Chrysanthemum rubellum — Bushy, upright

Overview

Chrysanthemum rubellum is a bushy, upright perennial in the genus Chrysanthemum, part of the Asteraceae family, with deciduous; lobed, aromatic, mid to grey-green foliage. Chrysanthemum rubellum 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 rubellum is a perennial in the Asteraceae that flowers in late summer and autumn from August to October. It has an upright, multi-stemmed habit with lobed, aromatic leaves that are mid to grey-green and deciduous. Plants prefer a sunny, sheltered position and fertile, well-manured loam that stays moist but drains freely. Give a south- or west-facing aspect where frost exposure is limited.

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 rubellum is a herbaceous perennial that provides late-season blooms from August to October, extending colour after many summer-flowering perennials have finished. It forms an upright, multi-stemmed clump with lobed, aromatic leaves that turn over with the seasons. Plant it in full sun on fertile, well-manured loam with a neutral to slightly acid pH and soil that remains moist but is well drained. A south- or west-facing, sheltered site reduces risk from cold winds; hardiness ranges from H2 (half-hardy) to H5 (hardy) depending on the cultivar, which equates roughly to USDA zones 5–9. Avoid waterlogged positions and feed annually with a light organic dressing to maintain vigour in heavy soils. Placed towards the back of a mixed herbaceous border or with other late-perennials, Chrysanthemum rubellum helps bridge into autumn display. Its flowering period makes it useful for bringing colour through August to October, and the lobed, aromatic mid to grey-green leaves are deciduous.

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 rubellum 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 rubellum

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 rubellum?

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 rubellum?

Chrysanthemum rubellum prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Chrysanthemum rubellum need?

Chrysanthemum rubellum 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 rubellum?

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 rubellum hardy in the UK?

Chrysanthemum rubellum 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 rubellum?

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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