How to Grow Chrysanthemums
Chrysanthemums are versatile and beautiful perennials that offer a spectacular display of color and variety to any garden. This detailed guide will introduce you to the key types of chrysanthemums, How to Grow Chrysanthemums and also provide insights into their perfect companion plants, ensuring a harmonious and visually appealing garden.
What is Chrysanthemum?
Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium) is a flowering plant belonging to the Asteraceae family. With over 5,000 cultivars in various shapes, sizes, and colors, chrysanthemums are a versatile addition to any garden. Native to Asia and northeastern Europe, these perennials are a staple in many traditional and modern gardens across the world.
Scientific Names and Regional Variations
Chrysanthemum morifolium and Chrysanthemum indicum are the two primary species used for ornamental purposes. However, regional variations exist, with several cultivars and hybrids available to suit different garden styles and preferences.
In Japan, chrysanthemums are called “kiku” and are a symbol of the emperor, while in China, “ju” represents good fortune and prosperity. These beautiful flowers are also popular in the United States, where they are often used in fall-themed decorations.
How to Grow Chrysanthemums
Follow these expert tips for growing healthy and beautiful chrysanthemums:
Choose the Right Variety
- Research the many different types of chrysanthemums available to find one that suits your taste and climate. Look for factors such as bloom time, flower size, and color when selecting your ideal plant.
Planting Chrysanthemums
- Select a sunny location with well-draining soil, as chrysanthemums require at least 5-6 hours of sunlight each day. A well-draining soil is essential to prevent root rot and other water-related issues.
- Prepare the soil by incorporating organic matter such as compost or aged manure to improve drainage, fertility, and soil structure. A soil pH of 6.5 is ideal for chrysanthemums.
- Plant chrysanthemums in late spring or early summer, after the last frost date. Space plants 18-24 inches apart to ensure proper air circulation and room for growth.
Watering and Fertilizing
- Water newly planted chrysanthemums regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Once established, reduce watering frequency, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
- Fertilize chrysanthemums with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer, following the package instructions. Apply fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season to support healthy growth and abundant blooms.
How to Grow Chrysanthemums & How to Care
Ensure your chrysanthemums thrive with these essential care tips:
Pruning and Deadheading
- Pinch back new growth in early summer to encourage bushier plants with more blooms. Remove the growing tips when plants reach about 6 inches in height.
- Deadhead spent flowers throughout the blooming season to promote continuous blooms and maintain a neat appearance. Regularly remove dead or diseased leaves to prevent the spread of diseases and pests.
How to Grow Chrysanthemums – Mulching and Winter Protection
- Apply a layer of organic mulch, such as straw, wood chips, or shredded leaves, around the base of your chrysanthemums. This will help conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
- In colder regions, provide winter protection by covering the plants with a thick layer of mulch after the first hard frost. This will help insulate the roots and prevent frost heaving.
How to Grow Chrysanthemums – Pest and Disease Control
- Keep an eye out for common pests like aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies, which can damage chrysanthemums. If you notice an infestation, use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control the pests.
- Chrysanthemums are susceptible to various diseases, such as powdery mildew, rust, and leaf spots. Ensure proper air circulation, avoid overhead watering, and remove infected plant parts promptly to prevent the spread of diseases. Fungicides can be used if necessary, but always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Propagation
- Chrysanthemums can be easily propagated by division, cuttings, or seeds. Divide mature plants every 2-3 years in early spring to rejuvenate them and increase your collection. Take stem cuttings in spring or summer and root them in a well-draining potting mix. For seed propagation, sow seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date and transplant the seedlings outdoors after the danger of frost has passed.
Preparing for Next Season
- At the end of the blooming season, cut back chrysanthemum plants to a height of 6-8 inches, leaving a few inches of stem above the ground. This will help the plants store energy for the next growing season.
- Store potted chrysanthemums in a cool, dark location, such as an unheated garage or basement, during winter. Keep the soil slightly moist and move them back outdoors when the temperatures warm up in spring.
