Easy Flowering Toxic to pets

Chrysanthemum

Chrysanthemum morifolium

Chrysanthemum is a generous autumn plant that offers an explosion of warm colors when the rest of the garden goes dormant.

The essentials at a glance

Watering

Every 3 days
Light

Full sun
Humidity

40–60 %
Temperature

5–22 °C

How to care for your Chrysanthemum

Everything you need to keep your Chrysanthemum healthy: watering, light, humidity, feeding, repotting and pruning.

Chrysanthemum morifolium originates from China where it has been cultivated for over 2500 years and is considered one of the four noble plants of Chinese culture. Its spectacular autumn bloom, available in an incredible variety of shapes and colors, makes it the queen of autumn gardens. It is a short-day plant that only sets buds when nights become longer than days. Hardy and easy, it faithfully returns every autumn in hardy varieties.

Watering your Chrysanthemum

Every 3 days

Water regularly to keep the compost evenly moist. Never allow to dry out completely or become waterlogged.

How to know it needs water

Surface of compost dry
Leaves beginning to wilt
Flower buds drying prematurely

How much light a Chrysanthemum needs

Full sun

Bright to full sun. At least 4–6 hours of sunlight to flower well. Chrysanthemum is a short-day plant.

Direct sun tolerated: 4 to 8 h a day
Orientations that suit it: South, South-east, South-west, East, West

Humidity and misting

40–60 %

40–60% No misting necessary. Ensure good air circulation to prevent powdery mildew.

Feeding and fertiliser

Every 14 days

Fertilize during the growth and bud formation period. Stop when flowers open. Resume after flowering if the plant is being kept.

Recommended feed: Liquid fertilizer high in potassium (NPK 10-10-20) to promote flowering. · 5-10-5

Repotting your Chrysanthemum

Every 12 months

Use rich, well-draining universal compost. For garden varieties, plant in fertile, well-drained open soil.

When: Spring
Potting mix: All-purpose potting mix
Mix in: perlite, coco fibre

The tell-tale signs

Roots filling the pot
Plant drying very quickly
Reduced flowering

Pruning your Chrysanthemum

In spring and summer, before flower bud formation. Pinch shoot tips regularly in spring and early summer to produce a compact, well-branched plant with more flowers. Stop pinching in July to allow buds to set.

Through the year

Watering is not set once and for all: it follows the light and the growth. Allow 5 days between waterings in the depth of winter, against 2 in the growing season.

Active growth · Days between waterings

Toxicity

Toxic to dogs and cats. Contains pyrethrins and sesquiterpene lactones that can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and dermatitis.

Good to know

Chrysanthemum is the symbol of the Emperor of Japan and appears on the Japanese passport. In Japan, it represents longevity and happiness.
In France, Chrysanthemum is associated with All Saints' Day because it naturally blooms in autumn, but in most Asian countries it symbolizes joy.

Frequently asked questions about the Chrysanthemum

How do you care for a Chrysanthemum?

Water it every 3 days. Give it full sun. Ideal humidity: 40–60 %. Ideal temperature: 5–22 °C. Water regularly to keep the compost evenly moist. Never allow to dry out completely or become waterlogged.

How often should you water a Chrysanthemum?

Every 3 days Water regularly to keep the compost evenly moist. Never allow to dry out completely or become waterlogged. How to know it needs water : Surface of compost dry ; Leaves beginning to wilt ; Flower buds drying prematurely.

How much light does a Chrysanthemum need?

Full sun Bright to full sun. At least 4–6 hours of sunlight to flower well. Chrysanthemum is a short-day plant. 4 to 8 h a day

Is the Chrysanthemum toxic to cats and dogs?

Yes. Toxic to dogs and cats. Contains pyrethrins and sesquiterpene lactones that can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and dermatitis. Keep it out of reach of your pets and call a vet if any is swallowed.

Why are my Chrysanthemum leaves turning yellow?

Yellowing most often comes from too much water: the mix stays wet and the roots suffocate. Check that the pot drains, empty the saucer, and let the mix dry before watering again. Too little light or a cold draught cause the same symptom.

When should you repot a Chrysanthemum?

Repot every 12 months, ideally in spring. Use rich, well-draining universal compost. For garden varieties, plant in fertile, well-drained open soil.