Chrysanthemum

Shasta Daisy
Shasta Daisy

The genus Chrysanthemum provides gardeners with some indispensable plants.  Shasta daisy (C. maximum) is a wonderful summer blooming perennial that is available in tall or dwarf forms.  Flowers can be single, double or somewhat shaggy.

C. hosmariense is a great little plant, growing to about eight inches tall and two feet wide.  It has finely cut, silvery foliage, profuse white flowers and requires little water.

C. parthenium (feverfew) is a charming, though very aggressive, plant.  Its small, usually white flowers and lacy foliage are very attractive, but it does reseed very freely.

And what would autumn be without the fun of C. grandiflorum in bloom?  What a way to brighten up the last days of summer and the beginning of autumn!  There are so many forms and colors from which to choose – definitely something for every garden.

Similar Posts

  • Nepeta

    Nepeta, or catmint, is a very useful little plant.  Most varieties get about a foot tall, but ‘Six Hills Giant’ can grow to three feet.  Grey-green leaves and spikes of purple flowers are characteristic.  Bees love Nepeta and deer tend to leave it alone.  N. cataria is catnip, the herb of choice for many cats. …

  • Penstemon hybrids

    There are so many colors and sizes of penstemon hybrids.  Among the favorites are ‘Firebird’ (red), ‘Midnight’ (purple), ‘Garnet’ (fuchsia pink), ‘Thorn’ (white with a pink blush), ‘Apple Blossom’ (pink), ‘Bev Jensen’ (magenta) and ‘Raven’ (darkest purple).  A very floriferous variety on a smaller plant is ‘Pike’s Peak Purple’.  All these varieties take heat and cold and…

  • Gaillardia

    Gaillardia is a great perennial for sunny spots.  It flowers profusely, loves heat and needs only moderate water.  Flower color ranges from yellow to orange and yellow to bicolor (as shown at left) to red.  Bloom time lasts from early summer to frost.

  • Achillea

    Achillea (yarrow) Green or gray ferny foliage and lots of colors to choose from!  White (‘Calistoga’), yellow (‘Sunbeam’ or ‘Moonshine’), crimson red (‘Red Beauty’) and orange red (‘Faust’ and ‘Terra Cotta’). They all endure the hot summers and cold winters. Water needs are low and bloom time long.

  • Plants that Spread

    Invasive Plants or Plants for The Lazy Gardener? It all depends on your point of view! All these perennials are hardy and colorful. and some are prolific reseeders.  Pictured is Erigeron karvinskianus (Santa Barbara daisy).  It will bloom all summer with very little care, but you have to decide if you want it everywhere or if it’s worth it to pull out…