Posted on 01.06.2019 |
Added in Featured Conservation Plants
Chrysanthemum ‘Romantica’
Chrysanthemum ‘Romantica’ was suggested for inclusion by HPS Hampshire Group in 2018 whose members have grown it since 2012. The name spelt with a ‘c’ as here is the RHS accepted name although a plant listed by Plant Heritage is C. ‘Romantika’, with a ‘k’, and may well be the same plant.
It has been suggested that it is probably of German origin and is included in the HPS publication, Hardy Garden Chrysanthemums by Judy Barker, co-holder of a dispersed National Collection of hardy chrysanthemum. She describes it as having 3 cm, soft-pink semi-pompom flowers fading to cream with a darker centre, flowering from September to November. Plants can be up to 100cm tall and will grow in any good garden soil that doesn’t dry out, preferably in an open sunny site, but tolerant of some shade. Co-holder of the dispersed collection, Andrew Ward owner of Norwell Nurseries, also has this plant.
Chrysanthemums may be susceptible to eelworm and rust, but more commonly plants may be disfigured by mildew or aphids, and slugs and snails may damage emerging new foliage in spring.
Hardy chrysanthemums can be long-lived, but regular division of established clumps ensures that plants remain vigorous. New plants can also be propagated from basal or tip cuttings best taken in spring when plants are growing vegetatively. From midsummer on plants are forming flower buds and rooting will be less successful.
Hardy chrysanthemums are an excellent addition to the late summer border and make good cut flowers for the house.
HPS Booklets are available to buy on the website.
If you are interested in growing any of the Conservation Scheme plants or have a plant that you would like to suggest for inclusion in the Scheme then please get in touch conservation@hardy-plant.org.uk