By following these expert tips on growing and caring for chrysanthemums, you can enjoy a stunning display of vibrant blooms in your garden year after year. Remember to select the right variety, provide proper growing conditions, and give your plants the necessary care to ensure they remain healthy and beautiful.
How to Grow Chrysanthemums – Key Types to Consider
With over 5,000 cultivars to choose from, chrysanthemums offer a wide array of colors, shapes, and sizes. Here are ten of the most popular types to consider for your garden:
Anemone Chrysanthemum
Anemone chrysanthemums feature a central cushion surrounded by a ring of colorful ray petals. These striking flowers come in a range of colors, including red, pink, yellow, and white. Their unique appearance makes them an eye-catching addition to any garden.
Button Chrysanthemum
Button chrysanthemums are small, rounded flowers that resemble buttons. They come in various shades, including white, yellow, pink, and lavender. Button chrysanthemums are ideal for adding texture and visual interest to borders and mixed flower beds.
Decorative Chrysanthemum
Decorative chrysanthemums are known for their large, double blooms that can measure up to 6 inches across. Their densely packed petals come in a wide range of colors, including red, orange, yellow, and white. These showy flowers make a bold statement in any garden and work well as cut flowers.
Incurve Chrysanthemum
Incurve chrysanthemums have large, globe-shaped blooms with inward-curving petals that create a delicate, cushion-like appearance. Available in various colors, such as pink, yellow, and bronze, incurve chrysanthemums are perfect for adding an elegant touch to your garden or floral arrangements.
Pompon Chrysanthemum
Pompon chrysanthemums are characterized by their small, spherical flowers with tightly packed petals. They come in a wide variety of colors, including white, yellow, pink, and purple. Their compact size and charming appearance make pompon chrysanthemums ideal for borders, containers, or as a cheerful addition to a mixed flower bed.
Quill Chrysanthemum
Quill chrysanthemums have long, tube-shaped petals that give the flowers a spiky appearance. They come in various colors, such as yellow, pink, and white. Quill chrysanthemums are an excellent choice for adding texture and visual interest to your garden.
Reflex Chrysanthemum
Reflex chrysanthemums feature petals that curve outward and downward, creating a unique, umbrella-like shape. These flowers are available in a range of colors, including red, gold, and purple. Reflex chrysanthemums are a striking addition to any garden and make stunning cut flowers.
Single Chrysanthemum
Single chrysanthemums are daisy-like flowers with a single row of ray petals surrounding a central disk. These simple, elegant blooms come in a variety of colors, including white, yellow, pink, and red. Single chrysanthemums are perfect for adding a touch of classic beauty to your garden, attracting pollinators, and brightening up mixed flower beds.
Spider Chrysanthemum
Spider chrysanthemums are known for their elongated, spiky petals that resemble spider legs. They come in various colors, such as red, gold, and white. Spider chrysanthemums are an attention-grabbing addition to any garden and work well as dramatic cut flowers.
Spoon Chrysanthemum
Spoon chrysanthemums have unique, spoon-shaped petals that curve upward at the tips, creating a distinctive appearance. They come in a range of colors, including pink, yellow, and white. These intriguing flowers are perfect for adding a touch of whimsy and novelty to your garden.
Companion Plants for Chrysanthemums
Selecting the right companion plants for chrysanthemums can enhance their beauty and contribute to a healthier garden ecosystem. Here are some excellent companion plants to consider:
Aster
Asters are late-blooming perennials that produce daisy-like flowers in shades of purple, pink, and white. Their contrasting bloom times with chrysanthemums help extend the flowering season in your garden, and their similar growing requirements make them ideal companions.
Russian Sage
Russian sage, with its tall, airy structure and delicate, blue-purple flowers, provides an excellent contrast to the bold blooms of chrysanthemums. Both plants thrive in similar conditions, making them great companions for a stunning late-season display.
Ornamental Grasses
Ornamental grasses, such as fountain grass and switchgrass, add texture, movement, and structure to the garden. Their arching foliage and subtle colors provide an elegant contrast to the vibrant hues of chrysanthemums, creating a harmonious and visually appealing combination.
