Robinson Red

Class

Dicotyledons

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Asteraceae or Compositae

Order

Asterales

Genus

Chrysanthemum

Species

coccineum

Description

Perennial ornamental herbaceous appreciated for use in flower beds and planters where it adds an accent of colour and elegance with a profusion of daisy-like flowers borne on long stems. Easy to grow, it requires sunny exposures in light, well-draining soils or substrates.

Variety description

A variety of chrysanthemum that is also used as a cut flower, it blooms in bunches in mid-October. The plant is perennial and re-blooms at the same time each year; in winter the vegetation dries out and then resumes in spring.

Curiosities and special features

Chrysanthemum coccineum is prized not only as an outdoor perennial but also as a cut flowering plant for which it is advisable to quickly place the stems in water, gradually removing those leaves that could rot in the pot and thus compromise the life of the flower.

Origin and distribution

Native species of the range including Eastern Europe, Central Asia and Iran.

Flower size

The flower individually is small, lending elegance to the flowering.

Leaf

Leaf has bipinnate lamina.

Flowering period

It blossoms from late summer to early autumn for a duration of 40 to 60 days, imparting colour and elegance for a long time.

Inflorescence

Umbrella inflorescence rising from the foliage.

Leaf colour

Solid-coloured, in perfect colour balance with the shades of the inflorescences.

Plant height

The height of the plant varies from 0.3 to 0.7 m depending on the growing conditions. It can also be used in flowerbeds in mixed compositions with other ornamental plants of different development, creating perspective views of high landscape value.

Lifespan

A deciduous herbaceous perennial, the vegetation dries out in winter and starts growing again in spring.

Where to plant

Due to its habit and luxuriant flowering, it is suitable as a plant for flowerbeds, planters, pots

Stem

Herbaceous stem; the variety has no thorns.

Flower

The flower is daisy-shaped, small, with a gamopetalous corolla and single-coloured petals. It is arranged in small umbel inflorescences. It flowers from late summer to early autumn, with a flowering period of between 40 and 60 days. It is attractive to beetles and butterflies.

Growth

Medium-vigorous Growth plant.

Plant habit

The erect habitus is visually reinforced by the colourful inflorescences.

Branching

Medium branching.

PH

It requires a slightly acidic soil or substrate pH between 5.8 and 6.5.

Soil preparation

Before transplanting into the flower bed at the beginning of the summer, carry out 20/30 cm deep digging, removing any weeds and bulky stones, also break up the coarser clods with a hoe to obtain more softness. Finally, add 5/10 cm of professional-quality substrate to the surface and carefully level out.

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Sun exposure

To obtain strong, brightly coloured and vibrant flowers, expose the plant in half shade, full sun, sheltered from strong winds.

Ideal climate and temperature

The ideal temperature is between 16 and 22 °C. The vital temperature is between 2 and 38 °C

Use

Variety appreciated for:

Outdoor ornamental For cut flowers, for cut foliage

Hardiness

A variety with medium to high hardiness, it adapts well to hot summer climates.

Soil

It prefers light and deep soil, rich in organic matter and slightly sandy. For pots and planters, use a new, high-quality substrate for spring plants, based on peat and perlite.

Difficulty

Following proper planting at the new site, cultivation of this variety of Chrysanthemum coccineum is easy.

Growing tips

For better vegetative growth and lush flowering, the following cultivation measures are recommended:

Always maintain abundant fertilisation to avoid yellowing of the vegetation. Can also be planted in flowerbeds in full sun. Requires regular abundant fertilisation

Planting

When transplanting, the lump must be moist so as not to cause subsequent damage to the roots; prevent the seedling from drying out otherwise the vegetation will turn yellow. Bury the first node without sinking the lump completely, gently compacting the soil to prevent the formation of air pockets. It is also advisable to apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plant to retain moisture, regulate the soil temperature, inhibit weed growth and protect the roots from the winter cold.

Propagation

Propagation is by stock division and by apical cuttings.

Watering

Carry out regular watering keeping the substrate or soil moist but free from water saturation conditions with stagnation which can lead to root rot. Do not water the plant from above, especially during the flowering phase. During the winter period reduce the water supply.

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Fertilising

After complete settlement in the new planting site, from mid-summer to early autumn, apply a balanced liquid fertiliser specifically for ornamental plants directly to the soil or substrate on a regular basis and dilute it in the irrigation water.

Read more on the Joyflo blog

Edibility for humans

Non-edible.

Toxicity for humans

Wear suitable gardening gloves when handling.

Tip

Check that there are no lepidopteran caterpillars on the bud as the flower opens. If necessary, put up supports so that the plants do not open.