Chrysanthemum morifolium (Florist's Daisy) — Bushy, upright

Overview

Chrysanthemum morifolium is a bushy, upright perennial in the genus Chrysanthemum, part of the Asteraceae family, with deciduous; lobed, aromatic, mid to grey-green foliage. Chrysanthemum morifolium 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 morifolium is a perennial in the genus Chrysanthemum (family Asteraceae) with an upright, multi-stemmed habit and deciduous, lobed leaves that are aromatic and mid to grey-green. It prefers a sheltered, south- or west-facing position in full sun and fertile, well-manured loam. Flowering occurs from August to October, offering late-summer into autumn colour. Plants range in UK hardiness from H2 to H5 depending on the group.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Chrysanthemum × morifolium

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 morifolium belongs to the Asteraceae family and is grown as a perennial with an upright, multi-stemmed form and lobed, aromatic foliage. The leaves are mid to grey-green and drop back for winter, while flower production peaks from August to October, making it a reliable source of late-season blooms. Place plants where they receive full sun on a south- or west-facing, sheltered site and work fertile, well-manured loam into the planting hole; soils should be neutral to slightly acid and moist but well drained. The species covers a range of UK hardiness: H2 (half-hardy) through to H5 (hardy) depending on the cultivated group, and it corresponds broadly to USDA zones 5–9. Keep soil moisture steady without waterlogging to suit the plant’s preference for moisture-retentive yet drained conditions. In the garden, allow room for upright clumps to develop so the flowering stems are well exposed during August to October. Regular removal of spent flowerheads and lifting of top growth after frost will maintain a tidy clump into winter. The leaves release a noticeable aroma when handled, which can be useful when assessing foliage health during routine checks.

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 morifolium 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 morifolium

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 morifolium?

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 morifolium?

Chrysanthemum morifolium prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Chrysanthemum morifolium need?

Chrysanthemum morifolium 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 morifolium?

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 morifolium hardy in the UK?

Chrysanthemum morifolium 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 morifolium?

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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