Chrysanthemum maximum (Daisy) — Bushy, upright

Overview

Chrysanthemum maximum is a bushy, upright perennial in the genus Chrysanthemum, part of the Asteraceae family, with deciduous; lobed, aromatic, mid to grey-green foliage. Chrysanthemum maximum 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 maximum is a perennial in the Asteraceae that carries daisy-like flower heads above an upright, well-branched habit. It has deciduous, lobed, aromatic leaves of mid to grey-green. Plants prefer a sunny, sheltered position on fertile, well-manured loam that is neutral to slightly acid. Expect blooms between August and October.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Leucanthemum maximum

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 maximum is a perennial member of the aster family that produces classic daisy-style heads on upright, well-branched plants. Originating from temperate parts of Europe, it suits gardens that can provide a warm, protected spot in late summer and autumn. Its leaves are lobed and aromatic, with a mid to grey-green tone, and they die back in winter. Place plants in full sun on a south- or west-facing site sheltered from strong exposure. Soil should be fertile, well manured and a loam type, holding moisture yet draining freely; a neutral to slightly acidic pH is ideal. Where hardiness is a concern, note that cultivars range from H2 to H5—this equates to selections that are half-hardy through to those that will cope with a typical UK winter—while the USDA banding of 5–9 indicates a similar temperate tolerance in warmer zones. Chrysanthemum maximum sits well in mixed perennial borders and sheltered perennial beds where late-summer colour is wanted. Give established clumps room for air movement and avoid waterlogging over winter to reduce crown problems. Flowers appear from August to 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 maximum 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 maximum

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 maximum?

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 maximum?

Chrysanthemum maximum prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Chrysanthemum maximum need?

Chrysanthemum maximum 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 maximum?

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 maximum hardy in the UK?

Chrysanthemum maximum 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 maximum?

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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