Chrysanthemums belong to the Asteraceae or Compositae family. For the first time, Confucius wrote about these flowers, which means that in the XNUMXst century BC, China already knew about chrysanthemums and successfully used them in medicine, cosmetology and perfumery. Today, several thousand varieties of these amazing flowers are known, varieties of chrysanthemums differ not only in color, but also in the shape of the petals, the size of the bush, and the flowering time. One of the newest varieties is the chrysanthemum Multiflora – a compact bush with many small brightly colored inflorescences. Multiflora is not intended for cutting, this variety was bred specifically for planting in flower beds and borders, chrysanthemum is also suitable for decorating balconies, arbors, greenhouses, planting in pots and boxes.
About the rules for planting and caring for the chrysanthemum Multiflora, about the methods of propagation of these flowers, recommendations for wintering – will be discussed in this article. It will also list the most popular varieties of Multiflora with photos and names, and offer options for planting and decorating flower beds with compact chrysanthemums.
Features and varieties
Chrysanthemum Multiflora is a short bush of regular spherical shape. This subspecies of the plant belongs to the super-low-growing varieties, since the height of the Multiflora bush rarely exceeds 50 cm. Each bush is abundantly strewn with small bright flowers, the shades of which can be very diverse. The leaves of the chrysanthemum are small, but they are not visible behind hundreds of inflorescences.
In accordance with the timing of flowering, all varieties of chrysanthemum Multiflora are usually divided into three groups:
- Early varieties of chrysanthemum Multiflora bloom in August.
- With the onset of September, mid-flowering species bloom.
- The mid-late flowering multiflora opens its buds only in late September – early October.
The flowering of chrysanthemum subspecies Multiflora is very long in time. So, early varieties can bloom profusely from August until the first frost.
Some experts suggest dividing the varieties of Multiflora also on such a basis as the height of the bush. However, practice shows that it is possible to regulate the size of plants by pinching shoots and different planting dates. It is better for a novice gardener to immediately buy the variety of Multiflora chrysanthemum that is suitable for height:
- у super short chrysanthemum height and diameter of the bush are approximately equal and correspond to 20-30 cm (such varieties of Multiflora can be grown in a pot or in a box);
- medium-sized flowers reach a height of 30-40 cm, the diameter of the bush is usually the same;
- у tall varieties of bushes can reach 60-70 cm, such a Multiflora will have to be tied up or supports created for it.
The height of chrysanthemums and the correct shape of their spherical bushes are highly dependent on the weather and climatic conditions in the region, the planting site and growing conditions.
Varieties of spherical flowers
Growing chrysanthemum Multiflora is one of the main trends and fashion trends in landscape design today. These unpretentious flowers can be planted in Siberia and the Moscow region, heat-loving beauties feel great in the southernmost corners of the country.
One of the advantages of the spherical shape is resistance to spring frosts, so you can plant chrysanthemums as early as April. But southern plants do not withstand winter frosts, Multiflora has to be covered almost throughout Our Country, and in the coldest regions, flowers are completely dug up for the winter.
Chrysanthemum Multiflora varieties common in temperate climates with a photo and a brief description can be found below.
Branfountain Lemon
The multiflora of this variety belongs to medium-flowering chrysanthemums – its buds bloom in early September. Bushes of spherical shape reach a diameter of 50 cm, the same is their height. Inflorescences are small, lemon yellow. The bush is just strewn with delicate flowers.
Bransky Plum
This chrysanthemum can be considered tall, which is rare for Multiflora. The height of the Bransky Plum bush, on average, is 70 cm. The inflorescences are small to medium, painted in a muted red hue.
Branroyal Yellow
Chrysanthemum Multiflora yellow blooms so thickly and profusely that the gardener often does not know about the presence of leaves in this plant – the entire spherical bush is strewn with bright terry inflorescences.
Branbeach Orange
A very early variety of Multiflora, opening buds already at the beginning of the second decade of August. The balls reach a diameter of 50 cm. The color of the inflorescences is very delicate, pale orange.
Brandove White
The compact bushes of this chrysanthemum are strewn with inflorescences in the form of pompons – small lush balls. The color of the flowers is delicate and interesting – a light green shade of the core in combination with snow-white tips of the petals.
Branchili
It is simply impossible not to notice these bushes with flowers of a shade of hot chili pepper. Branchili chrysanthemum has a small height – about 40 cm, but the inflorescences are quite large – about 4 cm in diameter.
