I don’t like chrysanthemums – I don’t like their stiff resolve to stay alive in a bucket in the corner of every petrol station, I don’t like the fact that they put up with being dyed all sorts of ridiculous colours and, having lived in France, I don’t like their tenacious grim grip on the grave decoration market at this time of year. There is a but coming…
but, I am beginning to think my prejudice is making me miss out on a rather wonderful late autumn survivor – and right now this old fashioned trouper is starting to make a come-back. So let’s take a look at some of the trendy ‘mums which are changing our minds.
This looks pretty, doesn’t it? These are all chrysanthemums growing in a conservatory but these hardy plants are really useful for cheering up the late autumn garden too. And they are not too demanding either. The list below comes from the wonderful Ursula Buchan who certainly knows her onions – but keep your eyes open in your local garden centre because they will be stocking plants in full bloom now so you can see what you are getting.
- Chrysanthemum ‘Cottage Apricot’ has single flowers of a bronzey-apricot colour in October and November. It flops rather easily, so should be staked.
- ‘Purleigh White’ has white, semi-pompon flowers with just a hint of pink, and prominent yellow central discs. It grows to about 85cm (33in). A sport of ‘Mei-kyo’.
- ‘Anastasia’ is a pompon that has purplish-pink, double flowers with yellow centres up to 4cm (1½in) across. ‘Mei-kyo’ (pictured left) is very similar, but has slightly paler flowers and is shorter.
- ‘Nantyderry Sunshine’ is a Japanese semi-pompon with cheery, bright-yellow double flowers 3cm (1¼in) across, in October and November. It is a sport from the equally garden-worthy ‘Bronze Elegance’.
- ‘Ruby Mound’ is a popular variety because it makes a dense plant, and the double flowers, 7cm (almost 3in) across, are a deep, satisfying red in colour.
- ‘Emperor of China’ flowers particularly late, in November and December. It has a laxer, taller habit than most, and double, 6cm (2½in) flower heads in a very soft pink. The petals are slightly quilled, which is most attractive. Moreover, the leaves are red in autumn.
And there are literally hundreds of others to choose from, so take a closer look at ‘mums this autumn – you may surprise yourself.
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