Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum 'Yoraquel' RAQUEL)

Overview

Chrysanthemum ‘Yoraquel’ RAQUEL stands out as a reliable, late-season performer, bringing deep color to the garden when many other plants have faded. This herbaceous perennial, part of the well-regarded Prophet Series, develops into a compact, mounded habit ideal for defined borders or containers. Gardeners value this specific Chrysanthemum hybrid for its dense coverage of dark maroon red flowers that last from early autumn right up until the first hard frost.

As a clump-forming garden mum, Chrysanthemum ‘Yoraquel’ RAQUEL typically reaches 1.5 to 2 feet tall, making it a structure cornerstone for fall displays. While often treated as a seasonal annual, successful overwintering provides reliable, low-maintenance color year after year. Its aromatic, dark green foliage provides a handsome backdrop to the profuse, flattened double flowerheads.

This selection of Chrysanthemum offers tremendous aesthetic impact with minimal fuss, thriving in full sun and requiring only medium water. Whether used to anchor mass plantings or provide structure in containers, Chrysanthemum ‘Yoraquel’ RAQUEL ensures a vibrant conclusion to the growing season.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Asteraceae
• Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 5-9
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 1.5-2 ft
  • Spread: 1-1.5 ft
• Bloom Time: September to frost
• Bloom Description: Dark maroon red
• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Water Needs: Medium
• Maintenance Level: Low

How to Grow

The Chrysanthemum ‘Yoraquel’ RAQUEL performs best when established in humusy, fertile, consistently moist, yet well-drained soils. Aim for a location that receives full sun for the most intense flower coloration, though this variety tolerates very light shade, which can be beneficial in extremely hot summer climates by providing afternoon protection. Plant during the appropriate season for your intent—spring for a perennial habit, or late summer if treating it as an annual filler.

Consistent, medium water is crucial, particularly during dry spells, to maintain soil moisture for robust flower production. To encourage a denser, bushier habit, pinch the stems back periodically from late spring through mid-summer (around Memorial Day to the Fourth of July). For optimal blooming performance, feed the plants multiple times throughout the active growing season.

After the flowering period concludes, prepare the Chrysanthemum for dormancy by cutting the plants back to approximately 6 inches above the ground. Apply a thick layer of mulch, such as straw or evergreen boughs, to protect the crown during winter, especially in the colder reaches of its hardiness range. Divide established clumps every two to three years in either spring or fall to maintain vigor.

Landscape Uses

Chrysanthemum ‘Yoraquel’ RAQUEL is highly versatile, functioning effectively as a perennial or an annual bedding plant. Its uniform, compact mounding habit makes it an excellent choice for edging pathways or defining the front of perennial borders where its intense color can be appreciated up close. These decorative garden mums are superb for mass plantings, creating drifts of deep maroon across the fall landscape, providing late-season saturation.

For containers, this particular cultivar excels. The dark red flowers contrast beautifully with silver foliage plants or late-blooming calibrachoa or petunias planted earlier in the season. When planting in borders, pair the deep tones of Chrysanthemum ‘Yoraquel’ RAQUEL with lighter yellows, silvers, or blues available in asters or ornamental grasses for dynamic fall texture and color contrast.

Standout Features

Flower Qualities

• Showy

Noteworthy Characteristics

Chrysanthemum is a genus of about 20 species grown mostly for their showy flowers, and many hybrids have been developed which are a mainstay of the fall garden. RAQUEL is a clump-forming, fall-blooming garden mum with a flat decorative capitulum form, noted for being a compact, mounded hybrid that typically displays dark maroon red flowers from September until frost. This cultivar is part of the Prophet Series by Yoder and contrasts its prolific blooming with thick, aromatic, lobed, dark green leaves up to 3 inches long, known scientifically alongside its synonyms like C. X morifolium ‘Yoraquel’ RAQUEL.

Tolerances

• Rabbit
• Deer

Potential Problems

Aphids, thrips, and spider mites pose the most common insect threats to this group, potentially causing significant damage if left unchecked. Gardeners should regularly inspect the undersides of leaves for early signs of these pests and treat promptly with appropriate horticultural oils or insecticides. Disease management focuses on good air circulation and proper watering habits to minimize fungal issues; potential problems include Botrytis, leaf spots, rust, and powdery mildew. Always ensure plants are not overcrowded, as poor air movement exacerbates fungal growth, and be aware that diseases like Verticillium wilt can be devastating.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Chrysanthemum ‘Yoraquel’ RAQUEL suitable for?

This particular Chrysanthemum hybrid is generally hardy in USDA Zones 5 through 9, though winter survival can vary annually.

How large does Chrysanthemum ‘Yoraquel’ RAQUEL grow?

When mature, Chrysanthemum ‘Yoraquel’ RAQUEL typically reaches a height between 1.5 and 2 feet, with a spread ranging from 1 to 1.5 feet.

What sun exposure does Chrysanthemum ‘Yoraquel’ RAQUEL need?

For the most vibrant display, Chrysanthemum ‘Yoraquel’ RAQUEL requires full sun exposure, although it can tolerate a very light amount of shade.

When does Chrysanthemum ‘Yoraquel’ RAQUEL bloom?

This variety begins its profuse blooming period in September and continues flowering heavily until the first hard frost of the season, displaying rich, dark maroon red flowers.

Conclusion

Chrysanthemum ‘Yoraquel’ RAQUEL offers exceptional late-season color and structure, making it an indispensable choice for gardeners seeking low-maintenance beauty leading into autumn. By providing consistent moisture and essential pinching early in the season, you maximize the spectacular dark maroon red display of this compact Chrysanthemum. Before planting, confirm that USDA Zones 5-9 align with your local climate for the best chance of perennial success.

Companion Planting

Choosing appropriate companion plants enhances the display and health of your Chrysanthemum ‘Yoraquel’ RAQUEL. Since this specific garden mum requires consistent moisture and well-drained soil, pair it with other moisture-loving fall standards like late-blooming Sedum (stonecrop) varieties or hardy ornamental grasses that thrive in similar conditions. Avoid planting drought-tolerant herbs directly beside them, as the mums will require regular supplemental watering that might stress companions needing drier feet.

For vibrant color pairing, consider planting the deep maroon red of RAQUEL against cool blues and silvery foliage like Artemisia or Blue Fescue. This contrast highlights the richness of the chrysanthemum bloom during its peak showing in September and October, ensuring the overall planting structure remains appealing as summer plants decline.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Spring care for Chrysanthemum ‘Yoraquel’ RAQUEL involves dividing older clumps if they have become overly crowded or leggy, which reinvigorates the plant for the coming season. As summer begins, focus intensely on pinching stems back to control the final height; this pruning is critical for achieving the desired compact, 1.5-foot mound shape. Once temperatures stabilize in late spring, summer watering should be consistent to keep the soil moderately moist.

During the peak growing season of summer, regular feeding ensures enough energy reserves for the massive fall bloom show of this decorative garden mum. Avoid heavy fertilization late in the season, as this can promote soft, late growth that is highly susceptible to frost damage or disease. In late fall after the blooms fade, cut the stems back and apply winter mulch for protection.