Chrysanthemum

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Common Name

Chrysanthemum

Scientific Name

Chrysanthemum

Plant Category

Perennial

Location

Northeastern Europe, Asia

Height

18-24 inches

Width

3-6 inches

Blooming Season

All seasons

Plant Habit

Upright

Color

Yellow, white, purple or red

Sun

Full sun

Soil

Any kind of soil

Water

Moderate

Plant Characteristics

Leaves typically divided and aromatic. Stems are strong and flowers are showy.

Usage

Container gardening, ground cover or border plants, flower arrangements, tea, medicinal use, insecticide

Information

Chrysanthemums are one of the most popular flowers in the world, next only to the rose. They are a very large diverse group of plants with various species tracing back to areas of China, Japan, northern Africa, and southern Europe.  The flowers bloom in various forms, and can be daisy-like, decorative, pompons or buttons. Chrysanthemum blooms come in a huge variety of shapes and sizes, including spiders, spoons, buttons and blooms. Each Chrysanthemum flower head is actually a cluster of many flowers, composed of a central group of short disk flowers surrounded by rings of longer ray flowers. Chrysanthemums are classified into nine categories according to the type and arrangement of disk and ray flowers - Incurved, reflexed, intermediate, late flowering anemones, singles, pompons, sprays, spiders/spoons/quills, charms and cascades.

Growing Tips

Chrysanthemums are easy to be grown and are propagated by division of roots, cuttings and seeds. They can be grown in any kind of soil, but they benefit best from a sunny weather. Chrysanthemums should be planted 18 to 36 inches apart depending on the mature size of the plant. They are heavy feeders and should be fertilized monthly. After flower buds develop, fertilization should be stopped. The faded Chrysanthemum blooms should be regularly removed as it helps to prolong flowering.

Common Problems

Chrysanthemums are susceptible to aphids and plant bugs, leafspot and stunt, and foliar nematodes. A careful check should be made of diseases and insect pests and prompt control measures adopted to control them. Powdery mildew may be reduced by maintaining good air circulation around plants. Frost heaving in poorly drained soil is the primary cause of winter death. When the tops die in late fall, cut off the dead stems at the ground line and remove them from the garden. After the ground freezes apply three to four inches of mulch (straw, fluffy leaves, evergreen boughs) to help keep the soil frozen.