Chrysanthemum maximum 'Phyllis Smith' (Max Chrysanthemum) — Bushy, upright

Overview

Chrysanthemum maximum 'Phyllis Smith' 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 'Phyllis Smith' 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 'Phyllis Smith' is a perennial in the Asteraceae that bears white, daisy‑like flowers with yellow centres from August to October. Plants form a well‑branched, upright mound with lobed, aromatic, mid to grey‑green leaves that are deciduous. It prefers full sun on fertile, well‑manured loam that stays moist but is 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 'Phyllis Smith' is a garden cultivar of the max chrysanthemum group, a species with origins in parts of south‑western Europe including France and Spain. The cultivar carries the species' characteristic white ray florets surrounding yellow disc florets and provides late‑summer into autumn flowering, reliably producing bloom from August to October. Give the plant a sunny, sheltered position on fertile, well‑manured loam with a neutral to slightly acid pH; soil should remain moist but free‑draining. A south or west aspect reduces late‑season wind exposure, and the plant performs across a range of cold‑tolerance from H2 to H5 (half‑hardy to hardy) — this broadly corresponds to USDA zones 5–9. Avoid waterlogged ground and provide routine organic feed to maintain vigour in heavy flower years. In UK gardens it suits mixed borders where autumn colour is required and can be used in grouped plantings to create a late display. The leaves are lobed and aromatic; the scent released when foliage is brushed makes this cultivar particularly suitable beside paths or near seating where the foliage can be appreciated.

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 'Phyllis Smith' 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 'Phyllis Smith'

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 'Phyllis Smith'?

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 'Phyllis Smith'?

Chrysanthemum maximum 'Phyllis Smith' prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Chrysanthemum maximum 'Phyllis Smith' need?

Chrysanthemum maximum 'Phyllis Smith' 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 'Phyllis Smith'?

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 'Phyllis Smith' hardy in the UK?

Chrysanthemum maximum 'Phyllis Smith' 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 'Phyllis Smith'?

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

Browse all Chrysanthemum →