Among a wide variety of cottage plants, a separate place is occupied by garden chrysanthemum. The Queen of Autumn opens its buds in August, filling the site with a stunning tart aroma. With regular, appropriate care, beautiful flowering is ensured until the frost. There are many types of chrysanthemums that differ in shape, color of petals, and structure of stems. Each traditional, exotic variety has its own characteristics and requires some care.
Even a novice summer resident can grow a simple chrysanthemum. It is unpretentious, does not require an annual transplant. In the case of a change of place, it perfectly takes root on the new one. Most varieties (over 500) are ideal for outdoor use. Bright fragrant color will create a joyful mood in anticipation of the cold weather on any land.
The thousand-year history of chrysanthemums originates in the country of the cult of flowers - China. Even then, powerful emperors admired the stunning colors. At some time periods, they were compared with gold and profitable exchanges were made.
There are many legends telling about the appearance of a flower. One of the most revered says that the evil dragon wanted to steal the sun, but the light burned his paws. Furious, he tore it apart. Sparks that fell to the ground turned into chrysanthemums. From the Greek, the name of the plant is translated as goldflower.
In garden conditions, chrysanthemum was cultivated in the 5-6th century BC. The first written mention comes from Confucius. The most accurate description of ancient flowers was made in 1753 by the father of modern taxonomy, Karl Linnaeus. Surprisingly, in the wild this plant has never been encountered, up to the present.
The progenitor of all varieties - Indian chrysanthemum and silky-leaved. The first cultivated species had small, only yellow flowers. For the first time in Europe, a plant appeared in the 17th century, Russian gardeners were lucky enough to acquire copies only by the end of the 19th century.
Benefits of growing chrysanthemums on site
An interesting feature of chrysanthemums is the binding of the variety to a specific region. It is in the place of origin that they manifest themselves fully. Stunning perennials perfectly tolerate weak frosts, retain color for a long time. The advantages of growing on the site include the following factors:
A huge number of varieties and groups, with which you can create interesting compositions, planted alone;
The flowering period falls mainly in the fall;
Do not lose the splendor of inflorescences even at low temperature, with a lack of sun;
Easy to breed, cut stems can be in the water for up to a month;
Resistant to pests, diseases;
Able to tolerate any adverse environmental influences (strong wind, hail, prolonged rainfall).
Types of flowering dates
Each country in which the selection of chrysanthemums was held and varieties developed, has its own classification. But for all species, a single division according to the flowering time has been developed. These are early, middle, late and winter-hardy. Having all the representatives on your site, a beautiful flowering will begin in early summer and end in late autumn. Each type of color specimen requires a certain amount of care, has particular preferences in soil, lighting, and top dressing.
Early grades
Such plants are especially popular among gardeners. They begin to bloom at the beginning of summer. In height, their stems reach 1.5 meters, can be single or grouped into shrubs. The size of the flower can also be varied.
Such chrysanthemums are planted in the seedling method, as early as possible at the first thaws. The best time when daylight hours will reach 9 hours is usually mid-February. With early sowing, flowering bushes will delight with their beauty already for the May holidays.
You can’t immediately plant plants in open ground, they need at least 15 days to harden. By the time of their transfer to the soil, return frosts should pass. Popular varieties include the following:
Anita - a white single flower of spherical shape, with a diameter of 20 cm;
Sazil lilac - a branch grade with needle-shaped flowers;
Regalia - the mid-flowered species has red buds up to 15 cm;
Monagua - small red flowers similar to daisies, collected in inflorescences;
Absolute - a white spherical bud with a diameter of 20 cm;
Natasha - the flower can be solitary of medium size or consist of several stems (Natasha-branch).
Late grades
Hardy late-flowering chrysanthemum feels great in the ground and is stored for a long time in a cut state. The height of its stems is 100-160 cm. It quickly grows and turns from a single flower into a strong upright bush. The stems can be so dense that they can withstand even a strong wind and not break.
In late chrysanthemums, almost all flowers are on the same level. Perennial looks like a gorgeous bouquet, decorating the exterior of the site. It blooms from early autumn until the first frost. It is better to plant such varieties in slightly darkened areas. Any soil with humus, which provides a high flower with good nutrition, is suitable. Popular varieties: Avignon, Moscow, Ribonet, Champagne, Super White.
For a flowering perennial, it is necessary to choose a worthy environment (asters, lilies). Tall chrysanthemums look great against the background of decorative evergreen shrubs or as an independent bush on the lawn.
Medium grades
Autumn chrysanthemums, the flowering period of which falls at the beginning of August, the end of October, are perennial bushes with dissected green foliage. The stems are erect, in height can reach 1 meter. Single plants almost never occur. More often, the perennial has a tree-like, spherical crown.
Medium flowering chrysanthemums should be planted next to tall fruit shrubs, trees that create shade at noon. In open areas, foliage of bushes can get burns. This group includes the following species: Anastasia, Kazan, Sivena, Viking, Chita, Tom Pier.
Winter-hardy varieties of chrysanthemums
Frost-resistant varieties of long flowering gradually displace spring and summer plants. They are less whimsical, calmly winter in the ground. More often perennials with such characteristics are found in the group of Korean small-flowered chrysanthemums. In turn, they differ in the following indicators:
Bush height;
Flowering time;
Type of inflorescences;
The color scheme of flowers.
Only frost-resistant varieties can winter in the open ground. But even such plants need to ease the task by preparing them well before the first frost. This is especially true of the northern regions. To increase the immunity of chrysanthemums at the end of September, the soil is fertilized with phosphorus-potassium fertilizers. You should also constantly inspect the plants, so as not to miss the first signs of the disease. Weak flowers will not tolerate frost.
