Chrysanthemum 'Poesie'

Chrysanthemum Asteraceae

 A little autumn poetry, without the need to reach for the gardening gloves and a thesaurus. This hardy perennial from Hungary produces clusters of small to medium, semi-double flowers that open creamy before maturing towards white, bringing a welcome touch of elegance to the autumn border. Flowering from September to November, it forms a neat, mounding plant around 60 cm tall, just the ticket for threading between ornamental grasses, asters and late-season perennials. Give it full sun and reasonably fertile, well-drained soil, and it will keep the garden looking presentable long after summer’s more theatrical performers have departed.

Introduction: ‘Poesie’ is listed by Cotswold Garden Flowers as originating from Hungary, although its original breeder and date of introduction remain unconfirmed. The RHS also records the cultivar under Dendranthema ‘Poesie’, describing its fragrant, semi-double cream flowers ageing to white with yellow centres. A quietly sophisticated chrysanthemum with a European backstory, even if the finer details remain a little elusive.

• Hardiness: H6 (−20 to −15°C), according to the RHS
• Height: 60 cm
• Spread: Allow approximately 40–50 cm
• Flowers: September–November