Chrysanthemum maximum 'Esther Read' (Max Chrysanthemum) — Bushy, upright

Overview

Chrysanthemum maximum 'Esther Read' 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 'Esther Read' 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 'Esther Read' is a perennial in the Asteraceae with a well-branched, upright habit that produces late summer to autumn flowers (August to October). Leaves are lobed, aromatic and mid to grey-green, and the plant is deciduous. It favours full sun on fertile, well-manured loam kept moist but with good drainage and prefers a south- or west-facing, sheltered position. Hardiness ranges from H2 to H5, depending on group.

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

A perennial cultivar of Chrysanthemum, Chrysanthemum maximum 'Esther Read' combines an upright, well-branched form with lobed, aromatic foliage that dies back in winter. Flowering is in late summer to autumn (August to October), so it extends the colour run of the herbaceous border into autumn. Position plants in full sun on a south- or west-facing, sheltered site. Work a fertile, well-manured loam into the planting area and aim for a neutral to slightly acid soil reaction; the soil should remain moist but drain freely to avoid waterlogging. Hardiness is given as H2–H5 (half-hardy to hardy), so groups at the lower end will benefit from winter protection while the hardier groups withstand most UK winters; the USDA range is 5–9 for reference in milder climates. Use Chrysanthemum maximum 'Esther Read' towards the back of mixed borders or in grouped drifts where upright stems can carry the late-season display. Keep it out of exposed, windswept sites and choose a sheltered border so the stems can bear the August–October blooms without damage.

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 'Esther Read' 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 'Esther Read'

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 'Esther Read'?

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 'Esther Read'?

Chrysanthemum maximum 'Esther Read' prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Chrysanthemum maximum 'Esther Read' need?

Chrysanthemum maximum 'Esther Read' 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 'Esther Read'?

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 'Esther Read' hardy in the UK?

Chrysanthemum maximum 'Esther Read' 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 'Esther Read'?

Take basal cuttings from overwintered stools in late winter and early spring. Hardy border kinds can also be divided in spring.

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