The traditional choice

With all the other options available, traditionalists may still not be ready to go past the ever-popular chrysanthemum. Lynette Morgan, from Suntec Chrysanthemums, says the customary Mother’s Day gift is only a ‘‘temporary houseplant’’.

Her nursery propagates and sells rooted cuttings in spring/summer, but she has tips for those buying flowering potted ’mums at this time of year.

‘‘They need to be planted out once flowering is finished,’’ Morgan says.

If they are treated well in the outdoors, she says they can give years of garden displays.

Her tips:

■ Buy with plenty of unopened buds to give the longest flowering time indoors.

■ Position in a spot with bright, indirect light, but not direct sunlight as this can fade darker colours and dry the plant out.

■ Water regularly, but don’t allow the plant to sit directly in water as this may cause root rot. An even temperature of between 15C and 25C is ideal. Once all the buds present have flowered, the plants should be cut back to about half their original height and repotted into a good-quality potting mix, Morgan says. They should be overwintered somewhere sheltered, such as in a greenhouse or conservatory, before being planted in the garden in spring.