Chrysanthemum Korean 'Venus' — Bushy, upright

Overview

Chrysanthemum Korean 'Venus' 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 'Venus' 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 'Venus' is a perennial in the Asteraceae grown for a concentrated late-summer to autumn bloom (August to October). It forms a well-branched, upright mound with lobed, aromatic mid to grey-green leaves that are deciduous. Position in full sun on fertile, well-manured loam that is moist but well drained and neutral to slightly acid, in a sheltered south- or west-facing spot. Hardiness varies from H2 (half-hardy) to H5 (hardy), so winter protection may be needed for the more tender forms.

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 Korean 'Venus' belongs to the genus Chrysanthemum and is treated as a perennial in UK gardens, valued for its late-season flowering from August to October. The foliage is lobed and aromatic, described as mid to grey‑green, and it dies back as the plant becomes dormant in winter. Plant in a south- or west-facing, sheltered position where the specimen receives full sun. It prefers fertile, well-manured loam with a neutral to slightly acid pH and soil that remains moist but drains freely; avoid waterlogged sites. Hardiness ranges from H2 (half-hardy) through to H5 (hardy), which in practical terms means some forms will need frost protection while others will survive typical UK winters. The equivalent USDA rating is 5–9. Use Chrysanthemum Korean 'Venus' where a strong late-summer to autumn display is required: the sunny edge of mixed borders or a sheltered patio bed where the soil can be enriched and kept evenly moist. Expect a concentrated flowering period between August and October that provides late-season presence in south- or west-facing parts of the garden.

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 'Venus' 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 'Venus'

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 'Venus'?

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 'Venus'?

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

What soil does Chrysanthemum Korean 'Venus' need?

Chrysanthemum Korean 'Venus' 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 'Venus'?

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 'Venus' hardy in the UK?

Chrysanthemum Korean 'Venus' 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 'Venus'?

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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