You may also like<\/strong><\/p> The couple came to Norwell in 1994. It had always been Andrew\u2019s dream to start a nursery, and the south-facing, sloping two-acre field set behind a row of cottages in the pretty Nottinghamshire village offered great potential, despite heavy clay soil, and brambles that needed clearing before the rewards of growing plants could be enjoyed. The site also proved to be a potent frost pocket. \u201cIn the bitter winter of 2010, we had quite a shock, enduring five nights of -18\u00b0C and one of -20\u00b0C. That\u2019s cold enough to kill bone-hardy plants if they are growing in pots. As a result, we tell visitors that if a plant grows here it will be hardy more or less anywhere in the UK,\u201d says Andrew.<\/p> Among their diverse selection of plants is the National Plant Collection of hardy chrysanthemums<\/a>, many of the 160 or so selections peaking in nursery beds and the garden from August into autumn (depending on the cultivar), with some still flowering in the second week of December<\/a> if there hasn\u2019t been too much freezing rain.<\/p> The pair\u2019s passion for these plants began 30 years ago, when they were given Chrysanthemum<\/em> \u2018Innocence\u2019 by Helen\u2019s mum.\u201cBefore that, I\u2019d only known the chrysanths my grandfather grew \u2013 the big exhibition types that I found a bit inelegant,\u201d says Andrew. \u201cThey were a hassle, as they had to be lifted because they weren\u2019t hardy. You wouldn\u2019t see them, as they were always covered in paper bags to protect them from earwigs<\/a>. But \u2018Innocence\u2019 was a hardy chrysanth, which flowers after the asters<\/a>. For most people, when the asters have finished, that\u2019s the end of their gardening year. So to get colour into December is incredibly important.\u201d<\/p> We tell visitors that if a plant grows here it will be hardy more or less anywhere<\/p> <\/blockquote> \u201cThey go on for so long,\u201d says Helen. \u201cSome of the earliest, such as double golden-yellow Chrysanthemum<\/em> \u2018Ruby Raynor\u2019, start flowering in July, while others, such as \u2018Innocence\u2019 don\u2019t get into their stride until October. There\u2019s quite a lot of variation in the flower form \u2013 they can be single, double, pompom, short, tall. Some are beautifully scented of citrus and honey, such as \u2018Folk Song\u2019, and they make excellent cut flowers, lasting a long time in water when there is little else to cut in the garden.\u201d Helen and Andrew say that hardy chrysanthemums are best grown next to grasses<\/a> (especially pennisetums<\/a> and miscanthus<\/a>) and autumn crocuses<\/a>, such as sternbergias, which tend to flower at the same time. They point out that they need to be grown in a spot of the garden that is still in sun in November, in order to benefit pollinators<\/a>: \u201cThe flowers are often covered in butterflies<\/a> and bees in November, but they need the sun\u2019s warmth.\u201d<\/p> Helen looks after the collection. Among her favourites are Chrysanthemum<\/em> \u2018Capel Manor\u2019, with yellow flowers late in the season and usefully mid-range in terms of height, around 60cm; distinctive Chrysanthemum<\/em> \u2018EH Wilson\u2019, tall with its profusion of small white flowers <\/a>that hold well into November; and marvellous Chrysanthemum<\/em> \u2018Mrs Jessie Cooper\u2019, at 90cm, with magenta flowers that still dazzle in December. Several have been raised at Norwell: the muted, vintage-red, Chrysanthemum<\/em> \u2018Helen Ward\u2019 with small pompom flowers; Chrysanthemum<\/em> \u2018Andrew\u2019 with semi-double, cherry-red blooms;<\/a> and dark peach, semi-double Chrysanthemum<\/em> \u2018Old Norwell\u2019.<\/p> As the chrysanthemums come to the fore, many other tempting late-flowering perennials<\/a> are also still going strong. Winding paths<\/a> lead between beds cascading with interest: the tall white-flowered annual Erigeron annuus<\/em>, with little white flowers that are borne non-stop until the first frosts, threads through dahlias<\/a>, clumps of sanguisorbas<\/a>, shrubby seedhead-bearing Bupleurum fruticosum<\/em> and roses heavy with reddening hips<\/a>. Norwell\u2019s asters look wonderful amid the turning foliage of perennials such as Euphorbia<\/em> griffithii \u2018Fireglow\u2019.<\/p> Molinia caerulea<\/em> subsp. arundinacea<\/em> \u2018Transparent\u2019 forms a shimmering veil in front of the golden heads of lofty perennial Helianthus, while in Norwell\u2019s new sand beds, pennisetums<\/a>, including tall P. macrourum<\/em> and impressive P. alopecuroides<\/em> \u2018Red Head\u2019, flaunt their tactile flowerheads beside plants such as pale-pink Chrysanthemum<\/em> \u2018Esther\u2019 and pinky purple Erodium manescavii<\/em>.