Chrysanthemum nipponicum — Bushy, upright

Overview

Chrysanthemum nipponicum is a bushy, upright perennial in the genus Chrysanthemum, part of the Asteraceae family, with deciduous; lobed, aromatic, mid to grey-green foliage. Chrysanthemum nipponicum 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. It is native to Japan.

About

Chrysanthemum nipponicum is a perennial in the Asteraceae with an upright, well-branched habit and aromatic, lobed leaves. The foliage is deciduous and mid to grey-green. It prefers full sun on a sheltered south or west-facing site and flowers from August to October. Best planted into fertile, well-manured loam that remains moist but drains freely.

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 nipponicum is a perennial daisy-family plant native to Japan, notable for its upright, well-branched growth and aromatic, lobed foliage. The leaves are deciduous and mid to grey-green, and the species reliably produces blooms in the late season, flowering from August to October. Position it in full sun on a south- or west-facing, sheltered site to reduce winter exposure. Give it fertile, well-manured loam with a neutral to slightly acid pH; the soil should remain moist but free-draining rather than waterlogged. Hardiness varies between forms: in UK terms the range runs from H2 (half-hardy) to H5 (hardy), so some selections will need winter protection in cold, exposed districts while others can withstand typical winter conditions. For gardeners outside the UK the equivalent USDA range is 5–9. Use Chrysanthemum nipponicum towards the back of a late-flowering mixed border or in a sheltered bed against a warm wall where it can benefit from reflected heat. Its late-summer to autumn flowering extends the season of interest, and the aromatic, lobed leaves remain a clear identifying feature until leaf fall; expect blooms from August to October.

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 nipponicum size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Perennial
Habit: Bushy, upright
Foliage: Deciduous; lobed, aromatic, mid to grey-green
Native to: Japan

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Chrysanthemum nipponicum

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 nipponicum?

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 nipponicum?

Chrysanthemum nipponicum prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Chrysanthemum nipponicum need?

Chrysanthemum nipponicum 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 nipponicum?

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 nipponicum hardy in the UK?

Chrysanthemum nipponicum 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 nipponicum?

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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