Branindio
This Multiflora creates the illusion of two-tone flowering: the opened inflorescences are painted in a golden yellow hue, and the buds on the bushes are orange. Plant height is 50 cm. The variety begins to bloom in the first days of September.
Branstorm
Very bright variety, with rich red inflorescences. Chrysanthemum blooms early – late August-early September. Bushes of medium height – about 50 cm.
Branfountain Purple
Chrysanthemum Multiflora Lilac usually blooms in mid-September (the exact time of flowering depends on the climate and weather conditions in a particular region). Bushes of medium size – 40-50 cm. Terry flowers, painted in a beautiful lilac hue.
Branbeach Lilac
This chrysanthemum also blooms in mid-September. The bushes are small, compact, their height usually does not exceed 50 cm. The inflorescences are large, mauve.
Brangala
Chrysanthemum Multiflora Brangala is considered a prominent representative of the potted varieties of this plant. The bushes of this variety are very compact, their height never exceeds 35 cm. The shade of the inflorescences is coral. Frost resistance is low, so the flower is rarely grown in open ground.
Branroyal
Chrysanthemum Branroyal is a whole group of Multiflora, in the line of this variety there are many shades (white, yellow, orange, red and others). Bushes are usually small – up to 40 cm in diameter. The inflorescences are quite large – about 4,5 cm. A distinctive feature of the variety is a very plentiful number of flowers.
Florist’s memo
Growing chrysanthemum subspecies Multiflora is a simple process that does not require special skills and abilities. That’s why This flower is great for beginner gardeners.. In order for the Multiflora bushes to have the shape of a perfect ball, and their flowering to be plentiful and bright, you need to follow simple recommendations for planting and caring for these plants.
Methods of reproduction
Propagating Multiflora is not difficult at all, especially since this can be done in several ways:
- seeds;
- division of uterine bushes;
- cuttings.
Reproduction by divisions
It is recommended to dig mother bushes out of the soil at the end of summer or autumn, when there is still no threat of frost. This method allows you to get several from one bush, in addition, Multiflora is rejuvenated due to such a division, the plants acquire a more regular ball shape.
Young shoots should be separated, which have already formed their own root system. For work, you can use a sharp garden knife. The resulting bushes are planted separately from each other at a sufficient distance (at least 50 cm), the tops of the plants need to be pinched, and the chrysanthemums themselves should be watered abundantly.
Cutting
Propagation of chrysanthemum Multiflora by cuttings is a very popular method. The flower reproduces well with green layering, which must be cut or cut off and rooted in a container with water, wet sand or shady soil. Rooted cuttings will grow roots in 10-14 days, and they can be transplanted to a permanent place.
In spring, Multiflora can also be propagated by cuttings. Extracted from the cellars after wintering, the flowers are placed in the sun, where they begin to give new shoots. When the length of such processes is 10 cm, the bush is carefully divided. Shoots are immediately planted in a permanent place in open ground or in a pot. A full-fledged chrysanthemum bush may well grow from one shoot.
Reproduction by seeds
Experienced flower growers can try to grow Multiflora from seeds. Two methods of such reproduction are actively used:
- Direct sowing in the ground. In late April or early May, chrysanthemum seeds are sown in a flower bed. The depth of the holes should be 3-5 cm, the distance between them should be about 25 cm. A pair of Multiflora seeds are placed in abundantly watered holes, sprinkled with earth and covered with polyethylene until germination. After a couple of weeks, you need to remove the second sprouts and plant them in another place – one flower should remain in each hole.
- Seedling method. In late February or early March, you can sow chrysanthemum seeds for seedlings. The soil in the container is moistened with a spray gun and the seeds of Multiflora are laid out on the surface. After that, the container is covered with glass, a lid or a film. Crops are regularly ventilated and moistened. When a pair of leaves appears, the flower seedlings swoop down. By the time of planting in the ground, the seedlings should reach a height of 20 cm, pinch the tops of the chrysanthemums after planting.
Landing guidelines
Chrysanthemums love the sun, and this fact must be taken into account when choosing a place for planting these flowers. Otherwise, the flowers are unpretentious, able to grow on almost any soil, tolerate spring cold well, but do not like drafts and marshy soil.
In central Our Country, Multiflora is recommended to be planted in early May, when the temperature stabilizes and the soil warms up well. The distance between adjacent bushes depends on the size of the chrysanthemum, but the interval should be at least 45-50 cm.
