Chrysanthemums or “mums” are associated with autumn, appearing in jewel colors in garden centers in September and October. However, if you are growing mums, they are hardy perennial plants best planted in the early spring. Discover how to plant, grow, and care for these colorful members of the daisy family!
The Chrysanthemum is a member of the Asteraceae (Compositae) family, related to dahlias, sunflowers, marigolds, zinnias, and cosmos. Each bloom is made of hundreds of tiny flowers called florets. The plant ranges in size from a common small cushion mum to the giant spider mums, and they bloom in almost every color of the rainbow: yellow, lavender, pink, purple, red, bronze, orange, and white. They leaves are a lovely blue/green.
The chrysanthemum was first cultivated in China as a flowering herb back in 15th century B.C. Based on early illustrations, it appeared as more of a daisy-like flower. Since then, the mum has been bred in so many shapes, sizes, showy styles and a multitude of colors that don't always resemble its humble beginnings.
Credit: Mums.org
According to the National Chrysanthemum Society, "the genus Chrysanthemum once included more species, but was split several decades ago into several genera, putting the economically important florist chrysanthemum in the genus Dendranthema. The placement of the florist chrysanthemum in this genus was very contentious. A ruling of the International Code of Botanical Nomenclature in 1999 changed the defining species of the genus Chrysanthemum to C. indicum, giving the florist mum back its prized generic name." The National Chrysanthemum Society divides bloom forms into 13 classes.
Mums that are sold in garden centers in the autumn should generally be treated as annuals. They are decorative gift plants which are not bred to be hardy; it’s their color, size and form that are prized! If these plants are put in the ground in late fall, many won’t make it through the winter in cold regions.
Planting
In USDA Hardiness Zones 5 and warmer, perennial chrysanthemums can be kept outdoors (in the ground) through the winter.
In particularly cold areas (Zones 4 and colder), it's easiest to treat mums as annuals. However, they can be overwintered indoors in an unheated basement or garage, or a dark, cold closet.
Every 2 to 3 years, divide the mum when you see new growth in the spring. Using a large knife cut out the old central portion of the plant and discard. Cut the remaining portion into sections. Each section should haveseveral shoots and a good root system. Replant these sections.
Pests/DiseasesMums are susceptible to aphids, mites, and powdery mildew.
Recommended VarietiesThere are 13 bloom classes of mums! The classes are based on flower form and petal shape.
Yellow Flowers
Lavender/Pink Flowers
Purple Flowers
Red Flowers
Bronze Flowers
White Flowers
Image: Pink Spider Chrysanthemum. Credit: EdenGardenGr.
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