Garden Mums

Chrysanthemum Uses

The most common use of garden mums is for fall color. These beautiful plants provide several flower colors right when other plants typically begin to fade. The flowers also provide a late-season source of nectar for hummingbirds and butterflies. These are commonly grown in garden borders, combination planters, hanging baskets and mass plantings. Mums are also great for cut flowers. The flowers can survive for up to 2 weeks in a vase, however the leaves don't last as long. So most people cut the leaves off ahead of time. Chrysanthemums are available in several shapes, sizes and flower colors. Stems can reach 2-6 inches in height. Flowers can be .5 to 10 inches in diameter.

Chrysanthemum Plant Care

These plants require at least 5 hours of direct sunlight per day. Be sure to plant these in the ground where it has well drained soil, or in containers that have drainage holes. We recommend watering once per week with a good long soak. An inch of water per week should be enough in most situations, unless its particularly hot outside. You can also apply a liquid fertilizer weekly, but it isn't required. Plant these 2 feet apart, center on center to give the plants enough room to grow. There are 13 different varieties of flowers of European mums, which is what is most commonly found and what we offer. Some of the best known flower types are daisy, spider, cushion and button. The blooms are also known as pompons or buttons sometimes. For more in-depth information, you can visit the National Chrysanthemum Society. Growing indoors or outdoors, we recommend deadheading the plants. This is done by cutting off the dead or sick looking flowers. This helps the plant give energy to the newer and fresher looking flowers and improves the overall appearance of the plant.

Caring for Chrysanthemum Indoors

If the plants are rootbound when you receive them, be sure to find a new pot that is larger to give the roots more room. The plants will need a sunny window, typically south facing. It will need at least 5 hours of direct sunlight each day. Be sure to keep the plant moist at all times, and not allow it to get too dry. If the plant does get too dry, you can give it a long soak to help it recover.

Interesting Facts About Chrysanthemums

• Chrysanthemums are the 2nd most popular plant in the world, behind only the rose.

• The word chrysanthemums is from the Greek words "chrysos" which means gold, and "anthos" which means flower

• Chrysanthemum can symbolize happiness, joy, love or grief. This is dependent on the flower color and culture around the world. In Europe, it can be a symbol of inevitable death and popular in funerals. In the United States it is usually regarded as positive, except in New Orleans. In Feng Shui, it is believed to bring happiness and laughter.

• Chrysanthemum can be used in tea and has a beautiful aroma and several health benefits including sore throat, headache, fever, dry eyes and indigestion. Boiling the leaves and the stem is common in Chinese cuisine as well.

• Chrysanthemums are a natural insecticide. The chemical called pyrethrum, helps naturally repel mosquitoes and other insects.

• Chrysanthemums are actually considered tropical flowers.

• It's the favorite flower for the month of November.

• Chrysanthemums are part of the “Four Gentlemen” of China. The plants represent the four seasons; the orchid for spring, bamboo for summer, chrysanthemum for fall, and the plum blossom for winter.

Chrysanthemum Plant Facts

Garden Mum Scientific Names

These are sometimes called mums or chrysanths. They are part of the genus Chrysanthemum in the family Asteraceae. These plants are native to East Asia and Northeastern Europe. The modern plants you typically find bloom much more than what is found in the wild. Here are the scientific names we offer.

Chrysanthemum ‘Autumn Sunset’

Chrysanthemum ‘Celestial White’

Chrysanthemum ‘Fireglow’

Chrysanthemum ‘Flamingo Cranberry Red’

Chrysanthemum ‘Flamingo Pineapple Pink’

Chrysanthemum ‘Flamingo Pink’

Chrysanthemum ‘Gigi Dark Pink’

Chrysanthemum ‘Gigi Gold’

Chrysanthemum ‘Gigi Orange’

Chrysanthemum ‘Katelli Bronze’

Chrysanthemum ‘Key Lime’

Chrysanthemum ‘Moonglow White’

Chrysanthemum ‘Moonglow Yellow’

Chrysanthemum ‘Morgana Purple’

Chrysanthemum ‘Morgana Red’

Chrysanthemum ‘Morgana White’

Chrysanthemum ‘Morgana Yellow’

Chrysanthemum ‘Mumma Mia Red’

Chrysanthemum ‘Orange Zest’

Chrysanthemum ‘Paradiso Pink’

Chrysanthemum ‘Paradiso White’

Chrysanthemum ‘Paradiso Yellow’

Chrysanthemum ‘Plumberry Plum’

Chrysanthemum ‘Stacy Dazzling Orange’

Chrysanthemum ‘Stacy Pink’

Chrysanthemum ‘Sundance Yellow’

Chrysanthemum ‘Wanda Bronze’

Chrysanthemum ‘Wanda Lavender’

Chrysanthemum ‘Wanda Purple’