The first frosts of Korean winter-hardy varieties will not hurt, but already in early December, the plants must be cut off, leaving 10 cm stems and toss the ground around the rhizome well. If winter is without snow, the flower garden should be covered with dry leaves, spruce branches.
Varieties of chrysanthemums in terms of inflorescence and flower structure
All varieties of garden chrysanthemum are grouped according to some signs and characteristics. Plants can be either dwarf or giant. Height varies from 15 cm to 1.5 m. Due to the variety of shapes, sizes, colors of inflorescences, you can create a stunning colorful landscape.
Large-flowered Chrysanthemums
Large flowers of various colors on strong long stems are ideal for composing compositions and bouquets.They belong to the Astrov family, have a thickened root system, highly branched shoots. The sheet plate is large - 20 cm long, 10 cm wide. The shape of the edges is wavy without nicks.
Large flowers can remain single or make up multiple inflorescences with baskets up to 30 cm in diameter. Flowers can be anemone, spherical, hemispherical, with simple, radial, arachnid, curly-bent inflorescences. The variety gives little seed, so propagation by division is preferable bush.
The main advantage of large-flowered chrysanthemums is excellent external data. A huge selection of shades allows you to create beautiful compositions from different species, combine them with other small, tall shrubs. Most varieties bloom for more than 3 months, resistant to frost. Flowers do not tolerate excessively moist soil, lack of heat and sun, are susceptible to fungal diseases.
Medium flowered varieties
They can be grown in open ground, in flowerbeds or in pots, as decor for terraces and balconies. The height of the stems is 50-70 cm, the diameter of the flowers is up to 18 cm. The inflorescences are needle-shaped, flat or rolled up into a tube. Most often they are used to decorate the site. Popular varieties: Golden Fleece, Champagne Spray, Pink Chamomile.
Decorative indoor chrysanthemums with medium colors require some care. Pots should be periodically taken to fresh air, placed in the shade. They do not need frequent watering; moisture can be replaced by spraying. So that the plant does not lose its decorativeness, it is necessary to regularly pick up dried stems and faded buds.
Small flowered varieties
Compact small-flowered varieties grow in low bushes. Most of these species were bred in Korea, so they were isolated in a separate group of hybrids - Korean chrysanthemum. Perennials quickly take root in open ground and in individual pots.They are used for garden decoration, like indoor plants.
The height of the border variety does not exceed 30 cm. Medium-sized flowers can grow up to 50 cm. Tall representatives of the group are rare. They are grown to cut to create bouquets and gift arrangements. Inflorescences of small flowers are 2-5 cm. According to the shape of the bud, they are divided into the following types:
Pompoms with hidden inflorescence;
Terry with petals;
Simple, chamomile-like.
Small-flowered chrysanthemums with a spherical crown look very neat, indispensable in the design of the site. Flowers amaze with an abundance of colors. Unusual tones - burgundy, black, orange will become a real highlight of the flowerbed. Low bushes are often called oak trees, due to the similar shape of the leaves to a century-old tree.
Color variety
Thanks to breeders, there are many types of chrysanthemums with the most amazing and unusual colors. Solid colors are more common, yellow, pink, white colors prevail. Hybrid varieties can be two-tone, multi-colored, the most unimaginable tones (black, orange, green, blue).
Petals of multi-colored inflorescences can be painted longitudinally, capture the middle and the edging. There are smooth transitions of shades, from orange to pale yellow, contrasting combinations of white and bright red. In flowers with curly-bent, spider-like petals, the leaves nearest the center are often much paler than the extreme, massive ones.
Landing rules
It is very simple to grow chrysanthemums in the open field. Most often use seeds, but you can plant cuttings. If your favorite variety is already growing on the site, you can add a few more bushes using its separation. Certain planting skills are not required. Decorative flowers will delight every year with a stunning color, if you take the garden procedure responsibly and follow certain rules.
Seat selection
Chrysanthemum is not particularly demanding on soil compositions, but, like all plants, it loves heat, moderate light. Having decided to replenish the site with new flowering crops, first of all, they need to choose a place. It should be understood that all varieties do not tolerate high humidity, grow poorly in the shade. They need to get enough sunlight. Otherwise, the color of greenery will become less saturated, there will be much less flowers, inflorescences will lose splendor, stems will be straightforward.
For an annual, perennial culture, an ideal landing site would be a hill. Plants quickly adapt and manage to grow stronger before the onset of cold weather. Experienced gardeners do not recommend keeping the flower in one place for more than three years. Periodic transplantation, a change in the flower garden will avoid attacks of pests, root rot and many diseases.
The soil
The best soil for chrysanthemums is loose, rich in organic matter, and permeable. A slightly acidic, neutral soil with good drainage is suitable. The earth can have any composition, except for heavy clay.
Abundant flowering can be achieved by adding peat to the soil, a suitable complex, mineral fertilizer. For drainage of heavy soils, purified sand is used. The plant survives well on sandy loamy, loamy soils. If the soil is too acidic, ash is added to it.
Manure for feeding should be immediately excluded - chrysanthemums do not tolerate it.
Landing time
The best time for planting and transplanting chrysanthemums is early spring. You can take plants to the garden after the first frost. In a new place, they can calmly take root, prepare for the autumn cold weather, some varieties for wintering. During the warm sunny season even the weakest specimens will be able to take root.
Autumn planting is less preferable, since this increases the risk of death of the flower due to the abnormally early arrival of cold weather.Plants will require increased attention and care, there will be a need for preparation for wintering.
The reason for the planting of chrysanthemums in the ground at the end of the season may be reproduction, when it is urgent to plant a flower garden. Also, the autumn landing justifies the desire to strengthen the root system, increasing resistance to frost, hardening for the next years. When choosing a time for planting chrysanthemums, the following points should be considered:
Climatic features of the region;
Features of the landing site;
Characteristics of the variety, group;
The condition of the soil, planting material.
