The Annual Chrysanthemum is overshadowed by its showy perennial relatives and is much less popular than it deserves. In flower from midsummer to autumn, the bushy plants are well branched and the blooms of some varieties are extremely colourful. Dead-head regularly and spray against greenfly.
VARIETIES: C. carinatum (C. tricolor) is the showy Annual Chrysanthemum. The flowers are often boldly zoned in bright colours surrounding a dark central disc. Choose ‘Court Jesters’ or ‘Rainbow Mixture’. Double varieties are available. The Crown Daisy (C. coronarium ‘Golden Gem’) produces flat yellow buttons; for white-petalled flowers pick C. spectabile ‘Cecilia’.
SITE & SOIL: Thrives best in light soil containing adequate lime. Choose a sunny spot.
PLANT DETAILS: Height 1 ½ – 2 ft. Spacing 1 ft. Flowering period July – September.
PROPAGATION: Sow seeds in March or April where they are to flower. Thin to required spacing.
