Chrysanthemum coccineum
Perennial

USDA Zones: 4 - 8
Light: sun
Height:  12 to 36 inches
Width:  12 to 24 inches
Flower Colors: white and vivid red or pink
Bloom Time: summer
Special Features:
Beds/Borders
CutFlowers
Cutting
Flowers
Showy Flowers
Companion Plants:
Irises

You can add incredible color to your midsummer garden by planting painted daisies, with their masses of white, pink, or red flowers with yellow centers. The first daisy-type flowers to bloom in summer, perennial painted daisies rest atop graceful stems rising from mounds of ferny foliage. These lovely single or double blooms make excellent cut flowers and are perfect for use in the middle of a garden. The painted daisy plant is the source of the natural insecticide pyrethrum. An annual type of painted daisy (Chrysanthemum carinatum or Ismelia carinata) is also available.

Notable Varieties
'Atrosanguineum' produce large, dark red flowers.
'Duro' has very large dark magenta flowers on 3 foot tall plants.
'Evenglow' is a salmon pink variety.
'James Kelway' bears deep scarlet flowers.
'Giant Hybrids' is a mix of pinks, magenta, and white single and double flowers that grows 12 to 24 inches tall.
'Robinson Hybrids' is a colorful mix of large flowers.
'Sensation' produces red double blooms.

Care
Needs rich, moist, well-drained soil. At least six hours a day of full sun is critical since nearly any amount of shade leads to weak, floppy stems. Cut plants nearly to the ground after flowering to encourage a second bloom. Water painted daisies and maintain a mulch over the roots to conserve moisture during periods of drought. Most require support to prevent flower stalks from flopping.

Planting
Plant established plants in spring in all zones or in fall in Zones 7 and 8. Or sow seeds in midsummer for flowering the following year. Established clumps can be divided in spring in cold-winter areas, and spring or fall in mild-winter areas.

Pests and Diseases
Mildew and rust can cause problems.