spring.

Is Chrysanthemum indicum toxic?

Skin allergen. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling.

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