Everything You Need to Know About Chrysanthemum Mum Flower

The Chrysanthemum Mum flower is a popular choice for gardeners and flower enthusiasts alike. It's a hardy perennial that can thrive in a variety of conditions.

One of the key benefits of the Chrysanthemum Mum is its ability to bloom in the fall, providing a burst of color in the garden when many other flowers have stopped blooming. This makes it a great choice for adding some late-season interest to your garden.

The Chrysanthemum Mum is a relatively low-maintenance flower, requiring only occasional watering and fertilization to keep it healthy and thriving.

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The chrysanthemum mum flower is a popular choice for gardens and floral arrangements due to its long-lasting blooms and vibrant colors. It's often associated with longevity and honor in Asian cultures.

The chrysanthemum mum flower is relatively easy to grow, requiring minimal care and maintenance. It thrives in well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade conditions.

With over 40 species to choose from, you can select a variety that suits your climate and desired bloom time.

The name "chrysanthemum" is derived from the Ancient Greek: χρυσόςchrysos (gold) and ἄνθεμονanthemon (flower). This unique combination of words gives us a hint about the flower's beauty and value.

The Ancient Greek words used to create the name chrysanthemum are significant, as they reflect the flower's association with luxury and wealth.

Chrysanthemums have been cultivated in China for over 3,500 years, with over 20,000 cultivars recorded worldwide by 2014.

The plant is renowned as one of the Four Gentlemen in Chinese and East Asian Art, and is particularly significant during the Double Ninth Festival.

In China, over 7,000 cultivars have been recorded, with many more varieties developed over time.

Chrysanthemum cultivation in Japan began during the Nara and Heian periods, and gained popularity in the Edo period, where many flower shapes, colours, and varieties were created.

The Imperial Seal of Japan is a chrysanthemum, and the institution of the monarchy is also called the Chrysanthemum Throne.

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Chrysanthemum Day, one of the five ancient sacred festivals in Japan, is celebrated on the 9th day of the 9th month.

Here are some key dates in the history of chrysanthemum cultivation:

The height and spread of a tree are crucial factors to consider when deciding where to plant it. A mature tree can grow up to 30 feet tall.

The spread of a tree is typically around 15-20 feet wide. This can vary depending on the tree species and growing conditions.

In ideal conditions, a tree can spread its roots up to 3 times its mature height. This is important to consider when planting near buildings or other structures.

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If you live in a frigid climate, don't worry, you can still grow beautiful Mums.

Some Mums are extra-hardy and can survive in these conditions.

These include varieties like 'Betty Lou' Maxi Mum, 'Burnt Copper', 'Centerpiece', and 'Grape Glow'.

Some extra-hardy Mums can even thrive in areas with extreme cold, like 'Lemonsota' and 'Minnruby'.

Mums like 'Maroon Pride', 'Mellow Moon', and 'Minnpink' are also known for their hardiness.

Other varieties, such as 'Minnautumn', 'Minnwhite', and 'Minnyellow', can also handle harsh winters.

If you're looking for a Mums that can shine in the snow, consider 'Rose Blush', 'Sesqui Centennial Sun', or 'Snowscape'.

Mums are fairly resistant to deer and rabbits, likely due to their fragrant leaves and fuzzy texture.

This unique combination of characteristics tends to deter these critters from feeding on the plants.

Mums can be annuals or perennials, depending on the type and how you care for them.

The most widely available mums are grown as fall annuals, but there are varieties that can be grown as perennials in some regions with proper care.

In colder zones, leave the top growth in place and add loose mulch for protection to overwinter mums, waiting to cut back in spring after new growth emerges.

In warmer winter climates, cut back mums to 6” tall after flowering to prepare for the next growing season.

Mums are hardy perennials best planted in early spring, but those sold as fall decorations are often best treated as annuals.

Don't try to overwinter mums that weren't bred to be hardy, as they may not survive the winter.

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Garden mums are bred from winter-hardy species and can come back every year if planted in the right conditions.

Florist mums, on the other hand, are not bred for their ability to come back every year and are best treated as short-term annuals.

If you're growing mums in pots for seasonal color, the type you get doesn't matter, but if you're growing them in your garden as perennials, you'll need to be more selective.

Garden mums are hardy to USDA hardiness zones 5 to 9, so check your local garden center to see what varieties work best in your area.

To grow chrysanthemum mums, select a spot in full sun, away from trees and big shrubs. Mums require rich, well-draining soil and do not like standing water.

Plant mums 18 to 36 inches apart, depending on their expected size at maturity. Good air circulation is essential for healthy growth.

Water mums regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. If you're growing mums in pots, make sure they have drainage holes to prevent water from gathering around the base.

Mums are heavy feeders and benefit from a monthly application of a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10). Spread mulch around the plant to conserve soil moisture and keep weeds out.

To encourage blooming, pinch back stems to create a bushier plant. Remove secondary buds farther down the stem as they develop, and switch to a high-nitrogen fertilizer after the buds have set.

After the ground has frozen, spread 4 to 6 inches of mulch around the plant. Do not cut back mums in the fall, as the dead growth insulates the roots.

Here's a quick watering schedule for mums:

By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to growing beautiful, blooming chrysanthemum mums that will add color and interest to your garden for years to come.

Chrysanthemum flowers are incredibly diverse in color, blooming in shades of white, yellow, orange, lavender, purple, red, and even bicolor.

