Every year in autumn they are available again in garden centers, supermarkets, hardware stores and garden centers: the often spherical chrysanthemums, which bloom richly in many different colors. Unfortunately, the pretty shrubs are often disposed of after they have faded, although they are actually perennial plants by nature.
Are chrysanthemums perennial plants?
Chrysanthemums are perennial plants that, with proper care and overwintering, can be cultivated in the garden or in pots for a long time. Regular watering, fertilizing and cutting back promote the he alth and flowering of these decorative autumn bloomers.
Do not throw away wilted chrysanthemums
The robust chrysanthemums can be planted in the garden - as long as they are hardy varieties - or cultivated wonderfully in a pot. Of the approximately 5,000 known varieties, autumn chrysanthemums in particular (which are also known as “winter asters”) have proven to be very robust and extremely hardy. But no matter which variety you have at home, all chrysanthemums have similar requirements:
- A location that is as bright as possible without direct sun (especially no midday sun!)
- a loose, humus-rich and slightly calcareous soil
- water regularly – even in winter
- avoid waterlogging
- fertilize between March and September
- support larger specimens with a stick
- Remove dead flowers to encourage the plant to bloom again
- Cut back the plant completely after flowering
When does the chrysanthemum bloom?
Chrysanthemums are one of the plants that only bloom very late in autumn. Some varieties bloom from August onwards, others not until October. The rule of thumb is: the later a chrysanthemum blooms, the better its winter hardiness. However, don't be surprised that your chrysanthemums will most likely bloom later in your home than in the nursery: there, the plants are stimulated to bloom earlier with artificial light. As a rule, the chrysanthemum only opens its flower buds as soon as the days become shorter and are about as long as the nights. A maximum daylight time of 10 hours is optimal.
Overwintering chrysanthemums properly
How to properly overwinter perennial chrysanthemums depends on the variety and its winter hardiness. Hardy chrysanthemums (“autumn chrysanthemums”) can be left outdoors, but should be covered with brushwood. Non-hardy varieties or potted chrysanthemums, on the other hand, should always be overwintered indoors or in a greenhouse under cold house conditions. Temperatures between five and ten degrees Celsius have proven to be optimal for this.
Tip
Chrysanthemums are also very easy to propagate, either via seeds or head cuttings. You can also propagate and rejuvenate older specimens by dividing the roots.