Chrysanthemum yezoense (Hokkaido chrysanthemum) — Bushy, upright

Overview

Chrysanthemum yezoense is a bushy, upright perennial in the genus Chrysanthemum, part of the Asteraceae family, with deciduous; lobed, aromatic, mid to grey-green foliage. Chrysanthemum yezoense 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. Suggested uses include ornamental garden plant, borders and cut flowers. It is native to Japan.

About

Chrysanthemum yezoense is a perennial from Japan that produces fragrant autumn flowers from August to October. It forms a well-branched, upright clump with lobed, aromatic, mid to grey-green leaves that are deciduous. Position it in full sun on fertile, well-manured loam kept moist but well drained, ideally on a south- or west-facing, sheltered site. Wear gloves when handling as the foliage can be a skin allergen.

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 yezoense comes from Japan and belongs to the Asteraceae family; it is valued for its autumn display and scented foliage. Flowering runs from August to October, making it a late-season option for colour and scent in borders. The plant forms a well-branched, upright perennial clump with lobed, aromatic leaves that die back in winter. For reliable growth place plants in full sun on a fertile, well-manured loam with a neutral to slightly acid pH. Keep soil moist but well drained and give a south- or west-facing, sheltered aspect to reduce wind desiccation. Hardiness varies by group, ranging from H2 (half-hardy) to H5 (hardy) in UK terms; the species also corresponds to USDA 5–9. Use Chrysanthemum yezoense as an ornamental in mixed borders where late-season blooms are required, or grow it for cut flowers — the blooms and foliage both have fragrance. Because the foliage can cause skin reactions, handle plants with gloves and other protection. For best vase results, cut stems as flowers open during the August–October season to capture the scent indoors.

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 yezoense size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Perennial
Habit: Bushy, upright
Foliage: Deciduous; lobed, aromatic, mid to grey-green
Suggested uses: Ornamental garden plant, borders, cut flowers
Native to: Japan
Fragrance: Flower, Foliage
Toxicity: Skin allergen. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Chrysanthemum yezoense

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 yezoense?

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 yezoense?

Chrysanthemum yezoense prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Chrysanthemum yezoense need?

Chrysanthemum yezoense 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 yezoense?

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 yezoense hardy in the UK?

Chrysanthemum yezoense 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 yezoense?

Take basal cuttings from overwintered stools in late winter and early spring. Hardy border kinds can also be divided in spring.

Is Chrysanthemum yezoense toxic?

Skin allergen. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling.

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