With all the stress and necessary cares of this life that mature humans must endure, not least the constant fears of aging and ever-present bills, bills, bills, there’s nothing more relaxing than creating and caring for your garden. Today, we will help you design your own chrysanthemum garden, a place of serenity and beauty thanks to one of nature’s most beautiful flowers.
Full lives and true happiness come from a delicate balance of work and play, and creating a beautiful garden can be seen as an act of liberation from the banalities and duties of modern life.
For many, a garden is their very own magic kingdom of the human heart and something that completes the story of their life. You can often find a moment of unexpected grace in your garden and become reinvigorated, ready for a fresh start.
After all, new growth needs new growth.
The beautiful chrysanthemum flower has even inspired world-renowned art. One of the most well-known is the famous novel The Chrysanthemum Garden by Joseph Cowley, the romantic tale of Morna Franklin, devoted mother and grandmother, and Denison McArdle, a great American poet.
Often called garden mums, chrysanthemums are a flowering plant belonging to the Asteraceae family. They are herbaceous perennials with strong roots that require well-drained soil, good air circulation and full sun.
Originally from Asia and northern Europe, they have been farmed for thousands of years, mainly in China and Japan. Around the world, chrysanthemum gardens are a well-liked tourist destination, particularly in areas where the climate is favorable for growing them.
Their bloom times can vary from late summer to early winter, but they are known to bloom beautifully in early fall, hence one of their other nicknames, “autumn mum.” Many botanical gardens and garden centers worldwide include sections dedicated to chrysanthemums as part of their overall collections, especially when showcasing a fall garden collection. In terms of color, there are many to choose from, although the yellow chrysanthemums are the traditional and most common.
Top Tips for Growing a Chrysanthemum Garden
- Choosing the Site: Make sure the ground where your chrysanthemum garden will be planted has good drainage and receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. Chrysanthemums like their soil pH to be slightly acidic rather than neutral.
- Soil Preparation: Before planting, amend the soil with organic matter, such as compost, to enhance its texture and fertility. Because chrysanthemums can develop root rot in damp soil, it is essential to maintain adequate drainage to avoid waterlogging.
- Selecting Chrysanthemum Varieties: Chrysanthemums come in various colors, sizes, and bloom durations. Choose cultivars that complement your desired garden aesthetic and climate. Some common types include cushion, daisy, pompon, and spider chrysanthemums.
- Planting: In early spring or early autumn, plant-rooted cuttings or chrysanthemum starts. When the plants are fully grown, they should be spaced 18 to 24 inches apart. Water thoroughly after planting to help establish the roots.
- Watering: Chrysanthemums prefer evenly moist soil, so water them regularly, especially during dry periods. However, be cautious not to overwater, as excessive moisture can lead to root rot.
- Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) to your chrysanthemums in early spring and again after they bloom. Follow the package instructions for proper application rates.
- Deadheading: Remove spent flowers regularly to encourage continuous blooming throughout the growing season. This process, known as deadheading, also helps maintain the plant’s appearance and prevents the formation of seeds.
- Staking and Support: Some chrysanthemum varieties, especially larger or heavy-flowering cultivars, may require staking or support to keep their stems upright. Install stakes or cages around the plants early in the growing season to provide support as they grow.
- Pest and Disease Control: Keep an eye out for common pests such as aphids, mites, and caterpillars, as well as diseases like powdery mildew and leaf spot. Monitor your plants regularly and take appropriate measures, such as handpicking pests or applying organic insecticides or fungicides if necessary.
- Winter Protection: In colder climates, provide winter protection for your chrysanthemums by applying a layer of mulch around the base of the plants to insulate the roots. You can also cover them with a layer of straw or fabric to protect them from freezing temperatures.
Following these steps, you can create and maintain a beautiful chrysanthemum garden that will provide colorful blooms and great throughout their (and your) growing season and beyond!
We’ve included a useful Chrysanthemum Garden Planner to get you started as well.
More Gardening Tips, Ideas and Crafts
- Create Your Very Own Stunning Salsa Garden in 11 Simple Steps
- How To Create A Pink Rose Garden
- Spring Gardening tips
- Fabulous Free Gardening Coloring Pages
- Let Love Grow: Printable Seed Packets to Color and Share Your Favorite Seeds
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