Adding a riot of color to the garden, Chrysanthemum carinatum (Painted Daisy) is a compact, bushy annual valued for its charming floral display. In mid summer to fall, it boasts a profusion of flat, multicolored, daisy-like flowers, up to 3 in. wide (7 cm). Each blossom usually features a single row of ray flowers surrounding a dark reddish brown to nearly black center disk. The ray flowers display 2, 3 or more rings of colors in shades of whites, pinks, reds, rusts, yellows, oranges, browns and purples. The blossoms are borne just above the aromatic foliage of divided, fern-like, dark-green leaves. Cultivated for its edible young shoots in China, Painted Daisy looks great when used in mass planting. A lovely choice for borders, flower beds or containers, its long-lasting flowers are also excellent in fresh cut arrangements.

• Grows up to 12-24 in. tall and wide (30-60 cm).
• Thrives in fertile, well-drained soil in full sun or light shade in a sheltered position. Water freely in dry weather.
• Excellent choice for beds and borders, cottage gardens or containers. Plant in small groups for better visual impact.
• Keep an eye out for aphids, capsid bug, earwigs, eelworms, leaf-mining sawflies, powdery mildew, gray mould.
• Low maintenance, this plant requires no deadheading. Pinch out the growing tip when the plant is young to promote bushiness.
• Propagate by seed sown in situ in spring or by softwood cuttings.
• All or parts of this plant are poisonous.
• Native to North Africa.