Chrysanthemum maximum 'Aglaia' (Max Chrysanthemum) — Bushy, upright

Overview

Chrysanthemum maximum 'Aglaia' 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 'Aglaia' 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 'Aglaia' is a perennial in the Asteraceae with an upright, well-branched habit and a long late-summer to autumn flowering period. It flowers from August to October. The foliage is deciduous, lobed and aromatic with a mid to grey-green tone. It prefers full sun on fertile, well-manured loam kept moist but well drained in a sheltered, south- or west-facing spot.

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 'Aglaia' is a perennial member of the Asteraceae with an upright, well-branched habit and lobed, aromatic leaves of mid to grey-green. Its main flowering season runs from August to October, providing seasonal interest late in the year. Position plants in full sun on a fertile, well-manured loam with a neutral to slightly acid pH. The soil should be kept moist but must drain freely to avoid waterlogging. Choose a sheltered site facing south or west to reduce exposure to cold winds; hardiness varies between H2 and H5 depending on group, which translates from half-hardy through to hardy in UK terms. The equivalent USDA range is zone 5–9. Use Chrysanthemum maximum 'Aglaia' where late-summer and autumn blooms are wanted: mixed herbaceous borders, the front of sunny beds or beside paths and seating where the aromatic, lobed foliage can be appreciated up close. Because the plant favours fertile, moisture-retentive loam and a sheltered aspect, place it away from shallow, dry soil or fully exposed sites. The scented leaves make the plant noticeable before and after flowering, rewarding close inspection rather than distant viewing.

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 'Aglaia' 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 'Aglaia'

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 'Aglaia'?

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 'Aglaia'?

Chrysanthemum maximum 'Aglaia' prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Chrysanthemum maximum 'Aglaia' need?

Chrysanthemum maximum 'Aglaia' 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 'Aglaia'?

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 'Aglaia' hardy in the UK?

Chrysanthemum maximum 'Aglaia' 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 'Aglaia'?

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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