chrysanthimums or they might be dhalias.

[ndofu]

can any one tell me why my chrysanthemums ( dhalias? how do you tell the difference?) have put up lots of flowerstems and buds . Then the buds hae turned black and not developed. Thanks from a hopeless gardener.

[water-garden]

Chryanths and dahlias are 2 separate things. The easiest way is to take one of the stems, complete with problem bit, to a garden centre and ask them. They are always pleased to help, especially as it usually results in a sale!
Good luck

[ndofu]

Thanks for that, I will give it a go. Only problem is I live in the wilds of Portugal and there are few garden centres around; and my fractured Portuguese proably couldn't cope with the answer.

[horty]

HI Chrysanthemums have a very strong smell, if you crush a leaf, dahlia stems look as if they are very watery, like busy lizzies if you know what I mean, also dahlias have quite a normal leaf shape and chrysanthemums leaves are more indented. (A bit like an oak tree leaf) I would think the buds are black because of lack of water. This makes me think they are more likely to be dahlia. Hope this is some use to you. H.

[ndofu]

Thanks for that , Horty, from your description they are definately crysanths. Not sure about lack of water as they are by the drip lines for our vetiver, however it was over 40C a lot of the days in the summer. I was worried they had had too much water. It is odd that half a plant should have these black buds and the other half has fine flowers. Will cut them down in a couple of weeks and see what happens next year.