The chrysanthemum is a favourite plant in this season, and many varieties are very attractive, with lots of blooms in many colours. They need sunlight, providing it is not too hot, for all the flower buds to open, but high temperatures can cause the flowers to die prematurely. Pot chrysanthemums can usually be purchased at any time of the year and are brought into flower by the nurseryman by giving a regulated amount of light and darkness. They have also been treated with a growth retardant, so although they can be planted in the garden and will often survive to flower quite happily there in subsequent autumns, the plant will be considerably taller than they were when you bought them.