The Chrysanthemum 'Red Velvet' is a genus from the sunflower or aster family (Compositae or Asterareae) and is commonly named mum or chrysanth. The mum is native to Asia and north eastern Europe. There are many species and the majority comes from China.
The word chrysanthemum is derived from the Ancient Greek where ‘chrysos’ means gold and ‘anthemom’ flower.
A Chrysanthemum prefers a sunny spot with well drained and rich soil. Mums tolerate quite some drought but do not like wet winters.
It is best to plant mums in spring. This allows the roots to develop during summer and autumn which increases the chance that they survive the winter.
Mums will grow wider over the years. Do not plant them too close together because then they have to compete with each other and they will become more vulnerable to diseases.
Do not cut back the dead stems until spring. The dead stems protect the plant from the winter cold and the plant stays stronger if you allow the stems to die back naturally.
The Chrysanthemum 'Red Velvet' blooms a lot earlier than for example the Chrysanthemum 'Herbstbrokat' 'Herbstbrokat' which makes them complementary to each other. The stems of the Chrysanthemum 'Red Velvet' are not very sturdy and without support they will lay on the ground for a large part.
If the center becomes thin and the plant is not as full and round as it used to be, you can dig it up and divide it. You discard the old, woody center and replant the younger, outer sections. It is best to do this in spring.
Attracts bees: no
Characteristic: newly emerging every year
Deer resistant: no
Exposure: sun/ part shade
Flower color: red
Flowering time: August - October
Foliage color: green
Fragrant flower: no
Hardiness -4 ºF (-20 ºC)
Height: 28 inches (70 cm)
Soil: normal