Growing Chrysanthemums in a pot

Varieties best suited to container growing

Beside florist chrysanthemums (Chrysanthemum hortorum), the classic pomponettes for All Saints’ Day that flower in cemeteries until first frosts and are often grown as annuals, there are truly perennial species such as autumn daisies or Rubellum that rank among the hardiest chrysanthemums (at least down to -15°C). The first chrysanthemums flower as early as June, while the latest are still in full flowering in November, even into December–January. The annual chrysanthemums are more suited to a wildflower garden.

Choose dwarf chrysanthemums for your window boxes and large pots: they will form magnificent balls of colour! Less hardy varieties or the latest cultivars also make good subjects to grow as annuals in pots, or to store over winter and bring out again in spring. Either way, they are easy to grow in pots and perfect on your terrace or balcony!

Chrysanthemum Poesie

Chrysanthemum, hardy in our climate and truly perennial. Far from rather gloomy symbolism of cemetery plants, it blooms at a time of year when few other plants are flowering.

• Flowering time October to December
• Height at maturity 1 m

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Chrysanthemum rubellum Clara Curtis

This pastel, scented chrysanthemum will brighten borders abandoned by summer flowering.

• Flowering time September to November
• Height at maturity 60 cm

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Chrysanthemum Orchid Helen

This garden chrysanthemum forms a compact, rounded bush covered with a multitude of flowers in salmon and lilac tones. Unlike cemetery chrysanthemums, it is a medium-sized deciduous perennial, perfect in a pot!

• Flowering time October, November
• Height at maturity 50 cm

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Chrysanthemum rubellum Last Sun

Warm as autumn colours, hardy and truly perennial, bushy, this chrysanthemum will enliven pots from August and well into late season.

• Flowering time September to November
• Height at maturity 60 cm

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When and how to plant a chrysanthemum in a pot?

When to plant?

Planting a Chrysanthemum in a pot is done in spring from March to May or in autumn from September to November, in any case outside periods of frost or extreme heat.

Which type of pot and which substrate to use?

Choose a large pot or a planter at least 20 cm deep. The container must have drainage holes in the bottom so that water can drain away easily without risking rotting the root system. To flower well, Chrysanthemum prefers a rich, well-drained substrate. Plant it in a mix of good potting compost for flowering plants, loam and coarse sand or gravel. Adding a little sand improves drainage and prevents water from stagnating in the pot as it is very sensitive to excess water.

How to plant the Chrysanthemum in a pot?

• Create a good drainage layer at the bottom of the pot, for example with clay pebbles
• Place the rootball well in the centre and backfill with substrate
• Firm down lightly to avoid air pockets
• Water generously

Where to place it?

Chrysanthemum requires a sunny position. Place the pot in the sun, it guarantees more generous and more colourful flowering.

How to care for a potted chrysanthemum?

Watering potted chrysanthemum

In a pot, substrate dries out more quickly than in ground. Water twice a week but without excess, letting soil dry out between waterings. It prefers substrate to remain relatively cool. Water inputs should be regular but always moderate. When watering, avoid wetting foliage to prevent powdery mildew. Also ensure water does not stagnate in the saucer. In winter, reduce waterings, however continue to water from time to time so substrate is not completely dry.

Fertilisation

To encourage flowering, during growth it will appreciate a liquid fertiliser rich in potash every eight days until buds colour.

Pruning

• To maintain compact habit, you can cut back stems in spring to 30 cm, this will encourage chrysanthemum to become ramified
• During summer, to obtain larger flowers, remove flower buds on lateral shoots
• Remove faded flowers to encourage new ones and lengthen duration of flowering

Overwintering

In regions with mild winters, you can leave pots outside, especially if plants are hardy chrysanthemums. Place a thick dry mulch of dead leaves or straw at their base to protect the stump from cold.

In regions with harsh winters, we recommend bringing most tender chrysanthemums inside, sheltered from frost and rain, into a conservatory or cold greenhouse. If left outside, wrap plants in horticultural fleece. You can put pots out again in May, once temperatures start to warm.

Repotting

Repot in autumn, every two years, each time into a pot only slightly larger. If not repotting, you can content yourself with a top-dressing.