Well preparation and landing
The depth of the landing hole should not exceed 40 cm. Each hole must be well drained, fertilized and watered. The prepared bush is lowered into the hole and instilled. For tall plants, you must immediately establish a temporary support. At the end of the landing, you need to pin it. In hot weather, seedlings must be hidden in the shade, placed under a canopy for 10-15 days, until enough time has passed for a good rooting.
Chrysanthemums can be grown in the flower garden or in rows. When calculating the necessary indent from neighboring copies, take into account the variety, size of the bush, the size of inflorescences. For short and medium, 30 cm removal is sufficient, tall ones require at least 50 cm.
Landing is best done in cloudy weather, in light rain in the evening, morning. If for some reason this cannot be done, planting in the ground can be delayed until spring. The seedling is placed in a wide, shallow pot, sent to a cool place. In winter, you need to trim it a little and occasionally water it. In late February, the chrysanthemum is sent to the garden at a permanent place.
How to care for a plant
Timely and competent care is the key to lush, bright, rich flowering. All procedures can be minimized if the optimal conditions for plants are selected correctly.Some time after the planting of chrysanthemum in the ground, it should be clipped to enhance branching. The best moment is when the plant releases the eighth leaf. When the side shoots start to grow, they need to carry out the same procedure. This rule does not apply to large-flowered chrysanthemums. The lateral processes of them must be removed and rooted in the neighborhood. Care for the root system, the need for additional nutrition for all varieties of culture is the same.
Watering and loosening
It is better not to water the chrysanthemum at all than to excessively moisten the soil. Even with severe drought, it will feel good. So that the flowering remains lush, and the leaves are healthy and green, the plant must be given to drink regularly, but very carefully, constantly observing the state of the soil.
Systemic irrigation is necessary in the stage of active growth in the summer months. During the flowering period, hydration must be stopped or minimized. You can use only purified, settled, rainwater. You can not wet the leaves and direct a trickle to the roots in the center of the bush. Between watering, the substrate should completely dry in the upper, middle layer.
Water for irrigation of chrysanthemums should be warm. Cold liquid will accelerate the stiffness of the stems. Each procedure should end with loosening the soil. Only the topsoil can be filled with oxygen, so as not to damage the root system, which is located on the surface of the flowers. Such procedures can be carried out until the culture gives buds. Then it is better to use the mulching method.
Mulching
An important process for chrysanthemums should take place in spring and autumn. For this purpose you can use pine needles, compost, oat straw, wood bark. The surface coating of the soil will protect plants from fungal diseases. The nutrient layer will not allow pathogens to get on the leaves, the trunk during irrigation, with raindrops.
Autumn mulching is necessary to ensure a quiet wintering for the newly formed young rosettes of the plant. The bushes are trimmed, leaving a low stump of 10 cm, sprinkled with mulch, a layer of 20 cm. The time of the procedure depends on the variety and weather. Usually mulch flowers in mid-October.
It is impossible to use fallen leaves, peat as a mulch. Natural materials have the ability to retain moisture, which will contribute to root debate in winter.
Fertilizing and fertilizing
Proper and timely top dressing can ensure normal growth and luxurious flowering. The active development of chrysanthemums is guaranteed in a soil rich in chemical composition. The following substances should be present in sufficient quantities:
Nitrogen. Promotes the formation of bush specimens with dense, large leaves, viable shoots. Yellowing foliage, a decrease in the flower, speaks about the lack of the element.
Potassium. Improves flowering, helps fight diseases. With a lack of substance, the edges of the sheets dry out and the flowers become deformed.
Phosphorus. The component is important during the period of active life, when the buds are ovary. If it is not enough, flowering is late, a purple outline appears along the edges of the leaves. It is necessary to introduce the element as soon as possible, as soon as the snow melts.
Feeding is also of great importance. The introduction of nutrients should take place at least three times per season. Any soil before planting chrysanthemums wintering in containers should be fertilized with compost and peat. The second stage of feeding is the growing season, before the formation of buds. The last feeding should take place in the fall, when the plant is exhausted and weakened. Preparing for winter is important not only for flowers remaining in the ground, but also for indoor varieties.
Garter and look after
Simple processing of chrysanthemum bushes will make it possible to create real flowering masterpieces from them.To get a beautiful spherical bush, after wintering, the plant is pruned and pinched. There are species with a natural regular shape, for example, Multiflora. They grow with clear boundaries, if you do not miss the appearance of the second shoot and do not remove it in time.
Nipping of any variety is carried out until the buds appear. Chrysanthemums with small, medium-sized flowers are processed when the main shoot reaches 10 cm. Then, grown lateral branches are cut to the same length. Subsequently, all shoots will actively branch.
You can get a chic bush with huge flowers if you take good care of its appearance. Plants from the large-flowered group are pruned just a few times per season, most often in June. Stepson from mid-July - daily shoots emerging from the axils of the leaves are removed. In August, the procedure is carried out every three days.
So that the long stalks of chrysanthemums do not suffer in strong winds, they should be tied up. For this, wooden pegs are inserted into the ground at the planting stage. Bushes should be inspected periodically so as not to miss the onset of the disease, damage by microorganisms. Pests often settle in old withered leaves, they must be constantly cut off.
Care after flowering and preparation for wintering
To prepare a chrysanthemum for wintering, it is necessary to start already in September, during its abundant flowering. The timing of preparation may shift depending on the region of landing. In the north, this is done in August, in the south - in October. Care after flowering is as follows:
Trimming tops. The plant tolerates moderate frost well, so the stems are cut with the onset of a stable low temperature. The bush is inspected, dried shoots are removed. Stalks are cut by secateurs, leaving stumps 15 cm from the ground.
