Chrysanthemum maximum 'Wirral Supreme' (Max Chrysanthemum) — Bushy, upright

Overview

Chrysanthemum maximum 'Wirral Supreme' 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 'Wirral Supreme' 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 'Wirral Supreme' is a perennial in the Asteraceae that produces late-summer to autumn flower heads. Plants are multi-stemmed and upright, with lobed, aromatic mid to grey-green leaves that are deciduous. It prefers full sun and a fertile, well-manured loam kept moist but well drained in a south- or west-facing, sheltered spot. 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 'Wirral Supreme' is a perennial member of the Asteraceae with an upright, many-stemmed habit and lobed, aromatic foliage. The leaves are mid to grey-green and deciduous; flowering appears on the terminal stems from August to October. Grow it in full sun where plants receive strong light through late summer. A fertile, well-manured loam with a neutral to slightly acid pH is ideal, and the soil should retain moisture without becoming waterlogged. Position plants on a south- or west-facing aspect and provide shelter from strong prevailing winds; exposure influences how long the flower heads remain intact in wet weather. Hardiness varies across groups from H2 to H5 in UK terms (USDA zones 5–9), so plants range from half-hardy to fully hardy depending on provenance and local microclimate—give the more tender selections the warmest, most sheltered site you can offer. Use Chrysanthemum maximum 'Wirral Supreme' where late-summer to autumn colour is needed: it suits mixed herbaceous borders or a dedicated late-season bed where soil has been enriched. Expect upright stems bearing clearly visible flower heads from August to October and aromatic, lobed foliage that is attractive until the leaves senesce in autumn.

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 'Wirral Supreme' 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 'Wirral Supreme'

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 'Wirral Supreme'?

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 'Wirral Supreme'?

Chrysanthemum maximum 'Wirral Supreme' prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Chrysanthemum maximum 'Wirral Supreme' need?

Chrysanthemum maximum 'Wirral Supreme' 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 'Wirral Supreme'?

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 'Wirral Supreme' hardy in the UK?

Chrysanthemum maximum 'Wirral Supreme' 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 'Wirral Supreme'?

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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