Chrysanthemum Rehauge

Chrysanthemum Rehauge is a late-flowering garden chrysanthemum, which begins blooming in late October and continues into November with red-brown, pompom flowers that create a beautiful effect during this season. It requires a warm and sheltered location, and may need protection from frost in order to enjoy this last flowering before winter. Hardy, long-lived and easy to grow in any good garden soil, this autumn daisy is perfect for borders or in containers on a terrace. It quickly forms a tall and beautiful cluster of flowers, lasting for several weeks.

The garden chrysanthemum is a herbaceous perennial plant with a woody rhizomatous base, belonging to the Asteraceae family, and is a cousin of daisies and sunflowers. Rehauge is a cultivar derived from Chrysanthemum indicum, a plant native to East Asia, cultivated since ancient times in China, Japan, and Korea and the origin of florist chrysanthemums. From spring, it rapidly forms a 70 cm (28in) tall and 50 cm (20in) wide bush of branched leafy stems, woody at the base. The flowering extends from late October to late November depending on the climate. The plant produces numerous semi-double flowers grouped in heads, resembling daisies, reaching 4 cm (2in) in diameter and clustered at the top of leafy stems. The disc is dark red surrounded by wide and rounded 'petals' of a slightly lighter reddish-brown. The leaves are triangular-ovate, coarsely divided into 5 lobes and measure up to 5 cm (2in) long. They are dark green and slightly dull, hairy underneath with toothed edges. The above-ground vegetation dries out in winter and regrows in spring. Its crown will live for a long time in the garden.

Garden chrysanthemums are very useful during a slightly less flowery time of the year and blend remarkably well with autumn colours. Late-flowering Rehauge finds some companions at this time of year, such as asters, in complementary colours. Its flowering is lightened by the presence of Japanese anemones and shrub sage. It is particularly interesting when combined with grasses such as Carex, Stipa, and Pennisetum. Chrysanthemum is a good cut flower, very long-lasting in a vase. Consider using taller varieties to create autumn borders at the base of deciduous bushes that reflect their yellow, red, and orange autumn foliage.