Chrysanthemum x morifolium 'Helen' PP9793

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Family

Asteraceae

Botanical Name

Chrysanthemum x morifolium 'Helen' PP9793

Plant Common Name

Decorative Chrysanthemum, Helen Chrysanthemum

General Description

This lovely fall perennial shows off soft rusty red flowers perfect for harvest-themed gardens. Like other decorative mums, it is a heavy-flowering selection that adopts a uniform cushion habit.

In spring, this clump-forming herbaceous perennial puts forth dense stems lined with medium green, fragrant, lobed leaves. In late spring to early summer it should be pinched back to encourage a more uniform shape and to increase the density of flower buds for fall. It begins flowering in early to mid- fall and continues for several weeks afterward. Its many flowers are double, flattened and cover the plants so densely when in bloom it is difficult to see the foliage below.

Chrysanthemums prefer full sun and fertile garden loam with good drainage. Though technically perennial, most mums are grown as annuals to include ‘Helen’, though it will survive in regions with modest winters or in protected locations where winters are harsh.

It looks best planted in masses with ornamental grasses, golden pansies and blue asters. The deep orange flowers evoke a feeling of cheerfulness, harvest and warmth and also look great in door side containers and indoor arrangements.

Characteristics

AHS Heat Zone9 - 2
USDA Hardiness Zone5 - 9
Sunset Zone2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant TypePerennial
Sun ExposureFull Sun, Partial Sun
Height25'-33' / 9.8in - 13.0in
Width38'-40' / 15.0in - 15.7in
Bloom TimeEarly Fall, Fall, Late Fall
Native ToHybrid Origin
Growing Conditions

Soil pHNeutral
Soil DrainageWell Drained
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Growth RateMedium
Water RequirementsAverage Water
HabitCushion/Mound-forming
Seasonal InterestFall
Ornamental Features

Flower InterestShowy
Flower ColorRed, Dark Red
Fruit ColorBrown
Foliage Color (Spring)Green
Foliage Color (Summer)Green
Foliage Color (Fall)Green
Fragrant FlowersYes
Fragrant FruitNo
Fragrant FoliageYes
Bark or Stem FragrantYes
Flower Petal NumberSingle, Double, Semi-Double
Repeat BloomerNo
Showy FruitNo
Edible FruitNo
Showy FoliageNo
Foliage TextureMedium
Foliage SheenMatte
EvergreenNo
Showy BarkNo
Special Characteristics

UsageBedding Plant, Container, Mixed Border
Sharp or Has ThornsNo
InvasiveNo
AttractsButterflies
Self-SowingNo

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