Chrysanthemum maximum 'September Snow' (Max Chrysanthemum) — Bushy, upright

Overview

Chrysanthemum maximum 'September Snow' 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 'September Snow' 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 'September Snow' is a perennial in the Asteraceae with a well-branched, upright habit and aromatic, lobed foliage. It flowers from August to October, producing daisy-like heads with white rays and yellow centres. Leaves are deciduous and mid to grey-green. Plants suit a sunny, sheltered, south- or west-facing position in fertile, well-manured loam that is moist but drains freely.

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 'September Snow' belongs to the aster family and derives from the same wildstock that produced many large-daisy cultivars; the species is native to France and Spain, and garden selections are prized for late-season bloom. 'September Snow' carries the species traits of lobed, aromatic leaves and prominent daisy-type flower heads that appear in late summer and into autumn (August to October). Plant in full sun on a fertile, well-manured loam with a neutral to slightly acid pH and soil that remains moist but well drained. A south- or west-facing, sheltered spot reduces winter stress; exposure to wind should be avoided. Hardiness varies across groups from H2 to H5 — in plain terms this ranges from half-hardy to fully hardy in average UK gardens, so select stock appropriate to your local conditions or give additional winter protection to the more tender selections. Use 'September Snow' in the middle or front of herbaceous borders, on a sunny bank or within mixed cottage-style plantings where its August–October heads extend the season. The plant’s mid to grey-green, lobed leaves remain aromatic and visible once the white-rayed, yellow-centred flowers have finished, helping to identify the clump outside the flowering window.

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 'September Snow' 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 'September Snow'

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 'September Snow'?

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 'September Snow'?

Chrysanthemum maximum 'September Snow' prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Chrysanthemum maximum 'September Snow' need?

Chrysanthemum maximum 'September Snow' 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 'September Snow'?

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 'September Snow' hardy in the UK?

Chrysanthemum maximum 'September Snow' 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 'September Snow'?

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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