Content
Chamomile chrysanthemums are popular representatives of the flora, which are widely used in modern landscape design and floristry (solo and combined bouquets, wreaths, boutonnieres, compositions). Unpretentious plants from mid-July until late autumn serve as a magnificent decoration for the whole house, room, terrace, staircase, in the local area along the wall and in the form of borders, flower beds, and ridges. Abundant flowering of individual bushes lasts up to 2-2.5 months.
Chrysanthemums are one of the most delightful, simple, versatile and sought-after decorative flowers that are grown as house plants, in greenhouses, and in open ground.
Healthy and beautiful plants are the result of proper care and protection from diseases and pests
What are the names of chrysanthemums and daisies?
Common daisy-shaped chrysanthemums are scientifically called Chrysanthemum morifolium, which means “golden-colored” in Greek.Compositae aster plants belong to the genus of shrubby annual and perennial plants.
Chamomile chrysanthemums are characterized not only by a diverse color palette, but also by the following features:
- erect, leafy, branched stem, 25-120 cm high;
- umbrella-shaped inflorescences;
- flowers with ligulate, marginal, tubular petals in one or several rows on the receptacle;
- simple or semi-double type of inflorescence;
- diameter of individual flowers - 3-25 cm (depending on the variety);
- petiolate, dissected leaves 7-15 cm long, 4-8 cm wide;
- fibrous root system;
- fruit-seeds.
One branch can simultaneously have up to 20 inflorescences of varying diameters, depending on the variety.
The delightful variety of colors of chamomile species amazes with a riot of colors from mid-summer until the arrival of the first frosts
What is the difference between chrysanthemum and chamomile?
Common field or garden chamomile and daisy-shaped chrysanthemum belong to the same Asteraceae family.
Bush chrysanthemum and chamomile (genus Matricari) are characterized only by a visual similarity in the structure of the inflorescences, but have a large number of significant differences:
- unlike chrysanthemums (which are characterized by a huge variety of shades and colors), daisies growing in the field and in beds are distinguished by the classic combination of a yellow center and white petals;
- unlike tall chrysanthemums, the size of chamomile bushes on average reaches 15-60 cm;
- the diameter of the flowers of the common chamomile is significantly smaller than that of the chrysanthemum (up to 2.5 cm);
- straight, even or needle-shaped leaves of garden or field chamomile look much “poorer” than the exquisitely carved leaves of chrysanthemums;
- The flowering period of ordinary daisies begins in June and ends with the arrival of the first autumn cold, chrysanthemums decorate gardens and beds with their blooms from July-August, until November and the arrival of the first frosts.
The humble Russian chamomile is a relative of the exquisite chamomile chrysanthemums.
Varieties of chamomile chrysanthemums
Small chrysanthemum like daisy, thanks to the wide variety of varieties, rightfully bears the name “queen of bouquets”. Tall varieties are used for arranging bouquets and compositions, while medium and low growing varieties are ideal decor for beds, flower beds, and ridges.
Popular tall varieties
Among the tall bush chamomile chrysanthemums, the Bacardi variety, bred in 2004, is distinguished by a huge variety of shades of velvety inflorescences, the delicate petals of which surround a convex, “open” core. The plant is characterized by a strong, elastic stem, the height of which can reach 1.5 m. Individual dense flowers in an inflorescence are 5-7 cm in diameter. The small middle of a convex shape - up to 1.5 cm in diameter - is a real decoration of the flower.
Varieties of Bacardi:
- Bacardi White — chamomile-shaped chrysanthemum is white, unlike the classic chamomile, it has a green center, and more rounded, large petals of a boiling white color.
Fragile and delicate Bacardi White - a sophisticated classic wedding bouquet for the bride
- Bacardi Pink - a chrysanthemum with rounded petals of a soft pink hue and a light green center.