Fertilizing bushes with fertilizers. The procedure should take place at the time of flowering, a month before the onset of cold weather. During this period, the root system of chrysanthemum will completely absorb nutrients.Under the bush make fertilizers containing potassium, phosphorus.
Treatment of stems with compounds that increase resistance to diseases, against pests. Two weeks after fertilizing the plant, the soil around is treated with mixtures against rust, fusarium, fungal diseases. In warm weather, the flower is sprayed with foundationazole, a Bordeaux mixture. From aphids, ticks use insecticides.
Creating a shelter for a comfortable wintering, transplanting into a pot. For warming Korean varieties and other small-flowered perennials I use agrofabric, wood shavings, peat. Large-flowered, such as Multiflora, are transferred to containers.
Breeding methods
Chrysanthemum can be propagated in several ways. The choice of method is influenced by the variety, planting region, soil composition and other factors. Before choosing the most suitable option, you should determine the purpose of planting new crops. In order to preserve all the qualities of the plant, for example, size, terry, bushiness, shape, color, it is necessary to choose a vegetative method of reproduction. Seeds are used in breeding to create new varieties.
Seeds
This method is suitable for species with small inflorescences, since it will be very difficult to maintain the variety of large-flowered specimens. Seeds are used, collected from their flowers in the garden or bought in a special store.
Sowing time determines the beginning of flowering of each species. Seeds of early flowering varieties are placed in the soil in late February, late flowering in mid-April. You can plant in open ground or a container for seedlings. Sowing work on the site are as follows:
Tanks for planting are treated with potassium permanganate water;
The boxes are filled with fertile soil mixed with sand and humus;
Seed is laid on the surface of the earth without covering it with soil, since it needs light;
Cover the containers with glass, film. This will maintain the necessary wet conditions;
Humidification is carried out using a spray gun:
After 10-15 days, when seedlings appear, the glass is removed;
As soon as the first pair of leaves appears, the plants are transferred to larger containers.
No less successful will be landing directly in the ground. Shallow holes are prepared at a distance of 10 cm from each other. 3-5 seeds are lowered into each hole and covered with glass. They clean it when the first shoots appear. When the first leaves appear, chrysanthemum can be transplanted to a permanent place.
Cuttings
Propagation by cuttings allows you to save all the characteristics inherent in a particular variety. The harvesting of cuttings is made in the spring, but the uterine bush must be determined from the fall. The order of work is as follows:
Healthy plants are selected during the flowering period. They should not be affected by pests, have signs of disease;
After the bush fades, the ground part is cut off;
In October, November, the plant is dug up, transferred to a box, determined in a cool place;
The masterbatch is watered only when the soil is completely dry;
In January and February, the box is placed in a lit place, increasing watering;
The appearance of buds, root shoots is a signal of readiness for cuttings.
The shoot is cut off with a sharp knife at an angle, the lower part is freed from the leaves. The remaining greens at the top are trimmed with scissors to prevent excess moisture absorption. The cuttings are planted in a container with prepared soil, having previously wetted the process in a special solution that stimulates root growth. The duration of rooting depends on the time of planting. Winter cuttings will take at least a month, spring - 1-2 weeks.
Bush division
The easiest method of reproduction. Perform the procedure in the spring, when the bush is covered with young shoots. In this way, you can not only successfully propagate the plant, but also rejuvenate it.If you do not plant chrysanthemums, then after 3 years it will gain an unpresentable appearance, its flowers will fade and fall off. The division of the bush takes place in several stages:
The bush is gently dug and slowly pulled out, trying to maintain the integrity of the roots;
The earth is removed - shaken or washed off under running water;
They divide the bush into three parts, so that one has roots, the other two only shoots;
Soak the part with the roots in a weak solution of potassium permanganate for 30 minutes;
Shallow holes are prepared;
Plants are planted in the ground, carefully press the ground;
Well watered and shaded.
How to deal with pests and diseases of chrysanthemums
Chrysanthemum is not distinguished by good immunity to diseases, therefore, it requires special attention during the growing season. In order not to put flowers at risk, it is necessary to constantly monitor the condition of foliage, stems, take preventive measures in a timely manner, and take care of the soil. If the defeat could not be avoided, it is important to recognize it correctly and apply the most effective methods of struggle to eliminate it. Chrysanthemums may have the following diseases:
Septoria - leaf spotting. First, yellow spots form, gradually darken to black. First of all, sick areas are cut off. The whole bush is treated with fungicides.
Rust. Pale patches form on the surface of greenery. Affected leaves are removed, healthy thin out for better ventilation. The plant should also be treated with fungicides.
Withering leaves. The fungus enters the plant through the soil, blocks the flow of nutrients. All infected areas are removed, the soil pH is increased to 7.0.
Powdery Mildew The leaf covers a whitish spot coating. The affected plant material is removed, the bush is treated with antifungal drugs.
Mosaic. Affected by the virus, chrysanthemum has a stunted appearance, yellow leaves.It should be removed with the root, in the future actively fight weeds on the site.
In addition to diseases, various organisms can cause harm to chrysanthemum. The most dangerous are the leaf nematode, aphids, and spider mites. Unsegmented worms attack the root system. You can fight them only by completely removing the plant along with the surrounding soil. The spread of parasites will prevent spring mulching. In hot weather, the danger for chrysanthemums is caused by aphids, which feed on the juice of young shoots. You can remove it with a strong stream of water, then the bush should be treated with insecticides, a copper-soap solution.
Features of planting chrysanthemums in the winter
Many gardeners acquire new seedlings in the fall, when you can see and appreciate the beauty of the color of chrysanthemum. So that the plant has managed to take root before frost, it should be planted in mid-September. You can not divide it into smaller elements. The flower must be helped to adapt to new conditions, which will favorably affect its future flowering.
