Chrysanthemum 'Gretchen' (22) — Bushy, Clump forming

Overview

Chrysanthemum 'Gretchen' (22) is a bushy, clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Chrysanthemum, part of the Asteraceae family, with deciduous foliage. Chrysanthemum 'Gretchen' (22) grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include borders, containers and cut flowers.

About

Chrysanthemum 'Gretchen' is a herbaceous perennial in the Asteraceae with a clump-forming, well-branched habit. It flowers from August to October, offering a late-summer to autumn display and stems suitable for cutting. The plant favours a south-facing, sheltered position in full sun and performs in loam, sand or clay provided the soil stays moist but well drained. It tolerates acid, neutral and alkaline soils and is winter-hardy to H4 (average hardy).

About the genus

Chrysanthemums, sometimes abbreviated to mums or chrysanths, are perennial herbaceous flowering plants in the family Asteraceae that bloom in the autumn. They are native to East Asia and northeastern Europe. Most species originate from East Asia, and the center of diversity is in China.

Wikipedia contributors, "Chrysanthemum", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Chrysanthemum

In the garden

Chrysanthemum 'Gretchen' is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial within the Asteraceae, grown for its late-season flowering. Its main season runs from August to October, when upright stems carry the flowering heads that make it useful for fresh arrangements. Select a south-facing, sheltered site where the plant receives full sun; exposure can make a notable difference to flower production at the end of the season. Soil type is flexible—Chrysanthemum 'Gretchen' will establish in loam, sand or clay—but the root environment should remain moist yet free-draining. It tolerates a wide soil pH range (acid to alkaline), so site choice can be based on aspect and shelter rather than chemistry. Hardiness is H4, which equates to average winter hardiness across much of the UK; it survives typical garden winters when sited with some protection from prevailing winds. Use it where summer-to-autumn colour is desired: planted in mixed borders, grown in containers on a patio, or cultivated specifically for cut flowers. The reliable flowering window from August to October makes it particularly useful for extending garden interest into autumn and supplying stems for late-season bouquets.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Chrysanthemum

Sunlight: Full sun
Soil type: Loam, Sand, Clay
Soil pH: Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture: Moist but well-drained
Aspect: South-facing
Exposure: Sheltered
UK hardiness: H4

Plant details

Chrysanthemum 'Gretchen' (22) size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Herbaceous Perennial
Habit: Bushy, Clump forming
Foliage: Deciduous
Suggested uses: Borders, Containers, Cut flowers

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Chrysanthemum 'Gretchen' (22)

Propagation: Seed, Basal softwood cuttings, Division
Pest resistance: Capsid bug, Earwigs, Chrysanthemum eelworm, Aphids, Chrysanthemum leaf miner, Glasshouse red spider mite
Disease resistance: Glasshouse grey mould, Powdery mildews, Chrysanthemum white rust

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Chrysanthemum 'Gretchen' (22)?

Chrysanthemum 'Gretchen' (22) prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Chrysanthemum 'Gretchen' (22) need?

Chrysanthemum 'Gretchen' (22) is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including loam, sand and clay. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.

Is Chrysanthemum 'Gretchen' (22) hardy in the UK?

Chrysanthemum 'Gretchen' (22) has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.

How do I propagate Chrysanthemum 'Gretchen' (22)?

Seed, Basal softwood cuttings, Division.

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