Chrysanthemum ‘Gethsemane Moonlight’

Chrysanthemum morifolium ‘Gethsemane Moonlight’

Characteristics

Culture

Whatever you call them, chrysanthemums or mums, they are synonymous with gardening in fall. Most of us are familiar with the garden mums sold in 6-inch and 1-gallon containers in every retail nursery in the state. Their perfectly round balls of flowers make them popular for quick garden decorating this time of year. But few gardeners are familiar with the old-fashioned “perennial” type chrysanthemums. These make wonderful garden plants. Chrysanthemum ‘Gethsemane Moonlight’ is a super vigorous and prolific bloomer in the garden. Plants will easily spread to 4 feet across and 2-1/2 feet tall, and the flowers start in mid-September and last until first frost. The spreading habit and fall flowering make it a natural for mixing with autumn blooming plants in any shade of blue or purple, or can help cool down hot oranges and reds in the garden. Make sure to plant in full sun and in well-drained soil. Perennial chrysanthemums are not particular about soil pH. If you would like to keep the plants more compact and keep them in bounds, just shear them occasionally until mid-summer, but don’t cut the foliage back after that or you will lose some of the fall flowers.

Noteworthy Characteristics

Chrysanthemum ‘Gethsemane Moonlight’ was spotted in an old garden in Conover, NC, by Janice Nicholson of Gethsemane Gardens, who subsequently named and distributed it. Chrysanthemum ‘Gethsemane Moonlight’ is no weakling like many of the garden mums sold today. In addition to its amazing winter hardiness, Chrysanthemum ‘Gethsemane Moonlight’ makes a rapidly expanding 2′ tall x 4′ wide clump topped, starting in mid-September, with large, 3″, bright yellow daisies. Chrysanthemum ‘Gethsemane Moonlight’ is been a superb, frost-tolerant performer.   Give it plenty of room as it can spread to 4 feet wide.

Problems

Pest and disease resistant.

Garden Uses

Good cut flowers with long vase life.

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