Chrysanthemum zawadskii — Bushy, upright

Overview

Chrysanthemum zawadskii is a bushy, upright perennial in the genus Chrysanthemum, part of the Asteraceae family, with deciduous; lobed, aromatic, mid to grey-green foliage. Chrysanthemum zawadskii 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 Altay, Yakutia, Mongolia, Ukraine, Amur, Buryatiya, Korea and Krasnoyarsk.

About

Chrysanthemum zawadskii is a perennial in the Asteraceae with an upright, well-branched habit and lobed, aromatic foliage. It flowers in the UK from August to October. Plants prefer full sun on fertile, well-manured loam that is neutral to slightly acid and kept moist but well drained. Hardiness ranges from H2 (half-hardy) to H5 (hardy) depending on the group, with USDA zones 5–9.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Chrysanthemum zawadzkii

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 zawadskii is a short-lived perennial in the Asteraceae, native across parts of eastern Europe and temperate Asia including Altay, Yakutia, Mongolia, Ukraine, Amur, Buryatiya, Korea and Krasnoyarsk. It forms an upright, multi-stemmed clump with deciduous, lobed leaves that are aromatic to the touch. Flowering in the UK occurs from August to October. Give this chrysanthemum a sunny spot on a south- or west-facing bank or border, sheltered from the worst of prevailing winds. It performs best in fertile, well-manured loam with a neutral to slightly acid pH; soils should be kept moist but must drain freely. The plant groups vary in hardiness, from H2 (half-hardy) to H5 (hardy), so more tender selections need a sheltered site or winter protection, while hardier forms will tolerate average UK winters. Use Chrysanthemum zawadskii towards the back of late-summer borders or beside paths where the aromatic, lobed leaves can be appreciated at close range. After the August–October flowers fade, the scented foliage remains a sensory feature and releases more aroma when handled, giving the plant value beyond its bloom period.

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 zawadskii size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Perennial
Habit: Bushy, upright
Foliage: Deciduous; lobed, aromatic, mid to grey-green
Native to: Altay, Yakutia, Mongolia, Ukraine, Amur, Buryatiya, Korea, Krasnoyarsk

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Chrysanthemum zawadskii

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 zawadskii?

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 zawadskii?

Chrysanthemum zawadskii prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Chrysanthemum zawadskii need?

Chrysanthemum zawadskii 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 zawadskii?

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 zawadskii hardy in the UK?

Chrysanthemum zawadskii 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 zawadskii?

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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