Chrysanthemum leucanthemum (Ox-eye daisy) — Bushy, upright

Overview

Chrysanthemum leucanthemum is a bushy, upright perennial in the genus Chrysanthemum, part of the Asteraceae family, with deciduous; lobed, aromatic, mid to grey-green foliage. Chrysanthemum leucanthemum 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 Europe and temperate Asia.

About

Chrysanthemum leucanthemum is a perennial daisy with white ray florets and yellow centres that flowers in the UK from August to October. It grows upright with a well-branched habit and bears lobed, aromatic, mid to grey-green leaves before dying back. The plant favours full sun on a sheltered south- or west-facing site. Hardiness varies by group from H2 (half-hardy) to H5 (hardy).

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Leucanthemum vulgare

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 leucanthemum is a perennial member of the Asteraceae native to Europe and temperate Asia, notable for its daisy-headed blooms that appear from August to October. The foliage is deciduous, lobed and aromatic, with a mid to grey-green tone that accompanies the late-summer flower display. Place it in full sun on a south or west-facing, sheltered site where the soil is a fertile, well-manured loam. Neutral to slightly acid conditions suit it best, and the ground should remain moist but well drained; these conditions help both foliage development and flower production. Hardiness varies by group (H2–H5), so select strains appropriate to colder or milder parts of the UK — the range means some selections will need protection, others will overwinter in most gardens. Use Ox-eye daisy where a clear late-summer to autumn presence is wanted: herbaceous borders, meadow-style planting or naturalised edges on rich ground. Give plants room to develop their upright, well-branched stems and position them where evening sun and shelter reduce wind stress; its daisy heads will then carry the site's late-summer structure into October.

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 leucanthemum size, habit and characteristics

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

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Chrysanthemum leucanthemum

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 leucanthemum?

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 leucanthemum?

Chrysanthemum leucanthemum prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Chrysanthemum leucanthemum need?

Chrysanthemum leucanthemum 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 leucanthemum?

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 leucanthemum hardy in the UK?

Chrysanthemum leucanthemum 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 leucanthemum?

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 →