Only healthy, strong specimens have a chance to take root before the frost. Weak planting material will take much longer. Such plants can be placed in a container until spring. Landing under the winter ground is carried out as follows:
Dig a landing hole, 30 cm deep, drainage is placed at the bottom;
Introduce complex fertilizer for fertility, not more than 500 g;
Heavy soil soften with peat, sand, moisturize abundantly;
They lower the plant into the hole without deepening the rhizome, sprinkle it with earth and water it;
For tall specimens, a peg for support is immediately driven in;
Pinch chrysanthemums right after planting;
If necessary, install a canopy from the sun over the seedling.
Features of growing chrysanthemum Multiflora
Chrysanthemum Multiflora among the abundance of species occupies a special place. The group includes many different varieties that differ in color, size, shape.Representatives bloom for a long time at different times.
Chinese spherical chrysanthemum is a variety of garden crops with multiple small flowers. The variety is intended for garden decor, creating original compositions. The bush dissolves the petals very early in early August. The flower does not need pruning, the artificial formation of a beautiful crown, these moments are laid in it genetically. You can make Chrysanthemum Multiflora perfect with a simple pinching of the top. The only drawback is poor frost resistance. Many varieties freeze even when covered.
Like all chrysanthemums, Multiflora is photophilous, prefers to be constantly in the sun. You can not plant a plant near fences and hedges that violate the equivalent lighting. The soil for the bush is prepared in the fall, humus, ashes are added, they are dug up. In spring, the procedure is repeated.
What colors chrysanthemums are adjacent to - tips for creating flower beds
When planning planting chrysanthemums in the garden, it is necessary to take into account the height, width of the bush and the size of the inflorescences. You can create stunning compositions, headed by flowering perennials, of very different shapes (in the form of a cascade in separate sections). The best result can be achieved by observing certain rules when combining plants. It is important to choose the right neighbors, with the same requirements for lighting, watering. A flower bed will be attractive if you collect on it identical instances of flowering.
Chrysanthemums coexist perfectly in the flower garden with any neighbors. Garden grains, ivy, and sage will shade them well. On a flower bed in several levels, you can plant daisies, dahlias, aster, calendula. The best option for flowering perennials is monoclops with multi-colored chrysanthemums of different varieties.
Conclusion
Garden Chrysanthemum is the favorite of many gardeners, both beginners and professionally engaged in landscape design, breeding new varieties.For her, there will always be a place in any part of the cottage. Correctly choosing bushes for compositions, you can get a fragrant flowerbed with continuous flowering throughout the season.
Among a wide variety of cottage plants, a separate place is occupied by garden chrysanthemum. The Queen of Autumn opens its buds in August, filling the site with a stunning tart aroma. With regular, appropriate care, beautiful flowering is ensured until the frost. There are many types of chrysanthemums that differ in shape, color of petals, and structure of stems. Each traditional, exotic variety has its own characteristics and requires some care.
Even a novice summer resident can grow a simple chrysanthemum. It is unpretentious, does not require an annual transplant. In the case of a change of place, it perfectly takes root on the new one. Most varieties (over 500) are ideal for outdoor use. Bright fragrant color will create a joyful mood in anticipation of the cold weather on any land.
Content
History and Origin
The thousand-year history of chrysanthemums originates in the country of the cult of flowers - China. Even then, powerful emperors admired the stunning colors. At some time periods, they were compared with gold and profitable exchanges were made.
There are many legends telling about the appearance of a flower. One of the most revered says that the evil dragon wanted to steal the sun, but the light burned his paws. Furious, he tore it apart. Sparks that fell to the ground turned into chrysanthemums. From the Greek, the name of the plant is translated as goldflower.
In garden conditions, chrysanthemum was cultivated in the 5-6th century BC. The first written mention comes from Confucius. The most accurate description of ancient flowers was made in 1753 by the father of modern taxonomy, Karl Linnaeus. Surprisingly, in the wild this plant has never been encountered, up to the present.
The progenitor of all varieties - Indian chrysanthemum and silky-leaved. The first cultivated species had small, only yellow flowers. For the first time in Europe, a plant appeared in the 17th century, Russian gardeners were lucky enough to acquire copies only by the end of the 19th century.
Benefits of growing chrysanthemums on site
An interesting feature of chrysanthemums is the binding of the variety to a specific region. It is in the place of origin that they manifest themselves fully. Stunning perennials perfectly tolerate weak frosts, retain color for a long time. The advantages of growing on the site include the following factors:
Types of flowering dates
Each country in which the selection of chrysanthemums was held and varieties developed, has its own classification. But for all species, a single division according to the flowering time has been developed. These are early, middle, late and winter-hardy. Having all the representatives on your site, a beautiful flowering will begin in early summer and end in late autumn. Each type of color specimen requires a certain amount of care, has particular preferences in soil, lighting, and top dressing.
Early grades
Such plants are especially popular among gardeners. They begin to bloom at the beginning of summer. In height, their stems reach 1.5 meters, can be single or grouped into shrubs. The size of the flower can also be varied.
Such chrysanthemums are planted in the seedling method, as early as possible at the first thaws. The best time when daylight hours will reach 9 hours is usually mid-February. With early sowing, flowering bushes will delight with their beauty already for the May holidays.
You can’t immediately plant plants in open ground, they need at least 15 days to harden. By the time of their transfer to the soil, return frosts should pass. Popular varieties include the following:
Late grades
Hardy late-flowering chrysanthemum feels great in the ground and is stored for a long time in a cut state. The height of its stems is 100-160 cm. It quickly grows and turns from a single flower into a strong upright bush. The stems can be so dense that they can withstand even a strong wind and not break.
