Chrysanthemum coccineum ‘Robinsons Red’

Description

Chrysanthemum coccineum ‘Robinsons Red’ is a stunning perennial known for its large, deep pink-red daisies with bright yellow centres, blooming from June to September. It makes a vibrant addition to any garden, thriving in sunny spots with well-drained soil. Follow this guide to ensure your Chrysanthemum coccineum ‘Robinsons Red’ flourishes throughout the growing season.

PLANTING and AFTERCARE GUIDE

Best Planting Time

• Spring: The ideal time to plant Chrysanthemum coccineum ‘Robinsons Red’ is in spring when the soil is warming up. This allows the plant to establish its roots before the blooming period begins, resulting in strong growth and vibrant flowers.
• Autumn: You can also plant in early autumn. This will allow the plant to settle in before the colder months, ensuring it thrives when the growing season starts again.

Site Selection

• Sunlight: Chrysanthemum coccineum ‘Robinsons Red’ thrives in full sun, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day for the best growth and flower production. A sunny spot encourages the vibrant colours of the blooms.
• Soil: Well-drained, moist soil is essential for Chrysanthemum. The plant does not tolerate waterlogged conditions, so ensure the area has good drainage. Incorporating organic matter such as compost will improve soil structure, making it more fertile and well-draining.

Planting Instructions

1. Prepare the Hole: Dig a hole that is twice the width and the same depth as the root ball of your Chrysanthemum coccineum ‘Robinsons Red’. This gives the roots plenty of space to spread and establish.
2. Soil Preparation: Mix compost or organic matter into the soil to enhance its fertility and drainage. Chrysanthemum benefits from nutrient-rich soil, which supports strong growth and an impressive flowering display.
3. Planting: Place the plant in the hole, ensuring that the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Backfill the hole with soil, gently firming it to remove any air pockets. Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil around the roots.

Watering Requirements

• Growing Season: Once established, Chrysanthemum is moderately drought-tolerant. Water the plant during dry periods, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between watering sessions. Overwatering should be avoided as it can lead to root rot.
• Dormant Season: During the dormant season, reduce watering. Only water if the soil becomes excessively dry, as the plant requires little moisture during this time.

Feeding

• Spring: Apply a balanced fertiliser in early spring to give Chrysanthemum coccineum ‘Robinsons Red’ a strong start to the growing season. This provides the necessary nutrients for vigorous growth and abundant flowers.
• Mid-Summer: A light feeding in mid-summer will help promote continued flowering and keep your Chrysanthemum thriving throughout the blooming period.

Pruning

• Deadheading: Regularly deadhead your Chrysanthemum coccineum ‘Robinsons Red’ by removing spent flowers. This practice encourages the plant to produce new blooms, extending the flowering period and keeping the plant looking tidy.
• Autumn Pruning: Once the blooming period is over, cut back to ground level. This helps the plant prepare for the dormant season and ensures stronger growth the following year.

Mulching

• Spring: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of your Chrysanthemum to retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weed growth. Organic mulches like bark or compost are ideal.
• Winter: Mulch around the plant in winter to protect the roots from freezing temperatures and help prevent frost heaving. This ensures your Chrysanthemum coccineum ‘Robinsons Red’ survives the colder months and is ready to grow when spring arrives.

Supporting the Plant

• Staking: Chrysanthemum coccineum ‘Robinsons Red’ has sturdy stems, but in windy locations, it may benefit from light staking to support the tall flower stems. This will help prevent damage from strong winds or heavy rain.

Final Tips

Chrysanthemum coccineum ‘Robinsons Red’ is an easy-care perennial that adds vibrant colour to your garden. By choosing a sunny location with well-drained soil, following the recommended planting and care practices, your Chrysanthemum will reward you with striking pink-red blooms with bright yellow centres from June to September.

Incorporating this stunning plant into your garden will not only enhance your outdoor space but will also ensure a long-lasting display of beautiful flowers.

RHS Details

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