Chrysanthemum maximum 'Cobham Gold' — Bushy, upright

Overview

Chrysanthemum maximum 'Cobham Gold' 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 'Cobham Gold' 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 'Cobham Gold' is a perennial in the Asteraceae with an upright, well-branched habit and lobed, aromatic mid to grey-green leaves. It flowers from August to October, providing late-season colour. The plant prefers a sunny, sheltered site on fertile, well-manured loam kept moist but with good drainage. It is deciduous and suits south- or west-facing positions.

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 'Cobham Gold' is a perennial member of the Asteraceae with an upright, well-branched habit and lobed, aromatic foliage. Flowering runs from August to October, so it contributes to the late-season display rather than spring or early summer beds. Plant in full sun on fertile, well-manured loam with a neutral to slightly acid pH. Soil should be kept moist but well drained; avoid waterlogged positions. A south- or west-facing, sheltered spot helps protect the stems and extends flowering. Hardiness ranges between H2 and H5 depending on group (half-hardy to hardy), equivalent to roughly USDA zones 5–9, so choice of type and siting will determine winter survival in colder areas. Use 'Cobham Gold' in the middle or rear of sunny herbaceous borders where its autumn flowers will sit above lower perennials, or adjacent to a path or seating area where its aromatic, lobed leaves release scent when brushed. Give plants a generous planting hole and integrate plenty of well-rotted organic matter to match its preference for well-manured loam.

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 'Cobham Gold' 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 'Cobham Gold'

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 'Cobham Gold'?

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 'Cobham Gold'?

Chrysanthemum maximum 'Cobham Gold' prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Chrysanthemum maximum 'Cobham Gold' need?

Chrysanthemum maximum 'Cobham Gold' 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 'Cobham Gold'?

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 'Cobham Gold' hardy in the UK?

Chrysanthemum maximum 'Cobham Gold' 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 'Cobham Gold'?

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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