Chrysanthemum carinatum Cockade - Tricolour Daisy

The 'Cockade' Keel Chrysanthemum or Chrysanthemum carinatum 'Cockade' is an annual plant nicknamed the "Tricolour Daisy" due to the different colours present on the flower. Here, they create a striking contrast. The large daisy-like heads are white, with a brown-red centre surrounded by yellow and red circles, a colour scheme that can vary among the flowers. It is sown directly in place in April-May in a sunny location.

The Chrysanthemum carinatum, now renamed Ismelia carinata, Ismelia versicolor, or Matricaria carinatum, is an annual plant that produces inflorescences in heads, which we call flowers. It belongs to the large Asteraceae family and originates from Morocco's Atlantic coast. Light, even sandy, and not too fertile soils suit it particularly well, and it has excellent tolerance to salt spray.

The 'Cockade' chrysanthemum first forms a bushy clump reaching a height of 40 cm (16in) and a width of about 30-40 cm (12-16in). Its stems bear highly dissected leaves with linear segments, slightly succulent, of a green-blue colour, somewhat glaucous. Flowering occurs from July to October on sturdy stems reaching a height of 70 cm (28in). The flower head has the shape of a daisy. Its centre is composed of tiny tubular flowers that appear brown when closed. These flowers gradually open circularly, revealing their yellow stamens. The outer part of this daisy is composed of ligulate flowers, i.e., a portion of the flower has been transformed into a long white petal. The base of this petal is adorned with a touch of yellow and another of red, which seems to encircle the flower's heart. The dominant white of the flower, highlighted by contrasting yellow and red, is the attraction of this Tricolour Chrysanthemum (in Latin, Chrysanthemum tricolour). The fruits are angular achenes with three faces, equipped with membranous, translucent wings and topped with an egret.

The 'Cockade' Chrysanthemum is a plant that is not afraid of the cold and can be sown directly in place from April to May without damage. In warm and mild climates, autumn sowing is booming, and the plants flower in spring before the arrival of heat. It is not demanding regarding soil, as long as it is well prepared, but requires sunlight to flower well. It integrates perfectly into a bed of perennial and annual plants, complementing the range of colours. Play with its colours with yellow and red flowers, but also purple, brown, or chocolate foliage. Consider poppies, cosmos, echinaceas, and daylilies. They provide a long-lasting solution for decorating the terrace and balcony when sown in pots. With excellent vase life, their flowers can create beautiful countryside bouquets throughout the summer.

Ecological gesture: by sowing the Keel Chrysanthemum in your garden, you attract pollinating insects that will enjoy its nectar and, at the same time, promote the ecosystem of your garden.