Lelia

Chrysanthemum variety Lelia is a medium-sized, dense, and spherical bush growing 45 to 60 cm tall, completely covered during flowering with numerous double blooms about 3-4 cm in diameter. The flowers are bright raspberry or raspberry-purple in color, maintaining their vivid hue without fading in the sun. Blooming begins in July and continues until October, lasting about 80 days, making this variety especially striking and attractive for garden compositions.

The plant prefers sunny, wind-protected locations with fertile, slightly acidic, loose, and well-drained soils, not tolerating excessive moisture. To form a beautiful bush and promote abundant flowering, it is recommended to pinch the tips of stems in June when they reach 10-15 cm, with intervals of about four weeks until flowering begins. Lelia is moderately winter-hardy and requires light protection with leaves or mulching with bark in winter to shield it from moisture and frequent thaws.

This chrysanthemum variety is resistant to adverse weather conditions, drought-tolerant, and suitable for landscaping gardens, borders, flower beds, and mixed borders, as well as for cut flowers. It can also be grown in container culture. It is propagated by dividing the bushes or by stem cuttings in spring. Lelia pairs well with other garden plants such as hostas, foxgloves, and gaillardia, creating bright and long-lasting floral compositions.