When the rest of the garden starts to wind down for the year, Chrysanthemums step into the spotlight. Bursting with rich, warm colours and long-lasting blooms, they’re one of the very best plants for adding life and brightness to your garden in the autumn months.
If your borders are looking a little tired or you want to perk up pots and planters heading into the colder season, Chrysanthemums are a brilliant choice.
A Burst of Colour When You Need It Most
Chrysanthemums come in all sorts of shapes and shades, from bold oranges and reds to soft pinks, whites, and buttery yellows. Their flowers can be neat and daisy-like, or ruffled and full, depending on the variety you choose.
While many summer bloomers begin to fade as temperatures drop, Chrysanthemums are just getting started. They thrive in cooler weather, often flowering right through until the first frost.
Where to Plant Chrysanthemums
Chrysanthemums are incredibly versatile. They can be:
• Planted in borders to fill late-season gaps
• Grown in pots and containers for instant colour
• Added to doorstep displays to create a warm autumn welcome
Just make sure they get:
• Plenty of light (full sun is ideal)
• Shelter from strong winds
• Well-draining soil so they don’t sit in water
How to Care for Them
Chrysanthemums are pretty low maintenance. A few simple steps will keep them blooming at their best:
• Water regularly, especially in pots
• Remove faded flowers to encourage new ones
• Feed with a balanced plant feed every couple of weeks during flowering
• After flowering, cut stems back to around 10cm
If you’re keeping them from year to year, they’ll benefit from being lifted and divided in spring to keep them strong and healthy.
Great for Pollinators Too
Even though they flower late, Chrysanthemums can still provide much-needed nectar to bees and other beneficial insects, helping wildlife at a time when food sources are starting to reduce.
Why We Love Them
Chrysanthemums are one of those plants that just keep giving. Long-lasting, bold and cheerful, they brighten up patios, borders, and windowsills just when the garden needs that little pick-me-up.
If you’re looking to bring colour into autumn, these are a must-have.