A little sand and peat can be added to the planting holes if the soil in the flower bed is too heavy. Multiflora prefers neutral soils. The pH level can be adjusted with lime, dolomite flour.
It is better not to be zealous with fertilizers: immediately after planting, the flower needs to acclimatize, and due to excess nutrition, it will quickly grow. Only poor sandy loamy soils can be fertilized with mineral complexes, wood ash or a small amount of humus.
How to care for spherical varieties
Care, as well as landing, for Multiflora is not particularly difficult. These chrysanthemums are not capricious, they develop well in different conditions, do not require much attention.
Measures for the care of bushes Multiflora standard:
- Water the flowers rainwater or well-settled water is recommended. It is better not to wet the leaves and flowers, watering is carried out under the root. Multiflora loves water, so during dry periods it is watered often and plentifully. In the flowering phase, the amount of moisture should be reduced or stopped watering altogether. To better retain moisture in the soil, the earth should be loosened or mulched.
- Feed spherical chrysanthemums will have infrequently, these plants are undemanding to the level of nutrition. If the holes were fertilized during the planting period, this may be enough – during the entire growing season, the flowers are no longer fed. Some flower growers use banana peel for fertilizer, which is added dropwise to the ground near the bushes. During the budding period, you can feed the Multiflora a little with phosphorus and potassium.
- Form chrysanthemum bushes not necessary – the plant itself must take the form of a ball. Some flower growers, nevertheless, cut the shoots of flowers to give them just the perfect shape, but, as practice shows, this is not necessary. You need to pinch the shoots only after planting cuttings or seedlings of Multiflora.
Every three years, the chrysanthemum Multiflora needs to be transplanted to another place. If this is not done, the variety will degenerate, the bush will no longer be so lush and round.
Wintering Rules
The question of how to preserve the Multiflora chrysanthemum in winter is very relevant, because the plant is southern, thermophilic. Depending on the climate in a particular region, there are three options for wintering this flower:
- in open ground;
- under cover;
- in a cool and dark place.
Wintering in the flowerbed
Wintering Multiflora in the open field is possible only in the southernmost regions with a warm climate and mild winters. Florists from these regions may not even cut the bushes of spherical chrysanthemums: when the shoots are completely dry, they break off themselves and become a natural protection of the rhizome from the cold.
In order not to risk it, it is better to cut the shoots of Multiflora up to 15 cm immediately after the stems have dried. Cover the bushes with dry foliage, peat or sawdust.
Winter shelter for flowers
In the middle lane, some flower growers also leave Multiflora to winter in a flower bed, but before that, the plants are covered. Already at the end of September in these latitudes, it is better to protect the bushes with a polyethylene or plastic frame in order to prolong flowering and protect from the night cold.
When the chrysanthemums fade, their stems are shortened to 15 cm. The bushes are abundantly covered with a thick layer of mulch (at least 10 cm), sand or earth. As soon as the temperature drops to minus levels, Multiflora is covered with spruce branches or their own previously cut bushes. Such a shelter will be able to ventilate and prevent the buds from decaying.
Store flowers in the basement
The most reliable wintering option for the Multiflora variety is the winter storage of roots in the cellar or basement. In autumn, the flower stems are cut, after which the rhizome is carefully dug up (the root system of these chrysanthemums is superficial, so you don’t have to dig deep).
The roots taken out of the ground are placed in dry soil or in sand. The substrate must be moistened and the flowers sent to a cool place, where in winter the temperature will be maintained at +3 – -5 degrees. Chrysanthemums should be visited every month and watered. The soil between the roots should not be too wet, but excessive dryness is detrimental to Multiflora.
In March, the roots of chrysanthemums are taken out of shelters and placed in a bright, warm place with an air temperature of about +15 degrees (on a veranda or balcony). There, the flowers will begin to bud, green sprouts, at the end of April they can be divided and planted in a flower bed.
Conclusion
Chrysanthemum Multiflora is a universal plant. You can use this flower to frame garden paths, decorate borders and borders, spherical bushes are perfectly combined with strict lines of conifers, dilute the greens of grassy plantings with variegated colors. Often undersized varieties of Multiflora are grown in flowerpots, pots and boxes, decorating gazebos, balconies and window sills with flowers. A photo of a spherical chrysanthemum Multiflora will not leave anyone indifferent.
There is nothing complicated in growing chrysanthemums, Multiflora easily reproduces in several ways, which will be discussed in more detail in the video:
