Chrysanthemum maximum 'Bishopstone' — Bushy, upright

Overview

Chrysanthemum maximum 'Bishopstone' 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 'Bishopstone' 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 'Bishopstone' is a perennial in the Asteraceae with an upright, well-branched habit that flowers from August to October. The plant bears deciduous, lobed leaves that are aromatic and mid to grey-green in tone. Position it in full sun on fertile, well-manured loam with a neutral to slightly acid pH, in a south- or west-facing sheltered spot. Soil should stay moist but well drained.

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 'Bishopstone' sits in the Asteraceae and grows as a perennial with an upright, well-branched habit and lobed, aromatic foliage. It flowers from August to October, providing late-summer and autumn interest. The leaves are mid to grey-green and fall away in winter. Plant in full sun on fertile, well-manured loam; aim for a neutral to slightly acid soil and keep soil moist but well drained. A south- or west-facing, sheltered aspect reduces wind exposure and helps flower production. Hardiness varies between H2 and H5, so some groups need protection in the coldest sites while others will tolerate most UK winters; in international terms several forms are suitable across USDA zones 5–9. Use 'Bishopstone' where late-season flowering matters: it suits the middle or rear of a sunny mixed border or a sheltered cottage-style bed. Given its aromatic, lobed foliage and autumn flowering it pairs well with late perennials and structural grasses. The leaves are noticeably aromatic when crushed, which can be useful for close-up beds or containers placed by seating areas.

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 'Bishopstone' 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 'Bishopstone'

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 'Bishopstone'?

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 'Bishopstone'?

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

What soil does Chrysanthemum maximum 'Bishopstone' need?

Chrysanthemum maximum 'Bishopstone' 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 'Bishopstone'?

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 'Bishopstone' hardy in the UK?

Chrysanthemum maximum 'Bishopstone' 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 'Bishopstone'?

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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