Chrysanthemums are among the most popular autumn flowers. Their beautiful bright colours are the best way to revive your garden, where things may have become a little dull. And you can enjoy them for a long time, since besides being long-lasting, they are also perennial plants.
Planting, location and soil
The spot you choose for chrysanthemums must get strong sunlight for at least half of the day. The soil should be rich, preferably not clayey, and drain well - this is the only mandatory requirement it must meet. Otherwise the plant cannot develop and bloom in all its beauty.
As we have already said, the place must be bright. If it does not get enough light, the chrysanthemum will be elongated, with thin branches, and will bloom very late in the autumn. Add a little well-ripened organic fertiliser to the soil and, if possible, peat moss.
Watering
Chrysanthemums need a lot of water. Lack of it is the reason they do not bloom the following year, even though they are perennial.
Feeding
Start fertilising in April and stop feeding in September.
To encourage branching of chrysanthemums and the development of compact plants, it is very important to prune them in spring, at the very start of their growth. When the new shoots have reached about 5 cm in height, cut off half. Repeat the procedure during the summer, before mid-July. This will ensure at least double growth in the autumn.
Winter care
As winter approaches, the soil around chrysanthemums must not be left dry. Leave the spent and dried flowers in the garden and clean them up only in spring, when the plants begin to grow from below.
Mulch the area after the first 1–2 frosts. Straw or branches of coniferous trees will do the job. Remove the mulch at the beginning of spring.
* Mulch is a layer of organic material – peat, straw, tree bark, etc. – that is placed around the stems of perennial plants. It helps retain moisture during the period when the plants do not need much water, improves the structure of the soil and keeps its temperature higher during the cold winter months, as well as suppressing the growth of annual weeds.
When to plant them
Plant young plants in spring, only once all dangerous sudden frosts have passed. Plants grown from root cuttings are most commonly used. Large plants bought in pots can be planted at any time of the year.
Pruning
If they are often pruned, chrysanthemums develop into a compact bush. This is usually done in the summer, before flowering has started.
Summer care
In summer water often and generously - especially if the soil is light and sandy. To retain moisture for longer and to prevent weeds from developing, mulch the area.
Controlling diseases and pests
Buy only healthy plants and plant them in a sunny spot. Provide chrysanthemums with good air circulation – they should not be planted too close to one another. If you notice a diseased plant, remove it immediately so it does not infect the others, and spray with a suitable herbicide.
Typical pests of chrysanthemums are powdery mildew, mites and beetles.
If the flowers do not bloom, possible causes are insufficient sun or nutrients in the soil, lack of water, late pruning or a pest.
Division
You can dig up chrysanthemums from the garden and divide them in spring, when new growth begins. Usually the healthier shoots are on the outer side of the rhizome. Do not plant the young plants too deep. For attractive flowering, plant three young plants in a triangle shape.
Chrysanthemums combine very well with asters and ornamental curly kale.