In late chrysanthemums, almost all flowers are on the same level. Perennial looks like a gorgeous bouquet, decorating the exterior of the site. It blooms from early autumn until the first frost. It is better to plant such varieties in slightly darkened areas. Any soil with humus, which provides a high flower with good nutrition, is suitable. Popular varieties: Avignon, Moscow, Ribonet, Champagne, Super White.
Medium grades
Autumn chrysanthemums, the flowering period of which falls at the beginning of August, the end of October, are perennial bushes with dissected green foliage. The stems are erect, in height can reach 1 meter. Single plants almost never occur. More often, the perennial has a tree-like, spherical crown.
Medium flowering chrysanthemums should be planted next to tall fruit shrubs, trees that create shade at noon. In open areas, foliage of bushes can get burns. This group includes the following species: Anastasia, Kazan, Sivena, Viking, Chita, Tom Pier.
Winter-hardy varieties of chrysanthemums
Frost-resistant varieties of long flowering gradually displace spring and summer plants. They are less whimsical, calmly winter in the ground. More often perennials with such characteristics are found in the group of Korean small-flowered chrysanthemums. In turn, they differ in the following indicators:
Only frost-resistant varieties can winter in the open ground. But even such plants need to ease the task by preparing them well before the first frost. This is especially true of the northern regions. To increase the immunity of chrysanthemums at the end of September, the soil is fertilized with phosphorus-potassium fertilizers. You should also constantly inspect the plants, so as not to miss the first signs of the disease. Weak flowers will not tolerate frost.
The first frosts of Korean winter-hardy varieties will not hurt, but already in early December, the plants must be cut off, leaving 10 cm stems and toss the ground around the rhizome well. If winter is without snow, the flower garden should be covered with dry leaves, spruce branches.
Varieties of chrysanthemums in terms of inflorescence and flower structure
All varieties of garden chrysanthemum are grouped according to some signs and characteristics. Plants can be either dwarf or giant. Height varies from 15 cm to 1.5 m. Due to the variety of shapes, sizes, colors of inflorescences, you can create a stunning colorful landscape.
Large-flowered Chrysanthemums
Large flowers of various colors on strong long stems are ideal for composing compositions and bouquets.They belong to the Astrov family, have a thickened root system, highly branched shoots. The sheet plate is large - 20 cm long, 10 cm wide. The shape of the edges is wavy without nicks.
Large flowers can remain single or make up multiple inflorescences with baskets up to 30 cm in diameter. Flowers can be anemone, spherical, hemispherical, with simple, radial, arachnid, curly-bent inflorescences. The variety gives little seed, so propagation by division is preferable bush.
The main advantage of large-flowered chrysanthemums is excellent external data. A huge selection of shades allows you to create beautiful compositions from different species, combine them with other small, tall shrubs. Most varieties bloom for more than 3 months, resistant to frost. Flowers do not tolerate excessively moist soil, lack of heat and sun, are susceptible to fungal diseases.
Medium flowered varieties
They can be grown in open ground, in flowerbeds or in pots, as decor for terraces and balconies. The height of the stems is 50-70 cm, the diameter of the flowers is up to 18 cm. The inflorescences are needle-shaped, flat or rolled up into a tube. Most often they are used to decorate the site. Popular varieties: Golden Fleece, Champagne Spray, Pink Chamomile.
Decorative indoor chrysanthemums with medium colors require some care. Pots should be periodically taken to fresh air, placed in the shade. They do not need frequent watering; moisture can be replaced by spraying. So that the plant does not lose its decorativeness, it is necessary to regularly pick up dried stems and faded buds.
Small flowered varieties
Compact small-flowered varieties grow in low bushes. Most of these species were bred in Korea, so they were isolated in a separate group of hybrids - Korean chrysanthemum. Perennials quickly take root in open ground and in individual pots.They are used for garden decoration, like indoor plants.
The height of the border variety does not exceed 30 cm. Medium-sized flowers can grow up to 50 cm. Tall representatives of the group are rare. They are grown to cut to create bouquets and gift arrangements. Inflorescences of small flowers are 2-5 cm. According to the shape of the bud, they are divided into the following types:
Small-flowered chrysanthemums with a spherical crown look very neat, indispensable in the design of the site. Flowers amaze with an abundance of colors. Unusual tones - burgundy, black, orange will become a real highlight of the flowerbed. Low bushes are often called oak trees, due to the similar shape of the leaves to a century-old tree.
Color variety
Thanks to breeders, there are many types of chrysanthemums with the most amazing and unusual colors. Solid colors are more common, yellow, pink, white colors prevail. Hybrid varieties can be two-tone, multi-colored, the most unimaginable tones (black, orange, green, blue).
Petals of multi-colored inflorescences can be painted longitudinally, capture the middle and the edging. There are smooth transitions of shades, from orange to pale yellow, contrasting combinations of white and bright red. In flowers with curly-bent, spider-like petals, the leaves nearest the center are often much paler than the extreme, massive ones.
Landing rules
It is very simple to grow chrysanthemums in the open field. Most often use seeds, but you can plant cuttings. If your favorite variety is already growing on the site, you can add a few more bushes using its separation. Certain planting skills are not required. Decorative flowers will delight every year with a stunning color, if you take the garden procedure responsibly and follow certain rules.
Seat selection
Chrysanthemum is not particularly demanding on soil compositions, but, like all plants, it loves heat, moderate light. Having decided to replenish the site with new flowering crops, first of all, they need to choose a place. It should be understood that all varieties do not tolerate high humidity, grow poorly in the shade. They need to get enough sunlight. Otherwise, the color of greenery will become less saturated, there will be much less flowers, inflorescences will lose splendor, stems will be straightforward.
