Glebionis coronaria aka Crown Daisy

Glebionis coronaria is an annual: it lives for one year. It belongs to Asteraceae, the daisy family. Its names include crown daisy and garland chrysanthemum. People also call it shungiku, chrysanthemum greens, and Sicilian chrysanthemum. Its native range runs from the Mediterranean to Central Asia. It includes the Arabian Peninsula too. The plant is not native to Britain or Ireland. Its older names include Chrysanthemum coronarium and Ismelia coronaria.

The plant grows straight up in a narrow, column-like shape. In gardens, it reaches 1.6–3.3 feet [0.5–1 metre] tall. It spreads 0.3–1.6 feet [0.1–0.5 metres] wide. The leaves have pinnate divisions: deep cuts along their length. These cuts give the leaves a fine-textured look. The RHS calls the plant an annual. It also lists the leaves as deciduous, which means they fall. Yellow flower heads look like daisies. They bloom in spring and summer. The flowers stand above the plant's upright, leafy growth.

Choose a spot in full sun for this plant. It grows in plain garden soil but likes sandy ground best. The soil should stay moist but let excess water drain. The RHS lists chalk, clay, loam, and sand as suitable soils. The plant grows in acidic, neutral, and alkaline soil too. These traits give gardeners a choice of beds to use. Sites can face south, west, or east. Open spots and sheltered sites both suit this plant. The RHS gives it the UK hardiness rating H7. This covers temperatures below −4°F [−20°C] in UK growing conditions.

Crown daisy suits cottage gardens and other loose, informal plantings. The RHS suggests it for wildflower meadows too. It can grow in flower beds and borders. Its yellow blooms add colour in spring and summer. The cut leaves bring a different texture beneath the blooms. Use its height and width to plan for its upright shape. Leave room for its full garden spread when you plant.

Grow new plants from seeds sown in spring. The RHS says this species needs no pruning. It reports few usual pest or disease problems. These points suggest that the plant is quite simple to tend. Still, it prefers moist soil that lets excess water drain.