Chrysanthemum Korean 'Apollo' — Bushy, upright

Overview

Chrysanthemum Korean 'Apollo' is a bushy, upright perennial in the genus Chrysanthemum, part of the Asteraceae family, with deciduous; lobed, aromatic, mid to grey-green foliage. Chrysanthemum Korean 'Apollo' 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.

About

Chrysanthemum Korean 'Apollo' is a perennial in the Asteraceae with a well-branched, upright habit that flowers from August to October. It carries lobed, aromatic mid to grey-green leaves which are deciduous. Plant in full sun on fertile, well-manured loam that is moist but well drained and place in a sheltered, south- or west-facing position.

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

A member of the Chrysanthemum genus in the family Asteraceae, Chrysanthemum Korean 'Apollo' is an upright perennial valued for its late-summer to autumn flowering (August to October). The plant forms a well-branched clump of lobed, aromatic leaves that turn over with the seasons, remaining deciduous through winter. Give Chrysanthemum Korean 'Apollo' a sunny, sheltered site on fertile, well-manured loam with a neutral to slightly acid pH. The soil should retain moisture yet drain freely; avoid waterlogged positions. Aspect matters: choose a south- or west-facing border where the plant receives direct sun. Hardiness varies by group from H2 to H5, which means some types are half-hardy while others are classed as hardy; H3 is borderline and H4 corresponds to average winter tolerance in the UK. (USDA hardiness range is 5–9.) In UK gardens it suits late-season beds and mixed borders where an autumn display is needed and where a sheltered, sunny face is available. Because the foliage is aromatic and lobed then drops for winter, the visual contribution focuses on the August–October flower period rather than winter structure.

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 Korean 'Apollo' size, habit and characteristics

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

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Chrysanthemum Korean 'Apollo'

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 Korean 'Apollo'?

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 Korean 'Apollo'?

Chrysanthemum Korean 'Apollo' prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Chrysanthemum Korean 'Apollo' need?

Chrysanthemum Korean 'Apollo' 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 Korean 'Apollo'?

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 Korean 'Apollo' hardy in the UK?

Chrysanthemum Korean 'Apollo' 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 Korean 'Apollo'?

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

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