Types of chrysanthemums: Chrysanthemum indicum & other varieties

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Chrysanthemums make for a colourful garden even in autumn. We take a closer look at the most beautiful and well-known types of chrysanthemums.

Chrysanthemum plants in pots — Chrysanthemums add colour to the garden in autumn [Photo: Savina Nataliia/ Shutterstock.com]

Chrysanthemums (Chrysanthemum) are not only impressive because their late flowering once again postpones the arrival of winter. Intensive breeding offers more than 10,000 varieties of garden chrysanthemum alone, which bloom in a wide range of colours and at different times. From simple to semi-double to filled pompom flowers, chrysanthemums leave nothing to be desired by the amateur botanist.

Chrysanthemum indicum: characteristics and origin

The species Chrysanthemum indicum is known by many names. It is called Chinese chrysanthemum or Japanese chrysanthemum. However, most people know it as Indian chrysanthemum. It is one of the most important parents of the garden chrysanthemum. But they are far from overshadowed by their descendants. In the garden, the species is especially popular for its good winter hardiness. This is something sorely needed in its homeland, which stretches from China to Korea, Taiwan, India, Bhutan, Japan, Nepal, Russia and Uzbekistan. Here it grows on roadsides, mountain slopes, fields and under shrubs at altitudes of up to 2,900 metres. The robust plant also copes well with moist as well as salty locations near rivers or beaches. The 0.25 to 1 m high perennials bloom from August to November, depending on the variety. During this period, the fruits known as achenes are also formed. A wonderfully aromatic tea can be brewed from these as well as the fresh or dried flowerheads and foliage leaves. Alternatively, the plant parts can also end up in the bath water. In addition, the flowerheads can be pickled in vinegar and the young foliage leaves can be eaten cooked.

Chrysanthemum tea in a glass cup — The blossoms of autumn chrysanthemums can be used to brew an aromatic, healthy tea [Photo: kitzcorner/ Shutterstock.com]

Types of chrysanthemums: the most beautiful and popular

The genus Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum) includes 37 to 40 different species and countless varieties with impressive ornamental value. Most of the varieties offered here belong to the Indian chrysanthemums or their hybrids. Here are a few hardy eye-catchers for the garden and balcony:

Poesie: Many semi-double white flowers from early October; high stability; good vigour; very suitable for perennial beds.
Kleiner Bernstein: Large semi-double flowers of apricot with yellow pistils; blooms September and October; very good perennial rating.
Herbstrubin: Ruby red double flowers; late bloom to November; protect flowers from frost if necessary.
Dernier Soleil: Single orange flower with yellow centre; early and long flowering period from August to November; bee friendly.
Vrenli: Semi-double flowers in October/November in copper red.
Hebe: Simple purple flowers; blooms October to November; excellent perennial value; bee friendly.
(Red) Julchen: Dark crimson pink/light pink pompom flower; high stability; very suitable in perennial beds; blooms from October to November.
Fellbacher Wein: Semi-double flower from September in bright red; very old variety.
Nebelrose: Blooms in October/November in silver pink; very low maintenance.
Ordensstern: Double golden-bronze flowers; very long blooming period from August to November.

Colourful chrysanthemum flowers — The different Chrysanthemum varieties add colour to the garden until late autumn [Photo: joloei/ Shutterstock.com]

Note: There are so-called Zawadskii hybrids. These are particularly vigorous, hardy and early flowering. They include the perennial variety ‘Clara Curtis’ with pale petals and a yellow centre, and the variety ‘Duchess of Edinburgh’ with semi-double, bright red flowers and a yellow centre.