This flower will steal the spotlight in your autumn garden with its explosive orange flower. Half-hardy in the UK down to -5°C. This fabulous flowering plant sees its vibrant orange flower reflected in the orange tint across its leaves, otherwise the dark green of forest shadows. A perfect mid-autumn gift, these flowers look like the fireworks that light our skies at this time of year. They can be kept both indoors and outdoors, but will do best in an unheated conservatory or greenhouse, getting plenty of sun but sheltered from frost. Choose this plant for its character and keep it for the brightness it brings to your displays. Perennial Flower, shrub forming Autumn-flowering; foliage spring to autumn. Scientific NameChrysanthemum 'Firecracker' (Gold flower, cultivar: Firecracker)Common NameFirecracker Chrysanthemum, Firework Flower, Mum, Charm ChrysanthemumOriginChrysanthemums are native to China, where they were first cultivated.Pruning TipsPinch out your Chrysanthemums at the start of summer to encourage them to grow bushy.Wildlife ValueChrysanthemum flowers provide late-season pollen for insects; this variety has a somewhat closed centre, though, so it may be difficult to access its pollen.PositioningGrow in full sun, sheltered from winter winds and the worst of the weather.WaterKeep your Crysanthemum's soil moist; water regularly, especially whilst its in bloom and where growing indoors or in a container.SoilThis plant grows best in well-draining, loam-based, neutral soil.FoodFeeding your chrysanthemum can help it to flower; a feed high in potash should be applied every few weeks in the growing season until the flower bud changes colour to the flower colour.Pet-safeNo, this plant is toxic to dogs, cats and horses.Sprouts Top TipsThe real star of this plant is its large, striking flowers, so keeping it healthy and nourished so that it can bloom is what you should aim for. Applying fertiliser in late summer until the bud is almost ready to open will help ensure it has the right nutrients to produce a flower, and you should also make sure the plant does not dry out in this time. Regular watering can also help extend the longevity of the flower whilst it's blooming.
