Gardeners from Butterfly World in Hertfordshire are collecting flowers from the Plant Heritage national collection of chrysanthemum (Korean, Rubellum & hardy spray), held by Judy Barker, to trial as a late pollen source for butterflies and bees.
Judy?s late-flowering (October ? November) chrysanthemum are little known, but they make a distinctive colour blast at the end of the year. They also provide a late source of nectar for butterflies and bees, potentially extending the life and health of these vital insects.
The collection is based across three allotments in London, Colney and Hertfordshire. Hardy herbaceous chrysanthemums have been growing in UK gardens for well over 100 years, extending the gardens? colour and interest well into November and in sheltered sites even December.
For more information, please visit: www.gardenchrysanthemums.org.uk