Chrysanthemum maximum 'T. E. Killin' (Max Chrysanthemum) — Bushy, upright

Overview

Chrysanthemum maximum 'T. E. Killin' 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 'T. E. Killin' 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 'T. E. Killin' is a perennial in the Asteraceae with upright, well-branched stems and a late-summer to autumn flowering season. It carries lobed, aromatic leaves that are mid to grey-green and is deciduous. Grow it in a sunny, sheltered spot on fertile, well-manured loam that is moist but drains freely. Flowering occurs from August to October.

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 'T. E. Killin' is a perennial member of the aster family with upright, well-branched stems and lobed, aromatic foliage. As a deciduous plant it produces its main display in late summer and through autumn, flowering from August to October. Place it in full sun on a south- or west-facing aspect and avoid exposed sites; a sheltered position suits its upright habit. It performs best in fertile, well-manured loam with a neutral to slightly acid pH and soil that remains moist but is not waterlogged. The UK hardiness varies by group (H2–H5), which for gardeners means some forms are only half-hardy and may require protection, while others tolerate average UK winters; it also corresponds roughly to USDA zones 5–9. Use Chrysanthemum maximum 'T. E. Killin' where a late-season floral display is needed—a sheltered herbaceous border on a sunny aspect is appropriate. The lobed leaves release a light aroma when handled and, being deciduous, they die back after the flowering period, leaving the crown to overwinter until the next season.

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 'T. E. Killin' 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 'T. E. Killin'

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 'T. E. Killin'?

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 'T. E. Killin'?

Chrysanthemum maximum 'T. E. Killin' prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Chrysanthemum maximum 'T. E. Killin' need?

Chrysanthemum maximum 'T. E. Killin' 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 'T. E. Killin'?

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 'T. E. Killin' hardy in the UK?

Chrysanthemum maximum 'T. E. Killin' 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 'T. E. Killin'?

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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