RHS A compact perennial to around 50cm in height, with deeply divided, aromatic leaves, dark-green above and pale-green on the reverse. Sprays of semi-double flowers open dark magenta-pink with a yellow eye, fading to mid-pink from late summer through until October
0.1-0.5 metres
0.5-1 metres
| Season | Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | ||||
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
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. See chrysanthemum cultivation for further advice
Propagate by 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
Once flowering is over in late autumn, cut the whole plant down to 20cm (8in) tall
May be susceptible to capsid bug, earwigs, chrysanthemum eelworm, aphids, chrysanthemum leaf miner and glasshouse red spider mite
May be susceptible to glasshouse grey mould, Powdery mildews and chrysanthemum white rust