Bacardi Pink inflorescences are associated with the irrepressible and pure energy of youth
- Bacardi Sani - an original bright variety with sunny, rich yellow inflorescences and a contrasting dark light green core.
Even the stormiest day will be brightened by the sunny yellow color of the petals of the Bacardi Sani chamomile chrysanthemum
- Bacardi Cream - chrysanthemum with elegant inflorescences of a soft cream color and a pronounced green center.
Delicate inflorescences of Bacardi Cream are an ideal solution for decorating wedding ceremonies
- Bacardi Bordo - noble flowers of a red-burgundy hue with yellow-green cores.
Bacardi Bordo - an elegant and noble flower for especially special occasions
- Bacardi Celebrite - an exquisite small-flowered variety with a bright yellow color of three-row, reed-shaped petals, with a greenish-yellow center.
Sunny holiday fireworks are visible in the rays of the petals of the bright yellow daisy chrysanthemum Bacardi Celebrite
- Two Tone Pink - a solemn two-color tall variety (the height of the bushes reaches up to 1.3 m) with simple inflorescences of an original dark crimson color with a contrasting white border along the edge of the reed marginal petals (the diameter of individual flowers is up to 4.5 cm).
Magic and magic are present in the two-color inflorescences of the chamomile chrysanthemum Two Tone Pink
Variety of medium and low growing varieties
Among the medium- and low-growing border varieties of chamomile chrysanthemums, the most popular ones can be identified:
- Fantasy - a popular low-growing variety (height up to 30 cm), which is ideal for forming spectacular low borders. Lilac-pink semi-double six-row petals are ideally combined with a yellow chamomile center.
Low-growing chamomile chrysanthemum Fantasy - ideal decoration for autumn beds
- Gold fish - an unusual variety, which is characterized by a rather large, “stuffed” yellow core of a convex shape.Framed by golden-yellow, six-row petals with an orange tint, the color reminiscent of the scales of a fairy-tale fish, the middle contrasts thanks to the exquisite greenish edging.
Golden reflections of autumn with dazzling yellow petals are characteristic of the border chamomile chrysanthemum Golden Fish
- Teddy bear - semi-double, attractive variety with brick-colored petals, the shade of which gradually turns into a rich sand color towards the middle. A small yellow center crowns the inflorescences.
A delightful play of colors is visible in the semi-double inflorescences of medium-sized chamomile chrysanthemums Teddy Bear
- Russian field - an incredibly lush flowering plant with white three-row inflorescences, up to 4 cm in diameter, with a large yellow convex center. The effect of a blooming chamomile field is achieved thanks to the textured yellow center and contrasting white petals.
The mesmerizing and inspiring beauty of a chamomile meadow is present in the impressive inflorescences of chamomile chrysanthemums Russian Field
- Sunny day - chamomile chrysanthemums, the flower shape resembling echinacea, are endowed with a simple inflorescence of rich yellow color. The diameter of an individual bud reaches 4 cm, while the petals and core are painted in a sunny color. The variety is classified as medium-sized, reaching a height of 70 cm.
Miniature copies of the celestial body are present in the autumn beds in the form of chamomile chrysanthemums Sunny day
- Stranger - attractive, medium-sized (40-45 cm tall), small-flowered variety. Simple single-row inflorescences are variegated, crimson-white. Petals are reed-shaped, directed upward. The diameter of an individual flower is up to 6 cm.
Refinement and sophistication are visible in every petal of chamomile chrysanthemums Stranger
- Artemon - a noble, solemn medium-sized variety (bush height up to 60-70 cm), with simple bright red inflorescences up to 6 cm in diameter. It is characterized by marginal petals of an unusual tubular-spoon-shaped shape.
Chamomile chrysanthemums Artemon - unforgettable, bright red lights of joy in the autumn beds
- Purple Haze - a popular Crimean medium-sized variety (bush height up to 65 cm) with luxurious, simple, chamomile-shaped inflorescences of light lilac color. The diameter of flowers can reach 7 cm.
