Chrysanthemum rubellum 'Duchess of Edinburgh' — Bushy, upright

Overview

Chrysanthemum rubellum 'Duchess of Edinburgh' 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 'Duchess of Edinburgh' 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 'Duchess of Edinburgh' is a perennial in the Asteraceae with well-branched, upright growth and aromatic, lobed leaves. It flowers from August to October. Plant it in full sun on fertile, well-manured loam that is moist but drains freely, in a sheltered south- or west-facing position. Winter hardiness ranges from H2 (half-hardy) to H5 (hardy), so siting and protection affect survival.

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 'Duchess of Edinburgh' is a perennial member of the Asteraceae grown for its late-season flowering and distinctive lobed foliage. The plants form well-branched, upright clumps with mid to grey-green, aromatic leaves that are deciduous. Flowering occurs from August to October, making it useful for extending seasonal interest into autumn. Choose a sunny, sheltered position on a south- or west-facing aspect and plant into fertile, well-manured loam with a neutral to slightly acid pH. The soil should retain moisture but drain freely; avoid heavy waterlogged sites. Winter hardiness varies across groups from H2 (half-hardy) to H5 (hardy), so in colder, exposed locations give plants winter protection or site them where frost is less severe. This cultivar suits sunny herbaceous borders and mixed late-season beds where its autumn blooms can be seen alongside asters and late perennials. Provide consistent moisture during the growing season to support flowering and root development. After flowering, the aromatic, lobed leaves remain a tactile and scented feature when handled, even as the plant enters dormancy.

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 'Duchess of Edinburgh' 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 'Duchess of Edinburgh'

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 'Duchess of Edinburgh'?

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 'Duchess of Edinburgh'?

Chrysanthemum rubellum 'Duchess of Edinburgh' prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Chrysanthemum rubellum 'Duchess of Edinburgh' need?

Chrysanthemum rubellum 'Duchess of Edinburgh' 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 'Duchess of Edinburgh'?

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 'Duchess of Edinburgh' hardy in the UK?

Chrysanthemum rubellum 'Duchess of Edinburgh' 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 'Duchess of Edinburgh'?

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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