Rediscovering the charm of chrysanthemums in a trendy spot: an update on their resurgence in popularity
Vibrant Chrysanthemums Brighten Late Autumn and Early Winter Gardens
Chrysanthemums, often referred to as garden mums, are the iconic and most reliable choice for adding a splash of color to gardens during late autumn and early winter. These hardy plants, specifically bred to thrive in cooler climates, are ideal for USDA Hardiness Zones 5-9.
The 'Helen Ward' variety, with its double pompom heads of dusky-coral crimson flowers boasting a gold centre, is just one example of the stunning blooms that can be found. Another popular choice is the frost-hardy 'Peggy', known for its orange pompon-like flowers. Both varieties achieve heights between 60-90 cm, making them excellent choices for late-season color.
When selecting and growing hardy mums, consider the following key points:
- Hardiness: Look for varieties hardy in USDA Zones 5-9 to ensure they survive colder temperatures typical of late autumn and early winter.
- Sunlight: They perform best with full sun exposure (6-8 hours daily), which supports abundant flowering; partial shade is tolerated but may reduce blooms.
- Soil: Prefer well-draining, slightly acidic soil with pH 6.0 to 6.5 for optimal growth.
- Bloom Colors and Forms: Mums come in a wide range of colors—white, yellow, orange, red, pink, purple, and bicolored—and flower shapes, allowing for varied garden aesthetics.
- Notable Cultivars: Varieties such as ‘Peggy’ and others bred for firmness in cold weather are best; other forms include pompon, cushion, decorative, and spider types.
To maximize success, ensure good soil drainage and avoid overly wet soils, which chrysanthemums do not favor.
Other late-season perennials like succulents, daylilies, and hardy daisies offer complementary late-blooming color, but chrysanthemums remain the most reliable option for that season.
The nurseries at Norwell, Nottinghamshire, UK, are renowned for their hardy chrysanthemums, which are part of a National Collection. The site, which had heavy clay soil and brambles that needed clearing, was started by Helen Andrew Ward and her partner in 1994.
The flowers of hardy chrysanthemums are often covered in butterflies and bees in November. To benefit pollinators, it's best to grow them in a spot of the garden that is still in sun in November.
Some notable cultivars include the 'Rumpelstilzchen' with double flowers in bright and rusty reds, the 'Capel Manor' with creamy golden-yellow quilled double flowers, and the 'Ruby Raynor' with rich semi-double, golden-yellow flowers. The 'Neue Kokarde' offers orange-red, semi-double flowers tipped in gold, while the 'Ruby Mound' boasts ruby-red, double flowers.
The 'Andrew' is a luscious semi-double crimson, cherry red with a contrasting golden eye, and the 'Burnt Orange' stands out with distinctive jagged grey-green leaves and masses of unusual and attractive spider-like, burnt-orange flowers. The 'Carmine Blush' offers soft pink-carmine, single flowers, and the 'Šlapanica Eliška' features cerise-pink single flowers enhanced by silvery reverse to petals.
Some hardy chrysanthemums continue to flower in the second week of December, if there isn't too much freezing rain. The 'Picasso' presents peachy-pink flowers with an attractive darker centre.
In summary, select frost-hardy chrysanthemums such as ‘Peggy’ and similar cultivars hardy to USDA Zones 5-9, plant them in full sun with well-draining soil, and you will get the best late autumn and early winter garden display. Grow them next to grasses, especially pennisetums and miscanthus, and autumn crocuses for an even more stunning effect.
- Chrysanthemums, or garden mums, are not only an iconic choice for late autumn and early winter gardens, but they are also the most reliable option for adding color during this period.
- When it comes to late-season perennials, other than chrysanthemums, succulents, daylilies, and hardy daisies offer complementary late-blooming color.
- The 'Helen Ward' variety, with its double pompom heads of dusky-coral crimson flowers, is just one example of the stunning blooms in the 'home-and-garden' domain.
- For those interested in travel, the nurseries at Norwell, Nottinghamshire, UK are known for their hardy chrysanthemums, which are part of a National Collection.
- The 'Picasso' chrysanthemum, with its peachy-pink flowers and attractive darker center, continues to flower in the second week of December, making it suitable for those who value a lasting 'lifestyle' in their gardens.
