Autumn-hardy types
Available now in garden centres are those bright cushions of chrysanthemums or the larger ball-shaped varieties from Belgium; these have been specially bred for pots and baskets to briefly decorate patios and brighten up doorsteps. These will last for a month or two until the first frosts, but then need winter protection in the greenhouse or windowsill if you want them to bloom next year. When they’re ready to go inside, their pots should be filled with a good multi-purpose compost to see them through. Take care with watering – don’t over water – and give them a sunny aspect.
We really miss a trick in the UK, as in many European countries chrysanthemums are displayed on All Saints’ Day (November 1) to decorate cemeteries and war memorials with bright colour. Some new breeding is being done in this country by specialist David Kerley, with his Poppins series available in supermarkets, but look out for the rest, which are usually sold with no names and mainly come in from Holland.