Chrysanthemum leucanthemum 'Maistern' — Bushy, upright

Overview

Chrysanthemum leucanthemum 'Maistern' 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 'Maistern' 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 leucanthemum 'Maistern' is a perennial in the Asteraceae with a well-branched, upright habit and lobed, aromatic mid to grey-green leaves. It flowers in the UK from August to October. The plant performs best in full sun on fertile, well-manured loam kept moist but well drained and in a sheltered, south- or west-facing spot. It is deciduous and shows its scent when the foliage is handled.

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 'Maistern' sits within the Asteraceae as a clump-forming perennial with an upright, well-branched habit and lobed, aromatic leaves that are mid to grey-green. Flowering runs from August to October in the UK, providing late-season presence in the border. The foliage is deciduous and releases a faint scent if brushed. Plant into fertile, well-manured loam with a neutral to slightly acid pH and ensure soil remains moist but well drained; avoid waterlogged positions. Give the plant full sun and choose a south- or west-facing site where shelter from harsh winds reduces winter exposure. Hardiness spans H2–H5 (half-hardy to hardy), so some selections will need winter protection or pot culture while others survive typical UK winters; the equivalent USDA range is 5–9. Use 'Maistern' towards the back or centre of a south- or west-facing herbaceous border, or close to a wall or hedge that provides the sheltered aspect it prefers. It suits locations where its aromatic, lobed leaves can be appreciated at close quarters, as the foliage noticeably scents the air when touched.

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 'Maistern' 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 leucanthemum 'Maistern'

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 'Maistern'?

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 'Maistern'?

Chrysanthemum leucanthemum 'Maistern' prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Chrysanthemum leucanthemum 'Maistern' need?

Chrysanthemum leucanthemum 'Maistern' 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 'Maistern'?

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 'Maistern' hardy in the UK?

Chrysanthemum leucanthemum 'Maistern' 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 'Maistern'?

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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