Refashioning chrysanthemum popularity: uncovering the locale spearheading the bloom's comeback
In Norwell, Nottinghamshire, England, Norwell Nurseries is making a name for itself by creating a vibrant spectacle of colour in late autumn and early winter. The nursery, started by Helen Andrew Ward and her husband in 1994, specialises in hardy chrysanthemums, and their collection includes over 160 selections.
Hardy chrysanthemums are resilient perennials known for their vibrant colours and lasting blooms from late summer well into fall, often surviving frost and some early winter conditions. At Norwell, these hardy plants are grown next to grasses, autumn crocuses, and in sunny spots to benefit pollinators.
One of the standout chrysanthemums at Norwell is the 'Rumpelstilzchen', which boasts double flowers in bright and rusty reds. Another favourite is the 'Carmine Blush', with soft pink-carmine, single flowers. The 'Capel Manor' is a delight with creamy golden-yellow quilled double flowers.
To complement chrysanthemums and enhance late-season interest, asters provide daisy-like flowers in shades of purple, blue, pink, and white, attracting pollinators and thriving in sunny, well-drained soil. 'Šlapanica Eliška' is a noteworthy aster with cerise-pink single flowers that have a silvery reverse to petals.
To extend the bloom into colder months, consider planting evergreen or late-blooming perennials like hellebores that bloom in late winter and tolerate shade and frost. Norwell's sand beds are home to a variety of late-flowering perennials, including salvias, Echinacea, Erodium, Helenium, and Geranium wallichianum 'Crystal Lake'.
The sand beds at Norwell are filled with gritty sand to grow more tender plants, despite the cold and clay soil. The pair at Norwell Nurseries grew their collection through ordering from nurseries on the continent and breeding their own, mostly from seedlings.
The chrysanthemum 'Helen Ward' has double pompom heads of dusky-coral crimson with a gold centre, while the 'Picasso' is a peachy-pink flower with an attractive darker centre. The chrysanthemum 'Eugens Bitterschokolade' has red buds that open to velvety, deep-red, semi-double blooms with a highly contrasting gold eye. 'Neue Kokarde' offers orange-red, semi-double flowers tipped in gold.
The chrysanthemum 'Burnt Orange' is unique with distinctive jagged grey-green leaves and masses of unusual and attractive spider-like, burnt-orange flowers. The 'Ruby Mound' presents ruby-red, double flowers, while the 'Ruby Raynor' offers a multitude of rich semi-double, golden-yellow flowers.
In summary, Norwell Nurseries demonstrates that it is possible to meet the challenge of a tricky site while also planting creatively to extend the season. Hardy chrysanthemums, asters, and other late-blooming perennials create extended seasonal interest in the garden beds, providing both visual appeal and ecosystem benefits such as nectar for late pollinators and winter habitat. Best grown in full to partial sun, with mulch protection and alongside ornamental grasses and late bloomers like hellebores, these resilient perennials are a must-have for any garden looking to extend its blooming season into late autumn and early winter.
- Norwell Nurseries, a garden specialist in Nottinghamshire, England, grows hardy chrysanthemums that bring colour to late autumn and early winter.
- The 'Rumpelstilzchen' chrysanthemum at Norwell has bright and rusty red double flowers, making it a standout.
- Shopping for plants, one might also consider asters, which provide daisy-like flowers in various colours and attract pollinators.
- To extend the bloom into colder months, home-and-garden enthusiasts can plant evergreen perennials like hellebores, which bloom in late winter and tolerate shade and frost.
- Sporting a collection of late-flowering perennials, Norwell's sand beds are home to a variety of plants, including salvias, Echinacea, Geranium wallichianum 'Crystal Lake', and more.
- Traveling to Norwell Nurseries might prove an interesting pit stop for both gardening and fashion-and-beauty enthusiasts, as the eye-catching landscapes and gardens create a unique experience.
- Car lovers visiting the nursery may find themselves admiring the resilient and vibrant flowers while enjoying the serene surroundings, adding another dimension to their travel experiences.
