Considered the quintessential autumn flower, the chrysanthemum was first cultivated in China as a flowering herb and is described in writings as early as the 15th Century B.C. It was introduced to the Americas in 1798.

The easy-to-grow, herbaceous perennials (Chrysanthemum indicum) can live for years in the New England area so long as they are grown in a sunny area and are kept well watered. Consistent watering will help them thrive until a killing frost.

To encourage branching and the development of lots of buds rather than “leggy giants,” knowledgeable gardeners “pinch back” the plants about four times during the spring and summer, beginning around Mother’s Day.

Additional recommended “pinching dates” are Memorial Day and Father’s Day, with the Fourth of July being the latest. The results will be shorter plants with stronger stems and many more flowers.

Like so many other plants, a new name has been suggested for them. Again, the majority of gardeners are not happy. So, it’s chrysanthemums for us. The variety pictured is ‘Clara Curtis’.

Let’s enjoy them!