Chrysanthemum macrophyllum (Chrysanthemum) — Bushy, upright

Overview

Chrysanthemum macrophyllum is a bushy, upright perennial in the genus Chrysanthemum, part of the Asteraceae family, with deciduous; lobed, aromatic, mid to grey-green foliage. Chrysanthemum macrophyllum 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 macrophyllum is a perennial in the Asteraceae that produces late-summer to autumn flowers from August to October. It grows upright with a well-branched habit and has deciduous, lobed, aromatic leaves in mid to grey‑green. Best sited in full sun on fertile, well-manured loam that is moist but drains freely, in a sheltered south- or west-facing spot.

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 macrophyllum is a herbaceous perennial in the genus Chrysanthemum, notable for its seasonal flowering in late summer and into autumn (August to October). The plant carries lobed, aromatic foliage that turns over each year, and its upright, well-branched form suits groups planted where the late display can be seen from paths and terraces. Position plants in full sun on fertile, well-manured loam with a neutral to slightly acidic pH; the soil should retain moisture without waterlogging. A south- or west-facing, sheltered site reduces wind exposure and encourages vigorous flowering. Hardiness varies across cultivated groups (UK H2–H5), so choose a type appropriate to your local frost risk — in international terms many will correspond to USDA zones 5–9. Use Chrysanthemum macrophyllum towards the rear of mixed borders or in dedicated late-season beds where its flowering period extends the season. Plants respond to fertile soil and consistent moisture rather than dry, poor sites. The mid to grey‑green, aromatic leaves are best placed where their scent can be appreciated from a nearby path or seating area.

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 macrophyllum 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 macrophyllum

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 macrophyllum?

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 macrophyllum?

Chrysanthemum macrophyllum prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Chrysanthemum macrophyllum need?

Chrysanthemum macrophyllum 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 macrophyllum?

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 macrophyllum hardy in the UK?

Chrysanthemum macrophyllum 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 macrophyllum?

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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