For an annual, perennial culture, an ideal landing site would be a hill. Plants quickly adapt and manage to grow stronger before the onset of cold weather. Experienced gardeners do not recommend keeping the flower in one place for more than three years. Periodic transplantation, a change in the flower garden will avoid attacks of pests, root rot and many diseases.
The soil
The best soil for chrysanthemums is loose, rich in organic matter, and permeable. A slightly acidic, neutral soil with good drainage is suitable. The earth can have any composition, except for heavy clay.
Abundant flowering can be achieved by adding peat to the soil, a suitable complex, mineral fertilizer. For drainage of heavy soils, purified sand is used. The plant survives well on sandy loamy, loamy soils. If the soil is too acidic, ash is added to it.
Landing time
The best time for planting and transplanting chrysanthemums is early spring. You can take plants to the garden after the first frost. In a new place, they can calmly take root, prepare for the autumn cold weather, some varieties for wintering. During the warm sunny season even the weakest specimens will be able to take root.
Autumn planting is less preferable, since this increases the risk of death of the flower due to the abnormally early arrival of cold weather.Plants will require increased attention and care, there will be a need for preparation for wintering.
The reason for the planting of chrysanthemums in the ground at the end of the season may be reproduction, when it is urgent to plant a flower garden. Also, the autumn landing justifies the desire to strengthen the root system, increasing resistance to frost, hardening for the next years. When choosing a time for planting chrysanthemums, the following points should be considered:
Well preparation and landing
The depth of the landing hole should not exceed 40 cm. Each hole must be well drained, fertilized and watered. The prepared bush is lowered into the hole and instilled. For tall plants, you must immediately establish a temporary support. At the end of the landing, you need to pin it. In hot weather, seedlings must be hidden in the shade, placed under a canopy for 10-15 days, until enough time has passed for a good rooting.
Chrysanthemums can be grown in the flower garden or in rows. When calculating the necessary indent from neighboring copies, take into account the variety, size of the bush, the size of inflorescences. For short and medium, 30 cm removal is sufficient, tall ones require at least 50 cm.
Landing is best done in cloudy weather, in light rain in the evening, morning. If for some reason this cannot be done, planting in the ground can be delayed until spring. The seedling is placed in a wide, shallow pot, sent to a cool place. In winter, you need to trim it a little and occasionally water it. In late February, the chrysanthemum is sent to the garden at a permanent place.
How to care for a plant
Timely and competent care is the key to lush, bright, rich flowering. All procedures can be minimized if the optimal conditions for plants are selected correctly.Some time after the planting of chrysanthemum in the ground, it should be clipped to enhance branching. The best moment is when the plant releases the eighth leaf. When the side shoots start to grow, they need to carry out the same procedure. This rule does not apply to large-flowered chrysanthemums. The lateral processes of them must be removed and rooted in the neighborhood. Care for the root system, the need for additional nutrition for all varieties of culture is the same.
Watering and loosening
It is better not to water the chrysanthemum at all than to excessively moisten the soil. Even with severe drought, it will feel good. So that the flowering remains lush, and the leaves are healthy and green, the plant must be given to drink regularly, but very carefully, constantly observing the state of the soil.
Systemic irrigation is necessary in the stage of active growth in the summer months. During the flowering period, hydration must be stopped or minimized. You can use only purified, settled, rainwater. You can not wet the leaves and direct a trickle to the roots in the center of the bush. Between watering, the substrate should completely dry in the upper, middle layer.
Water for irrigation of chrysanthemums should be warm. Cold liquid will accelerate the stiffness of the stems. Each procedure should end with loosening the soil. Only the topsoil can be filled with oxygen, so as not to damage the root system, which is located on the surface of the flowers. Such procedures can be carried out until the culture gives buds. Then it is better to use the mulching method.
Mulching
An important process for chrysanthemums should take place in spring and autumn. For this purpose you can use pine needles, compost, oat straw, wood bark. The surface coating of the soil will protect plants from fungal diseases. The nutrient layer will not allow pathogens to get on the leaves, the trunk during irrigation, with raindrops.
Autumn mulching is necessary to ensure a quiet wintering for the newly formed young rosettes of the plant. The bushes are trimmed, leaving a low stump of 10 cm, sprinkled with mulch, a layer of 20 cm. The time of the procedure depends on the variety and weather. Usually mulch flowers in mid-October.
Fertilizing and fertilizing
Proper and timely top dressing can ensure normal growth and luxurious flowering. The active development of chrysanthemums is guaranteed in a soil rich in chemical composition. The following substances should be present in sufficient quantities:
Feeding is also of great importance. The introduction of nutrients should take place at least three times per season. Any soil before planting chrysanthemums wintering in containers should be fertilized with compost and peat. The second stage of feeding is the growing season, before the formation of buds. The last feeding should take place in the fall, when the plant is exhausted and weakened. Preparing for winter is important not only for flowers remaining in the ground, but also for indoor varieties.
Garter and look after
Simple processing of chrysanthemum bushes will make it possible to create real flowering masterpieces from them.To get a beautiful spherical bush, after wintering, the plant is pruned and pinched. There are species with a natural regular shape, for example, Multiflora. They grow with clear boundaries, if you do not miss the appearance of the second shoot and do not remove it in time.
Nipping of any variety is carried out until the buds appear. Chrysanthemums with small, medium-sized flowers are processed when the main shoot reaches 10 cm. Then, grown lateral branches are cut to the same length. Subsequently, all shoots will actively branch.
You can get a chic bush with huge flowers if you take good care of its appearance. Plants from the large-flowered group are pruned just a few times per season, most often in June. Stepson from mid-July - daily shoots emerging from the axils of the leaves are removed. In August, the procedure is carried out every three days.