The pensive weightlessness of the delicate petals of chamomile chrysanthemums. The lilac fog captivates the eye.
- goldenhair - an early, bright yellow, semi-double variety of chamomile chrysanthemums, which is characterized by very lush flowering. During the period of abundant flowering, leaves are completely invisible on the plant. The diameter of the inflorescences averages 3.5 cm.
It’s impossible to take your eyes off the lush bloom of bright yellow bushes of medium-sized semi-double daisy chrysanthemums Zolotoloska
- Yuri Bagatikov - semi-double, delightfully solemn, noble variety, which is distinguished by the burgundy-red color of the petals and the contrasting yellow convex core.
Chamomile chrysanthemum variety Yuri Bagatikov - the personification of proud beauty and unbending strength
- Hebe - a late, frost-resistant variety, with smoky pink petals of simple inflorescences, with a sandy-yellow convex core.
Tenderness, enthusiasm, weightlessness - in the refined petals of the chamomile chrysanthemum Hebe
Planting and caring for chamomile chrysanthemums
Experts recommend propagating selective chamomile bush chrysanthemums at home by cuttings or by dividing the “adult” bush into parts. Stratified seeds can be used to divide annuals. Planting material (seeds, seedlings, cuttings, daughter bushes) should be removed in early spring, after consistently warm weather has established.
Selection and preparation of a landing site
The site for planting chrysanthemums should be selected and prepared in advance. Plants must be planted in open ground on a hill, in a sufficiently lit place to prevent moisture stagnation.
The day for landing should be cloudy. The first few days after planting, plants must be protected from direct sunlight.
Immediately before planting, you need to prepare holes for cuttings up to 45 cm deep at a distance of 30-60 cm from each other (depending on the variety).
Do not forget that chamomile chrysanthemums grow best and bloom profusely on loamy and sandy loam soils with a high content of nutrient organic matter.
Landing rules
Experts recommend planting chamomile chrysanthemum mainly in spring, but if necessary, this can be done at any warm time of the year (summer, autumn). A layer of sand should be placed at the bottom of each hole for drainage. Next - vermicompost and fertile soil. The prepared soil must be watered abundantly.
Cuttings or seedlings should be carefully placed in the hole and the roots should be carefully covered with soil. Tall plants require installation of supports and tying. To make the rooting process more successful, you can fertilize the soil with a biostimulant (Kornevin, other drugs).14-20 days after rooting, chrysanthemums should be pinched.
Watering and fertilizing
Watering may vary depending on the season. When performing planting work in the fall, watering should be done exclusively in dry weather. In summer and spring, excessive moisture should also not be allowed.
In mid-summer, during particularly hot and dry weather, chamomile chrysanthemums are watered at the root every other day. Irrigation should be carried out in the morning to prevent the soil from drying out during the day. During the period of active flowering, watering is reduced to 2 times a week.
In order to “obtain” abundant flowering after regular moistening, it is recommended to apply phosphorus and potassium fertilizers.
Proper and painstaking care of chamomile chrysanthemums promotes growth, development and long-term flowering
Reproduction
Chrysanthemums with daisy-shaped inflorescences are propagated by dividing the bush and cuttings. The seed method is also possible, but it requires more experience.
Propagation by seeds
When using this method, at the end of February or early March, seeds are sown in a special container and a greenhouse effect is created (covered with glass or plastic film). At this time, plants need gentle, careful watering. For these purposes, spraying from a spray bottle is used. 14 days after sowing, the first shoots appear. After the formation of the first two main leaves, the plants are transplanted into separate containers (dive).
It should be noted that seed chrysanthemums grow very slowly, so they require constant care, feeding, and additional lighting. Rules of agricultural technology:
- placing containers with sprouts on the windowsill;
- additional illumination with a UV lamp;
- moderate watering;
- fertilizing with complex fertilizers once every 2 weeks.