<\/p> These more tender plants thrive at Norwell, despite the cold and clay soil, thanks to Andrew\u2019s experiments with sand. Towards the top of the site (where air flows and water drains freely) he constructed brick-built, raised beds filled with gritty sand. \u201cIt\u2019s an idea I got from Swedish plantsman Peter Korn<\/a>, who grows in pure sand. Plants grow tougher and prove hardier; it\u2019s allowed me to enjoy a much wider range of plants,\u201d he explains. Some of the sand beds are simple mounded borders of 30cm at the centre, 20cm at the edge, and plants have done so well that Andrew plans more. \u201cThe key is to make sure roots reach underlying soil for moisture and nutrients. Look for grit sand, which has bits of gravel in it \u2013 the sort of sand that does not stain your hands if you squash it together,\u201d he advises. \u201cWhen planting (in spring or early summer when the weather has warmed), wash compost off the roots first, otherwise the plants rot in winter. It\u2019s also important to feed in spring with a fertiliser such as Growmore.\u201d<\/p> Even 2024\u2019s soaking spring and summer, and parched August, did not harm the plants; salvias<\/a> such as Salvia<\/em> x jamensis<\/em> \u2018Red Velvet\u2019, fiery Epilobium canum <\/em>\u2018Olbrich Silver\u2019 and various cultivars of Oenothera lindheimeri <\/em>are flourishing. Also stand-out in late season are collections of Echinacea, Erodium, Helenium and marvellous Geranium wallichianum<\/em> \u2018Crystal Lake\u2019 with pale-blue, purple-veined flowers<\/a>. More dainty plants also thrive, including the little Acis autumnalis<\/em> with its tiny white bells. The sand beds in cool shade are home to a collection of autumn-flowering toad lilies, including Tricyrtis \u2018Tojen\u2019, with pink unspotted flowers, and diminutive T. \u2018Taipei Silk\u2019, its petals touched with blue.<\/p> Norwell Nurseries shows so well how it is possible to meet the challenge of a tricky site while also planting creatively to extend the season. Spring and summer, so often the focus of the gardening year, seem increasingly unpredictable, but frankly, what\u2019s past is prologue; if your garden looks good in autumn, disappointments early in the season are easily forgotten.<\/p> USEFUL INFORMATION Address<\/strong> Norwell Nurseries, Woodhouse Road, Norwell, Newark, Nottinghamshire NG23 6JX. Tel<\/strong> 0163 6636337. Web<\/strong> norwellnurseries.co.uk Chrysanthemums are propagated for mail order in spring. See website for details of opening times and for dates of special chrysanthemum openings in November.<\/p> Chrysanthemum<\/em> \u2018Barbara Lambert\u2019<\/strong><\/p> Beautiful soft pink, anemone-centred flowers that age paler, with a rich-pink centre. A strong grower for a sunny, well-drained site. Bred at Norwell and named for Helen\u2019s late mum. Flower size 5cm across. Height and spread: 90cm x 60cm. RHS H4.<\/p> Chrysanthemum<\/em> \u2018Chelsea Physic Garden\u2019<\/strong><\/p> An exceptional selection, flowering late October into November with double red flowers and petals with coppery reverses. Excellent for sun and any soil. Flower size 5cm. 75cm x 40cm. RHS H6.<\/p> Chrysanthemum<\/em> \u2018Mary\u2019<\/strong><\/p> Beautiful quilled, creamy, semi-double flowers. It opens in September but carries into October and sometimes November. Grows best in a well-drained and sunny site. 70cm x 40cm. RHS H4.<\/p> Chrysanthemum<\/em> \u2018Gelbe Spinne\u2019<\/strong><\/p> One of the few hardy chrysanthemum with a profusion of spider-type petals in the flower. A pale lemon colour starts in October. Needs some support but worth the effort. Flower size 7cm across. 60cm x 60cm. RHS H4.<\/p> Chrysanthemum<\/em> \u2018Carmine Blush\u2019<\/strong><\/p> A lovely soft pink-carmine, single flower. Good on improved clay. The flowers open darker and age softer. Ideal for the front of a border. Flower size 4cm. 45cm x 60cm. RHS H5.<\/p> Chrysanthemum<\/em> \u2018Neue Kokarde\u2019<\/strong><\/p> A brilliant selection that looks more like a Gaillardia than a chrysanthemum. It has orange-red, semi-double flowers each tipped in gold. Flower size 3cm. 60cm x 40cm. RHS H4.<\/p> Chrysanthemum<\/em> \u2018Ruby Mound\u2019<\/strong><\/p> Masses of ruby-red, double flowers make this a truly arresting sight in a sheltered, sunny, well-drained position. Flower size 5cm. 90cm x 60cm. RHS H4.<\/p> Chrysanthemum<\/em> \u2018Rumpelstilzchen\u2019<\/strong><\/p> Double flowers with flamboyant petals in bright and rusty reds. Needs a well-drained, sunny site. Flowers Chrysanthemum<\/em> \u2018Capel Manor\u2019<\/strong><\/p> Has creamy golden-yellow quilled double flowers in October to November. Grown for years at Capel Manor College, hence the name. Flower size 7cm. 60cm x 60cm. RHS H5.<\/p> Chrysanthemum<\/em> \u2018Andrew\u2019<\/strong><\/p> Bred at Norwell. It is a luscious semi-double crimson, cherry red with a contrasting golden eye. A strong grower standing well in late October. Flower size 5cm. 90cm x 80cm. RHS H4.