Plant of the Week - Chrysanthemum

NAME...

Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum)

  

DESCRIPTION…

Who put the ‘mum’ in ‘Chrysanthemum’? Well, I think it was the ancient Greeks but for modern day purposes it is a great excuse to give your Mum something absolutely stunning for Mother’s Day that symbolises the special love that you have for them. The beautiful florist’s Chrysanthemum that you see (chrysanthemum x grandiflorum) range from pure white through every shade of pink, burgundy, bronze and mauve to bright acid green. Sturdy stems make them ideal for picking and they can last for up to three weeks in a vase if you can change the water and trim the stems every few days. The blooms can be as huge and impressive with more curls than Shirley Temple or the very simplest daisy flower.

CARE…

Great for pots or grow them in an open, sunny position with well-drained soil and feed with a liquid fertiliser every four to six weeks. Slow release fertiliser of pelletised chicken manure at planting is ideal.

PROBLEMS...

Earwigs, snails, and black aphids can be a problem so look out for those. Mildew needs to be treated with a fungicide.

WHERE TO BUY…

Pick up a gorgeous, large bloom Chrysanthemum for $19.93 at your local Bunnings store for your Mum this Mother’s Day…