Chrysanthemums – planting and care

Plant guide

Outdoor chrysanthemums are delightful summer flowers, full of vibrant color and volume. They produce an abundance of blooms and buds, growing in a rounded, ball-like shape. Outdoor chrysanthemums come in a wide range of colors and in both single and double flower forms.

Scientific name (Latin): Dendranthema grandiflorum

Family: Asteraceae, the daisy family


Garden chrysanthemums are very popular and add a splash of color to steps, porches, or patios when summer is coming to an end and the other flowers in the garden have faded. Garden chrysanthemums can bloom all the way into November, depending on the temperature.

Care of chrysanthemums

  • Placement and light requirements
    Garden chrysanthemums thrive best in partial shade, and the flowers last longer when placed in a cooler spot. However, they shouldn’t be kept too dark or shady—light is essential for the flowers to open.
  • Planting
    It's a good idea to plant them in large pots to make care easier. Use a high-quality soil, like Plantasjen's premium soil.
  • Watering
    Water 1–2 times a week to keep the soil lightly moist. If it gets too dry, the buds may fall off and the plant may struggle to bloom properly.
  • Feeding
    Fertilizing is usually not necessary, as the plant is often discarded after blooming.
  • Pruning
    Remove wilted flowers continuously to encourage new blooms.
  • Overwintering
    Garden chrysanthemums can tolerate a few degrees below zero, but overwintering them can be challenging. Ideally, keep the plant in a bright location at 10–15°C. Do not water or fertilize it during winter. Repot and cut it back in spring.

Companion planting of chrysanthemums

The outdoor chrysanthemums are great to place in groups, and they pair especially well with other plants like grasses, heuchera, large herbs, and sedum.

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Plant guide

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