Chrysanthemums come in an almost unmanageable abundance of colors, shapes and varieties. However, only a few chrysanthemum varieties are actually hardy, because the popular autumn flower originally comes from the warm to tropical regions of East Asia. However, chrysanthemums are almost always perennial, even if they are often only cultivated for one year in this country. The colorful flowering bushes can be overwintered quite easily
Perennial, hardy chrysanthemums can easily be overwintered outside
Hardy chrysanthemums
Through targeted breeding, selection and crossing of closely related species - for example the Greenland margarite - hardy chrysanthemum varieties could be created, which usually survive a winter in local areas unscathed. The different varieties of autumn or garden chrysanthemums are almost always hardy, whereby the rule of thumb for the flower, also known as winter aster, applies: the later the flowering period, the better the winter hardiness. Varieties such as
- goldmarianne
- Little Amber
- Red Julchen
- Mei Kyo
- mist rose
- Vreneli
- Order star
- or the Salmon Red Cloud
proven. One of the longest flowering periods is the old variety "Ordensstern", which presents its beautiful, golden-bronze, double flowers from August to November.
Overwinter chrysanthemums
Hardy chrysanthemums overwinter best outdoors, although they should be mulched with brushwood, leaves, or clippings to protect against the cold. In very harsh winters, you can also cover the plant with a protective fleece. On the other hand, non-hardy varieties and chrysanthemums cultivated in pots belong in the house or greenhouse in winter, ideally at temperatures between five and ten degrees Celsius. However, it does not necessarily have to be bright, at least not if you have previously cut back the withered and dried-up shoots to just above the ground.
tips
Why not try something completely new and cultivate edible chrysanthemums. Their tender young shoots as well as the leaves and flowers are edible and can be prepared in many different ways.