60 days after sowing the seeds, the plant can be transplanted into a greenhouse or onto the ground. In some southern regions, prepared seeds are sown directly into the ground after the soil has warmed up (in May).
Fragile sprouts of chamomile chrysanthemums grown from prepared seeds require special care
Reproduction by cuttings
Cuttings are mainly carried out in the fall, during seasonal pruning of plants. Healthy, strong shoots up to 7 cm long are placed in water. After the root shoots appear, the finished cuttings are planted in separate containers with soil and placed in a cool, shaded place, where they “winter” at temperatures up to + 7 ⁰C. In spring, plants are planted in the soil.
To propagate chamomile chrysanthemum by cuttings, you should choose early shoots from which lush flowering plants will grow
Reproduction by dividing the bush
Two- or three-year-old chrysanthemums are dug up and the bushes are carefully divided into several parts. This must be done not only for plant propagation. Over 2-3 years of active growth, the roots grow and “take” almost all the reserves of nutrients from the ground. This negatively affects the quality and abundance of flowering.
The resulting “daughter” bushes are planted in separate, specially prepared holes and shaded in order to create favorable conditions for the root system to engraft in a new location.
By following simple rules, you can successfully propagate amazingly beautiful chamomile chrysanthemums at home.
Diseases and pests
Small chamomile chrysanthemums are susceptible to the negative effects of certain diseases and pests:
- White rust is characterized by the appearance of raised, light-colored spots on the leaves that turn brown after a certain period of time. To block the disease, the affected leaves are treated with antifungal agents (Abiga-Pik, copper oxychloride).
The fungus Puccinia horiana causes a disease that appears as light green or white spots up to 5 mm in diameter
- Powdery mildew is characterized by the appearance of a white coating on the bush. To “cure” the plant, you should regularly apply potassium and phosphorus fertilizers, remove the lower infected leaves, and treat them with special preparations (“Topaz”, “Chistotsvet”, “Fitosporin-M”).
Powdery mildew on chamomile chrysanthemum can cause the affected plants to miss the flowering phase
- Stem rot manifests itself as dark spots on the stem, which gradually spread to the leaves. At the first signs of disease, the plant can be treated with Fongilan and Baktofit. For prevention, it is worth taking care of high-quality soil drainage. If the disease completely affects the bush, it should be removed from the soil and burned so as not to infect other plants with rot.
Stem rot on chamomile chrysanthemums is a dangerous bacterial disease that most often occurs due to excessive soil moisture
- Nematodes can attack buds, flowers, and leaves. To save the plants, the soil is disinfected with formaldehyde and carbothione. The bush is dug up with roots and placed in a container with hot water at temperatures up to 60 ⁰C for 5 minutes, after which it is transplanted to another place.
Nematode (Aplielenchoides ritzemabosi Schwartz) - small, thread-like worms that cause pale yellow and brown spots to appear on leaves
- Spider mites settle on the lower parts of plants. To control pests, bushes are sprayed with a soap solution or with Molniya and Vertimek products.
A small insect, up to 0.5 mm in size - a spider mite, can cause blocking of the flowering phase of chamomile chrysanthemums
- Aphids attack all parts of chamomile chrysanthemums. Spraying with Iskra, Zubr, Decis, and Akarin preparations is effective.
It is not always possible to get rid of aphids on chamomile chrysanthemum the first time; plants should be re-treated after 4-6 days
Conclusion
Chamomile chrysanthemums are amazingly beautiful, noble, unpretentious plants that can be quickly and easily grown at home: in indoor pots, greenhouses, and in open ground. The Japanese associate the most tender feelings, love and devotion with these flowers, and in many world cultures they are associated with the image of the sun. Due to the presence of essential oils and valuable vitamins in the petals, extracts from chrysanthemum chamomile flowers are used to treat migraines, arthrosis, arthritis, alcoholism, and malaria.
