In late summer / early autumn, the pots with decorative chrysanthemums that bloom beautifully in many different colors are available again cheaply. The perennials are wonderful for adding a little color to your balcony or garden even in the gray autumn. Read how to properly care for the flower bushes - this way you can enjoy their wonderful splendor for longer.
How do I properly care for decorative chrysanthemums?
Decorative chrysanthemums require a bright location without direct sun, temperatures between 5 and 20 °C, regular watering without waterlogging and no fertilizer in autumn. Cut off spent flowers and store them cool and frost-free in winter.
Colorful splashes of color in the gray autumn
Decorative chrysanthemums are usually ball-shaped and large-flowered potted chrysanthemums that are sold by nurseries and garden centers when they are already blooming, primarily in early autumn. They are ideal as houseplants or for beautifying balconies and terraces. You should only refrain from planting them out, as the flowers in particular are very sensitive to frost. Only in the following spring, after the Ice Saints, can the perennial be planted outdoors.
Care for decorative chrysanthemums properly
Since chrysanthemums are usually perennials, good care and overwintering can be worthwhile.
Location and optimal temperature
Chrysanthemums prefer a location that is as bright as possible, but cannot tolerate direct sun. Temperatures between 5 and 20 °C are optimal - the autumn flowers only cannot tolerate frost and heat.
Watering and fertilizing
Water your chrysanthemum whenever the top layer of soil in the pot has dried. You can find out the right time with a quick finger test, although the plant will probably need water about once or twice a week. Excess irrigation water should be able to drain away immediately - that's why good drainage (€19.00 on Amazon) in the pot is so important - and then poured away. Chrysanthemums are very sensitive to wet feet. However, you should avoid fertilizing in autumn.
Cutting
You can cut off spent flower stalks immediately close to the ground. The plant sprouts again in spring.
Wintering
Chrysanthemums in pots should overwinter under cold house conditions. This means that they should be protected from frost, but still kept as cool as possible. Temperatures between five and ten degrees Celsius are optimal. If you have cut your chrysanthemum all the way down, the winter location does not necessarily have to be bright. Water little, do not fertilize.
Tip
Make sure to support the shrub in good time, otherwise the excessively long shoots risk tipping over and possibly breaking off.