Sedum
Sedum, also known as stonecrop, offers fleshy leaves and clusters of star-shaped flowers in various shades, including pink and white. Sedum’s low-growing habit and succulent appearance contrast beautifully with chrysanthemums’ bold blooms, and both plants share similar growing requirements.
Coneflower
Coneflowers, or echinacea, are drought-tolerant perennials that produce daisy-like flowers with raised centers. Their colors, including purple, pink, and yellow, pair well with chrysanthemums, and their similar growing requirements make them excellent companions for a colorful, low-maintenance garden.
Black-eyed Susan
Black-eyed Susans are popular perennials that produce bright yellow or orange flowers with dark centers. Their sunny hues complement chrysanthemums, and their shared love for sunlight and well-draining soil makes them great companions for a cheerful, colorful garden.
Coreopsis
Coreopsis is a drought-tolerant perennial that produces dainty, daisy-like flowers in shades of yellow, orange, and pink. Their delicate appearance and vibrant colors create a beautiful contrast with chrysanthemums, and both plants thrive in similar growing conditions.
By choosing the right types of chrysanthemums and their ideal companion plants, you can create a stunning, harmonious garden that showcases these beautiful flowers. With thousands of cultivars and numerous companion plant options, there’s no limit to the creative combinations you can achieve. Just remember to consider each plant’s growing requirements, aesthetics and other factors mentioned in the article.
FAQs – How to Grow Chrysanthemums
What is the best time to plant chrysanthemums?
Planting chrysanthemums in late spring or early summer, after the last frost date, is ideal. This allows the plants to establish themselves and grow strong root systems before winter. In my own garden, I’ve found that planting them in May or June, depending on the local climate, leads to the healthiest plants and most abundant blooms.
How much sunlight do chrysanthemums need?
Chrysanthemums require at least 5-6 hours of direct sunlight each day to produce their vibrant, showy blooms. In my experience, positioning the plants in a location that receives morning sun and afternoon shade can help prevent excessive heat stress, especially in hotter climates.
How often should I water my chrysanthemums?
Newly planted chrysanthemums should be watered regularly to maintain consistent soil moisture. Once established, allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings to prevent root rot. In my garden, I’ve found that watering my chrysanthemums deeply once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions, keeps them healthy and stress-free.
How should I fertilize chrysanthemums?
Fertilize chrysanthemums with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer, following the package instructions. Apply the fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season. I’ve personally had great success using a 10-10-10 or 14-14-14 formula, as it provides essential nutrients to support healthy growth and abundant blooms.
Can chrysanthemums be grown in containers?
Yes, chrysanthemums can be grown successfully in containers. Choose a container with drainage holes and fill it with a well-draining potting mix. Ensure the container is large enough to accommodate the plant’s mature size. I’ve had fantastic results growing chrysanthemums in pots on my patio, where they add a burst of color and can be easily moved if needed.
When should I pinch back chrysanthemums?
Pinching back new growth in early summer promotes bushier plants with more blooms. Remove the growing tips when plants reach about 6 inches in height. In my experience, pinching back my chrysanthemums in June or July results in fuller, more attractive plants with abundant flowers.
How can I propagate chrysanthemums?
Chrysanthemums can be easily propagated by division, cuttings, or seeds. Divide mature plants every 2-3 years in early spring. Take stem cuttings in spring or summer and root them in a well-draining potting mix. For seed propagation, sow seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date. I’ve personally had great success propagating chrysanthemums by division and cuttings, as they quickly develop roots and establish themselves in the garden.
What are some common pests and diseases affecting chrysanthemums?
Chrysanthemums can be affected by pests such as aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies, as well as diseases like powdery mildew, rust, and leaf spots. To prevent these issues, ensure proper air circulation, avoid overhead watering, and remove infected plant parts promptly. In my garden, I’ve found that using insecticidal soap or neem oil for pest control, and applying fungicides if necessary, helps keep my chrysanthemums healthy and vibrant.
See Also:
14 Best Plants for Erosion Control in Your Garden
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