Korean chrysanthemums are beautiful and resilient perennial flowers cherished for their vibrant late-season blooms. They bring a burst of color to gardens when many other flowers begin to fade, extending visual interest well into autumn. Their relatively easy care and robust nature make them a popular choice for both seasoned gardeners and those new to perennials. These plants are known for their ability to thrive and return year after year, offering reliable beauty.
Distinctive Characteristics
Korean chrysanthemums stand apart from other chrysanthemum types due to several unique attributes. They are recognized for their superior cold hardiness, thriving as perennials in USDA Zones 5-9, enduring mild winters and returning in spring. These plants are especially valued for their late blooming period, often beginning in late summer or early fall and continuing their display until the first hard frosts, sometimes even into November.
The flowers of Korean chrysanthemums exhibit a wide range of forms and colors. Their bloom types can vary, including single, semi-double, and pompom forms, with petals that may be long, narrow, rounded, or wide. Colors span a spectrum from deep reds, oranges, and bronzes to pale yellows, magentas, corals, and whites. Korean chrysanthemums generally develop a bushy, mounding growth habit, creating full, rounded plants.
Planting for Success
Successful cultivation begins with thoughtful site selection and soil preparation. These plants thrive in full sunlight, requiring at least 5-7 hours of direct sun exposure daily for vigorous growth and abundant flowering. A location protected from strong, cold drafts is also beneficial. Well-draining soil is essential, as Korean chrysanthemums do not tolerate waterlogged conditions.
The soil should be loose and fertile, ideally with a neutral acidity level around a pH of 6.5. Amending the soil with organic matter, such as aged manure, peat moss, or leaf mold, before planting improves drainage and enriches nutrient content. The best time to plant is in spring or early summer after frost, allowing ample time for root establishment before winter. Space plants 40-50 cm (16-20 inches) apart, depending on variety, to ensure adequate air circulation and growth. After planting, thoroughly water to settle the soil around the roots.
Ongoing Care and Maintenance
Consistent watering is important for Korean chrysanthemums, especially during dry periods. Avoid overwatering, as standing water can lead to root issues. Water directly at the root zone, avoiding wetting the foliage to reduce fungal disease risk. Once established, some varieties can exhibit drought tolerance.
Fertilization supports growth and blooming. Apply a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10 or 15-15-15) every 7 to 10 days from spring through July. Stop fertilizing in August when flower buds form, as excessive nitrogen can promote foliage growth over flower development. Pinching (removing growing tips) in late spring to early summer encourages bushier growth and more blooms. This practice typically continues until mid-July to allow enough time for flower buds to form.
Monitor for pests (e.g., aphids) and diseases (e.g., powdery mildew), addressing issues promptly with appropriate controls. Good air circulation, achieved through proper spacing, helps prevent many fungal problems. For winter care, after flowering, cut back spent stems to about 15-20 cm (6-8 inches) above the ground. Applying mulch (e.g., straw, shredded leaves) around the base provides insulation and protects crowns during colder months, though many varieties are hardy enough to survive without extensive protection.
Popular Korean Chrysanthemum Varieties
Korean chrysanthemum varieties offer a range of colors and forms.
‘Clara Curtis’
This classic cultivar is known for its soft pink, daisy-like flowers with yellow centers that bloom from late summer into fall. This heirloom variety forms a tidy, mounding clump and is valued for its cold tolerance and aromatic foliage. It can reach heights of 45-60 cm (18-24 inches) and spreads 60-75 cm (24-30 inches).
‘Mary Stoker’
This variety produces soft apricot-yellow flowers that can develop warm pink tones as they mature, blooming from late summer through autumn. This hardy, single, daisy-like chrysanthemum can form a sizable clump. It typically grows to a height of 60-90 cm (2-3 feet) with a spread of 30-60 cm (1-2 feet).
‘Bronze Elegance’
This variety features double bronze flowers throughout autumn, providing color late in the season. Often referred to as a Korean Pompon, it forms a tight mound, typically reaching 60-90 cm (2-3 feet) in height and spread. Its pompom-like blooms are about 2.5 cm (1 inch) across and offer late-season interest.
Other notable varieties include ‘Sheffield Pink’, a late-blooming cultivar with single apricot-pink flowers. ‘Cousin Joan’ offers bright red flowers with yellow centers, while ‘E.H. Wilson’ blooms in palest cream, both starting their display in October.