Chrysanthemum maximum 'Powis Castle' (Shasta Daisy) — Bushy, upright

Overview

Chrysanthemum maximum 'Powis Castle' 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 'Powis Castle' 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. Suggested uses include borders, cut flowers and cottage gardens. It is native to Europe.

About

Chrysanthemum maximum 'Powis Castle' is a perennial with a well-branched, upright habit and lobed, aromatic mid to grey-green foliage. It flowers from August to October with large, daisy-type heads. Plant in a south- or west-facing, sheltered spot on fertile, well-manured loam that stays moist but drains. Hardiness ranges from H2 (half-hardy) to H5 (hardy) depending on group, so location and winter protection should be considered.

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 member of the Asteraceae, Chrysanthemum maximum 'Powis Castle' originates from Europe and forms an upright clump of lobed, aromatic leaves. Its flowering season runs from August to October, providing late-summer to autumn interest when many other perennials are finishing. Choose a sunny, south- or west-facing site with some shelter from cold winds; exposure matters because hardiness varies between groups (H2 to H5). It prefers fertile, well-manured loam with a neutral to slightly acidic pH and soil that remains moist but is well drained. In cooler gardens, place it where winter warmth and shelter reduce the need for additional protection; where plants are classed H2, lift or cover crowns in severe winters. Because it flowers late in the year, Chrysanthemum maximum 'Powis Castle' is suited to mixed borders and cottage-garden schemes and also works as a source of cut flowers for late-season arrangements. Position it where its autumn stems can be cut for vases without disturbing earlier-season plants, making best use of its August–October bloom period.

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 'Powis Castle' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Perennial
Habit: Bushy, upright
Foliage: Deciduous; lobed, aromatic, mid to grey-green
Suggested uses: Borders, cut flowers, cottage gardens
Native to: Europe

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Chrysanthemum maximum 'Powis Castle'

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 'Powis Castle'?

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 'Powis Castle'?

Chrysanthemum maximum 'Powis Castle' prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Chrysanthemum maximum 'Powis Castle' need?

Chrysanthemum maximum 'Powis Castle' 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 'Powis Castle'?

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 'Powis Castle' hardy in the UK?

Chrysanthemum maximum 'Powis Castle' 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 'Powis Castle'?

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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