Chrysanthemum uliginosum (Hungarian Daisy) — Bushy, upright

Overview

Chrysanthemum uliginosum is a bushy, upright perennial in the genus Chrysanthemum, part of the Asteraceae family, with deciduous; lobed, aromatic, mid to grey-green foliage. It typically grows around 1.5 metres tall. Chrysanthemum uliginosum 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 uliginosum is a perennial in the Asteraceae that flowers from August to October. It forms upright, well-branched stems to about 1.5 metres with lobed, aromatic mid to grey-green leaves which are deciduous. Plant it in full sun on fertile, well-manured loam where the soil remains moist but drains freely. It suits a south- or west-facing, sheltered site and its hardiness ranges from H2 to H5 depending on group.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Leucanthemella serotina

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 uliginosum is a tall perennial within the chrysanthemum genus, producing its peak display from August to October. Stems carry lobed, aromatic leaves that die back in winter; flowering stems reach roughly 1.5 metres, so it reads as a late-season structural plant in the border. Choose a sunny, sheltered position on fertile, well-manured loam with a neutral to slightly acid reaction. The soil should hold moisture without becoming waterlogged, so aim for a moist but well-drained root run. Aspect matters: south or west-facing situations give the best flower set and ripening in the UK climate. Hardiness varies by selection (H2–H5), so in cooler or exposed districts give plants extra winter protection or site them against a warm wall; the species also aligns with USDA zones 5–9. Allow room for upright clumps and avoid heavy shade, which reduces flowering. In mixed herbaceous borders place it towards the rear where its height supports later-season structure; it can also mark the transition from summer to autumn planting schemes. Expect clear late-summer to autumn flowering on strong stems that hold well above neighbouring perennials.

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 uliginosum size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Perennial
Habit: Bushy, upright
Foliage: Deciduous; lobed, aromatic, mid to grey-green
Height: 1.5 metres

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Chrysanthemum uliginosum

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 uliginosum?

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 uliginosum?

Chrysanthemum uliginosum prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Chrysanthemum uliginosum need?

Chrysanthemum uliginosum 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 uliginosum?

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.

How big does Chrysanthemum uliginosum grow?

Chrysanthemum uliginosum reaches a height of 1.5 metres.

Is Chrysanthemum uliginosum hardy in the UK?

Chrysanthemum uliginosum 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 uliginosum?

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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