Plant Profile

Hardy Chrysanthemums
By Trips Secretary Elizabeth Rees

Hardy Chrysanthemums inject lustrous colours into flagging borders, but should not be confused with frost tender florists' varieties. Hardy chrysanthemums are herbaceous perennials, dying back completely over the winter.

There is a hardy chrysanthemum to suit every sunny spot in the garden, with compact forms for containers, and taller ones for beds and borders designed to extend the flowering season as late in the year as possible. Most make excellent cut flowers. They come in a range of glowing colours from ivory to pink, crimson and gold, with blooms that vary greatly in shape, size and form. Among the easiest to grow are the pompon and spray types.

When the plants are growing strongly in the spring, and are about 8 inches high, pinch out the small growing tip to encourage sideshoots to form. This results in a bushier, more attractive shape, but also means more flowers will be produced. Plant in fertile, mosit but well drained soil in full sun. Taller varieties may need staking.


A beautiful example enjoying some autumnal sun in Elizabeth's garden!