<\/p> Chrysanthemum<\/em> \u2018Helen Ward\u2019<\/strong><\/p> Raised at Norwell, with double pompom heads of dusky-coral crimson with a gold centre. Needs sun and well-drained soil. Hardy and floriferous. Flower size 4cm. 60cm x 50cm. RHS H4.<\/p> Chrysanthemum<\/em> \u2018Ruby Raynor\u2019<\/strong><\/p> Multitude of rich semi-double, golden-yellow flowers. It begins to flower in July and continues through to late October. It stands well and is good for cutting. Flower size 5cm. 75cm x 80cm. RHS H4.<\/p> Chrysanthemum<\/em> \u2018Picasso\u2019<\/strong><\/p> Flowers later than most pompoms, opening in October. Peachy-pink with an attractive darker centre, it needs a well-drained and sunny site. One of the Hardy Plant Society\u2019s endangered plants, but Norwell is ensuring its survival. Flower size 4cm. 45cm x 30cm. RHS H4.<\/p> Chrysanthemum<\/em> \u2018\u0160lapanica Eli\u0161ka\u2019<\/strong><\/p> Czech cultivar introduced to UK by collection holder Judy Barker. Cerise-pink single flowers enhanced by silvery reverse to petals. Strong stems. Flower size 6cm. 75cm x 60cm. RHS H4.<\/p> Chrysanthemum<\/em> \u2018Eugens Bitterschokolade\u2019<\/strong><\/p> Rare German cultivar with red buds that open to velvety, deep-red, semi-double blooms. Has a highly contrasting gold eye. Flower size 4cm. 45cm x 60cm. RHS H4.<\/p> Chrysanthemum<\/em> \u2018Burnt Orange\u2019<\/strong><\/p> Distinctive jagged grey-green leaves and masses of unusual and attractive spider-like, burnt-orange flowers in autumn. Cut flowers last ages in water. Flower size 6cm. 90cm x 60cm. RHS H5.<\/p> <\/body><\/html>\n Norwell Nurseries has an inspiring on-site garden and a sparkling range of plants on offer, with many late-flowering perennials, including colourful chrysanthemums. Words Phil Clayton, photographs Clive Nichols <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":24,"featured_media":42673,"template":"","categories":[1,17,51],"acf":{"readingTimeMinutes":"11"},"uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/48\/2024\/11\/not-just-your-grannys-favourite-discover-the-place-bringing-chrysanthemums-back-in-fashion.jpg",960,914,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/48\/2024\/11\/not-just-your-grannys-favourite-discover-the-place-bringing-chrysanthemums-back-in-fashion-150x150.jpg",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/48\/2024\/11\/not-just-your-grannys-favourite-discover-the-place-bringing-chrysanthemums-back-in-fashion-300x286.jpg",300,286,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/48\/2024\/11\/not-just-your-grannys-favourite-discover-the-place-bringing-chrysanthemums-back-in-fashion-768x731.jpg",768,731,true],"large":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/48\/2024\/11\/not-just-your-grannys-favourite-discover-the-place-bringing-chrysanthemums-back-in-fashion.jpg",800,762,false],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/48\/2024\/11\/not-just-your-grannys-favourite-discover-the-place-bringing-chrysanthemums-back-in-fashion.jpg",960,914,false],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/48\/2024\/11\/not-just-your-grannys-favourite-discover-the-place-bringing-chrysanthemums-back-in-fashion.jpg",960,914,false]},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"importmanagerhub@sprylab.com","author_link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/gardensillustrated\/author\/importmanagerhubsprylab-com\/"},"uagb_comment_info":0,"uagb_excerpt":"Norwell Nurseries has an inspiring on-site garden and a sparkling range of plants on offer, with many late-flowering perennials, including colourful chrysanthemums. Words Phil Clayton, photographs Clive Nichols","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/gardensillustrated\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/rss_feed\/42672"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/gardensillustrated\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/rss_feed"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/gardensillustrated\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/rss_feed"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/gardensillustrated\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/24"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/gardensillustrated\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/42673"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/gardensillustrated\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=42672"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/gardensillustrated\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=42672"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
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Norwell\u2019s top 16 chrysanthemums<\/strong><\/h2>
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