perennial

Indian Chrysanthemum

The Story

Plant Bio

Chrysanthemum indicum, the Indian chrysanthemum, is an upright, multi-stemmed herbaceous perennial forming bushy clumps of deeply lobed, aromatic, dark green foliage. In late summer and fall, it bears loose, flat-topped clusters of small, daisy-like yellow flower heads measuring up to an inch and a half across.

This species spreads slowly via short rhizomes and features a slightly fuzzy or hairy underside on its leaves. Unlike highly bred modern cultivars, it retains a wild, naturalistic form and exceptional cold hardiness down to USDA zone 5.

Uses & Benefits:

Produces a late-season display of bright yellow, daisy-like flowers that stand out against dark green, aromatic foliage.

Excellent as a long-lived, hardy perennial cut flower with a long vase life.

Serves as an invaluable late-season nectar source for native bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

48"

Width

24"

Light

Full Sun

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

East Asia

Toxicity

Toxic to Pets / Skin Irritant

Bloom period

Late summer – Fall

In flower about 4 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun with fertile, humus-rich, and exceptionally well-draining soil.
Space plants 18 to 24 inches apart to ensure excellent air circulation and minimize foliar diseases.
Water deeply at the base of the plant during dry spells, keeping the foliage dry to prevent mildew.
Cut the entire plant back to ground level in late winter after the danger of hard frost has passed.

Pro Tip

Pinch back the growing tips in late spring and early summer to prevent leggy stems and maximize the fall flower display.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Pinch back stems in late spring to encourage a bushy, compact growth habit.
Divide mature clumps every three to four years in spring to maintain vigor.
Apply a balanced organic fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges.
Ensure high soil drainage to protect the root system from winter rot.

Don't

Do not water overhead, as wet foliage invites powdery mildew and rust.
Do not plant in heavy, poorly drained clay without amending it with organic matter.
Do not crowd plants closely against walls or other dense vegetation.
Do not apply high-nitrogen fertilizers in mid-summer, which causes weak, leggy growth.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Divide
Fertilize
Pinch
Prune
Winter Prep

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Cottage GardensMixed Herbaceous BordersCutting GardensMass PlantingsContainer Displays

Companion Plants

Symphyotrichum novae-angliae Solidago rugosa Echinacea purpurea Rudbeckia fulgida

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Indian Chrysanthemum questions

What zones can Indian Chrysanthemum grow in?

Indian Chrysanthemum is hardy in USDA Zones 5–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Indian Chrysanthemum deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Indian Chrysanthemum, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Indian Chrysanthemum bloom?

Indian Chrysanthemum typically blooms in late summer through fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Indian Chrysanthemum need full sun?

Indian Chrysanthemum does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Indian Chrysanthemum drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Indian Chrysanthemum handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.