Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum Coccineum Robinson's Red) - Robinson's Red is an easy perennial to grow from flower seed, and it performs stunningly in the garden with its pure red to magenta colored blooms. Chrysanthemum Coccineum makes a great cut flower too! The flowers are set above the fern-like foliage on very sturdy, straight stems that prolong the blooms' life in the vase and also serve as a solid foundation for the butterflies and bees visit these red Painted Daisy flowers. The blooms measure about 2 1/2 inches wide, and they last for more than a week. Expect them to begin opening in late spring and to continue very freely into summer. There are some names for Painted Daisy that are synonymous and can be confusing. Tanacetum coccineum and Pyrethrum coccineum can both be used in addition to Chrysanthemum coccineum.

Best in full sun, this perennial Chrysanthemum is not fussy about soil type, and Painted Daisy Robinson Red can thrive in poor or average conditions, but prefers acidic or neutral soil to alkaline. Deer leave it alone, making it a good choice for an open meadow as well as the sunny border.

Sow Chrysanthemum seeds indoors before last frost to be transplanted outdoors when temperatures warm up. Press the flower seeds into the soil and lightly cover. Keep the Painted Daisy seeds moist until germination occurs. For warm climates with a long growing season, after danger of frost has passed, directly sow the flower seeds into prepared beds. Cut the stems down low after Painted Daisy flowers are done blooming to encourage and second bloom later in the summer.

Beautiful Perennials

How to Grow

Sow chrysanthemum seeds indoors before last frost: transplant outdoors when temperatures warm up. Press seeds into the soil and lightly cover. Keep seeds moist until germination occurs. For warmer climates with a long growing season, you can directly sow seed outdoors after danger of frost has passed. Sow seeds into prepared beds. Chrysanthemum is not fussy about soil type, and can thrive in poor or average conditions. Do not over-water: this is the most common cause for early failure. Allow soil to become almost dry in between waterings.

• Environment: full sun
• Soil: well-drained w' pH 5.8-6.8
• Sowing rate: 2 seeds per plant

Plant Specifications

Robinson's Red Chrysanthemum is a perennial flowering plant that grows in USDA zones 3 through 7. Besides the vibrant flowers, this plant also features strong-scented foliage with divided leaves that are attractive even without the blooms.

• Bloom color: Red
• Bloom season: summer
• Plant height: 18 inches