Chrysanthemum indicum

RHS Plant Profile
Indian chrysanthemum
Indian chrysanthemum visionspictures.com

Other common names

Japanese chrysanthemum, winter aster

Synonyms

Dendranthema indicum

Plants for pollinators
Herbaceous Perennial

An upright, deciduous, perennial species, producing stems to 60cm (2ft) high on a plant 60cm (2ft) across, with deeply divided and sweetly aromatic leaves. They have a fragrance reminiscent of lemon and chamomile. Single, bright yellow daisy flowers are produced from August to October. The leaves are used for making a herbal tea, while the strongly fragrant flower heads are pickled and used as a condiment is Asian cuisine.

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Loam, Sand, Clay

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.5-1 metres
Max Height
0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam Sand Clay
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H4

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Flower Foliage
Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Asteraceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy, Clump forming
Potentially harmful
Skin allergen. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Genus
Chrysanthemum are erect woody-based perennials with aromatic, pinnately lobed leaves and flowerheads of diverse form, from late summer to late autumn
Name Status
Correct

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in a well-drained, fertile, moisture-retentive soil in full sun. In cool regions, lift the plants in autumn, before the first frosts and store the crowns in trays of just moist compost in frost-free conditions until spring. In areas where temperatures fall no lower than -5˚C (23˚F) in winter, plants may be left in the ground and protected by a thick mulch over winter, carefully removing this in spring, after the risk of frosts has passed.

Propagation

Propagate by seed and basal softwood cuttings from overwintered stools in late winter or early spring. Cuttings should be rooted in a peat-free compost the surface of which is covered with dry sand and kept in a temperature of 16°C. Place in a cold frame after first rooting and protect from frost. Harden off in mid spring. Established clumps may be propagated by division in spring.

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Cut flowers
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Once flowering is over in late autumn, cut the whole plant down to 20cm (8in) tall.

Diseases

May be susceptible to glasshouse grey mould, powdery mildews and chrysanthemum white rust