So that the long stalks of chrysanthemums do not suffer in strong winds, they should be tied up. For this, wooden pegs are inserted into the ground at the planting stage. Bushes should be inspected periodically so as not to miss the onset of the disease, damage by microorganisms. Pests often settle in old withered leaves, they must be constantly cut off.
Care after flowering and preparation for wintering
To prepare a chrysanthemum for wintering, it is necessary to start already in September, during its abundant flowering. The timing of preparation may shift depending on the region of landing. In the north, this is done in August, in the south - in October. Care after flowering is as follows:
Breeding methods
Chrysanthemum can be propagated in several ways. The choice of method is influenced by the variety, planting region, soil composition and other factors. Before choosing the most suitable option, you should determine the purpose of planting new crops. In order to preserve all the qualities of the plant, for example, size, terry, bushiness, shape, color, it is necessary to choose a vegetative method of reproduction. Seeds are used in breeding to create new varieties.
Seeds
This method is suitable for species with small inflorescences, since it will be very difficult to maintain the variety of large-flowered specimens. Seeds are used, collected from their flowers in the garden or bought in a special store.
Sowing time determines the beginning of flowering of each species. Seeds of early flowering varieties are placed in the soil in late February, late flowering in mid-April. You can plant in open ground or a container for seedlings. Sowing work on the site are as follows:
No less successful will be landing directly in the ground. Shallow holes are prepared at a distance of 10 cm from each other. 3-5 seeds are lowered into each hole and covered with glass. They clean it when the first shoots appear. When the first leaves appear, chrysanthemum can be transplanted to a permanent place.
Cuttings
Propagation by cuttings allows you to save all the characteristics inherent in a particular variety. The harvesting of cuttings is made in the spring, but the uterine bush must be determined from the fall. The order of work is as follows:
The shoot is cut off with a sharp knife at an angle, the lower part is freed from the leaves. The remaining greens at the top are trimmed with scissors to prevent excess moisture absorption. The cuttings are planted in a container with prepared soil, having previously wetted the process in a special solution that stimulates root growth. The duration of rooting depends on the time of planting. Winter cuttings will take at least a month, spring - 1-2 weeks.
Bush division
The easiest method of reproduction. Perform the procedure in the spring, when the bush is covered with young shoots. In this way, you can not only successfully propagate the plant, but also rejuvenate it.If you do not plant chrysanthemums, then after 3 years it will gain an unpresentable appearance, its flowers will fade and fall off. The division of the bush takes place in several stages:
How to deal with pests and diseases of chrysanthemums
Chrysanthemum is not distinguished by good immunity to diseases, therefore, it requires special attention during the growing season. In order not to put flowers at risk, it is necessary to constantly monitor the condition of foliage, stems, take preventive measures in a timely manner, and take care of the soil. If the defeat could not be avoided, it is important to recognize it correctly and apply the most effective methods of struggle to eliminate it. Chrysanthemums may have the following diseases:
In addition to diseases, various organisms can cause harm to chrysanthemum. The most dangerous are the leaf nematode, aphids, and spider mites. Unsegmented worms attack the root system. You can fight them only by completely removing the plant along with the surrounding soil. The spread of parasites will prevent spring mulching. In hot weather, the danger for chrysanthemums is caused by aphids, which feed on the juice of young shoots. You can remove it with a strong stream of water, then the bush should be treated with insecticides, a copper-soap solution.
Features of planting chrysanthemums in the winter
Many gardeners acquire new seedlings in the fall, when you can see and appreciate the beauty of the color of chrysanthemum. So that the plant has managed to take root before frost, it should be planted in mid-September. You can not divide it into smaller elements. The flower must be helped to adapt to new conditions, which will favorably affect its future flowering.
Only healthy, strong specimens have a chance to take root before the frost. Weak planting material will take much longer. Such plants can be placed in a container until spring. Landing under the winter ground is carried out as follows:
Features of growing chrysanthemum Multiflora
Chrysanthemum Multiflora among the abundance of species occupies a special place. The group includes many different varieties that differ in color, size, shape.Representatives bloom for a long time at different times.
Chinese spherical chrysanthemum is a variety of garden crops with multiple small flowers. The variety is intended for garden decor, creating original compositions. The bush dissolves the petals very early in early August. The flower does not need pruning, the artificial formation of a beautiful crown, these moments are laid in it genetically. You can make Chrysanthemum Multiflora perfect with a simple pinching of the top. The only drawback is poor frost resistance. Many varieties freeze even when covered.
Like all chrysanthemums, Multiflora is photophilous, prefers to be constantly in the sun. You can not plant a plant near fences and hedges that violate the equivalent lighting. The soil for the bush is prepared in the fall, humus, ashes are added, they are dug up. In spring, the procedure is repeated.
What colors chrysanthemums are adjacent to - tips for creating flower beds
When planning planting chrysanthemums in the garden, it is necessary to take into account the height, width of the bush and the size of the inflorescences. You can create stunning compositions, headed by flowering perennials, of very different shapes (in the form of a cascade in separate sections). The best result can be achieved by observing certain rules when combining plants. It is important to choose the right neighbors, with the same requirements for lighting, watering. A flower bed will be attractive if you collect on it identical instances of flowering.
Chrysanthemums coexist perfectly in the flower garden with any neighbors. Garden grains, ivy, and sage will shade them well. On a flower bed in several levels, you can plant daisies, dahlias, aster, calendula. The best option for flowering perennials is monoclops with multi-colored chrysanthemums of different varieties.
Conclusion
Garden Chrysanthemum is the favorite of many gardeners, both beginners and professionally engaged in landscape design, breeding new varieties.For her, there will always be a place in any part of the cottage. Correctly choosing bushes for compositions, you can get a fragrant flowerbed with continuous flowering throughout the season.