The simple row of ray florets on the flower head is typically white, yellow, or red, while the disc florets are usually yellow.

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One of the most striking features of chrysanthemum flowers is their range of colors, making them a popular choice for gardens and floral arrangements.

The leaves of the chrysanthemum plant are alternate, divided into leaflets, and may be pinnatisect, lobed, or serrate (toothed).

Here's a breakdown of the different colors you can find in chrysanthemum flowers:

The compound inflorescence of the chrysanthemum plant is an array of several flower heads, or sometimes a solitary head, which can add to the overall visual interest of the plant.

Growing mums is a bit like taking care of a pet - they need regular watering. Water mums deeply, but avoid getting the leaves wet. This will help them grow strong and healthy.

Mums are heavy feeders, so they need a balanced fertilizer once a month. A 10-10-10 fertilizer is a good choice.

To keep weeds out and conserve soil moisture, spread mulch around the mum. This will also help regulate soil temperature.

Pinching back stems is an important part of mum care. When new shoots are 3 to 4 inches tall, pinch off the top, leaving 2 to 3 leaves on the shoot. Continue pinching every 2 to 3 weeks until mid-July, when buds develop.

Here's a quick guide to pinching back mums:

As the buds develop, stop fertilizing the mum. This will help the plant focus its energy on producing flowers.

To get big flowers, pinch off all buds except the largest and strongest on each stem. Remove secondary buds farther down the stem as they develop.

After the buds have set, switch to a high-nitrogen fertilizer. This will help promote healthy growth and blooming.

Chrysanthemum mums come in a wide range of varieties, each with its own unique characteristics. Some popular types include the Paradiso Pink and Sundance Yellow, which are both heat and frost tolerant.

Mums are classified into 13 classes based on flower form and petal shape, including irregular incurves, reflects, and decorative types. The National Chrysanthemum Society developed this classification system.

Additional reading: Mum Flower Types

Here are some examples of the different types of mums:

Some mums, like the 'Ruby Mound' and 'Yellow Starlet', are bred for hardiness and make great additions to borders and cottage gardens.

Chrysanthemums have a vast array of species, with over 30 recognized types as of September 2025.

The Plants of the World Online database lists the following species: Chrysanthemum × aphroditeKitam., Chrysanthemum arcticumL., and many more.

Some of the notable species include Chrysanthemum indicumL., Chrysanthemum integrifoliumRichardson, and Chrysanthemum japonense(Makino) Nakai.

Chrysanthemum × morifolium(Ramat.) Hemsl. is another popular species, often cultivated for its ornamental value.

Some species have been reclassified over time, such as Chrysanthemum carinatum = Ismelia carinata and Chrysanthemum cinerariifolium = Tanacetum cinerariifolium.

Here are some of the species listed by the Plants of the World Online:

Chrysanthemums come in a wide range of types, each with its own unique characteristics. There are 13 classes based on flower form and petal shape.

One of the most interesting things about chrysanthemums is their classification into different types. These types include Irregular Incurve, Reflect, Regular Incurve, Decorative, Intermediate Incurve, Pompom, Single and Semidouble, Anemone, Spoon, Quill, Spider, Brush or Thistle, and Unclassified or Exotic.

Let's take a closer look at some of these types. For example, Irregular Incurve mums have giant blooms, while Reflect mums have very large to medium blooms with a specific color pattern.

Here's a breakdown of the different types of chrysanthemums:

Each type of chrysanthemum has its own unique characteristics, and knowing which type you have can help you care for it properly.

Mums can be either perennials or annuals, depending on the variety and how you treat them.

In colder zones, mums that are left to over-winter can come back year after year, but you'll need to add loose mulch for protection.

Mums sold in garden centers as fall decorations are often best treated as annuals, and shouldn't be tried to be overwintered.

If you're growing mums in your garden as perennials, you'll need to be selective and choose varieties that are hardy to your area.

Garden mums are bred from winter-hardy species and can come back every year if planted in the right conditions.

Typically, garden mums are hardy to USDA hardiness zones 5 to 9, so check your zone to see if they'll thrive.

Florist mums, on the other hand, are not bred for their ability to come back every year and are best treated as short-term annuals.

Chrysanthemum plants have been used as a natural source of insecticide for centuries.

Pyrethrum, extracted from the flowers, is a potent insect killer that attacks the nervous systems of all insects. It's also been shown to repel female mosquitoes from biting.

Pyrethrins, the active components of pyrethrum, are biodegradable and non-persistent, making them a safer alternative to synthetic insecticides.

Chrysanthemums are bred to be brighter and more striking than their wild relatives, with many varieties developed for their ornamental value.

You can find chrysanthemums in a wide range of colors, including traditional yellow, as well as white, purple, and red.

Some chrysanthemum varieties have daisy-like flower heads, while others are decorative and resemble pompons or buttons.

Over 140 cultivars of chrysanthemum have gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit, a testament to their beauty and popularity.

In Japan, a unique form of bonsai chrysanthemum has been developed over the centuries, where the flower is trained to grow on dead wood to create a miniature tree-like effect.

This type of bonsai chrysanthemum can live for about 5 years and requires careful maintenance to keep it in miniature size.

Chrysanthemum plants have been shown to reduce indoor air pollution by the NASA Clean Air Study. This makes them a great addition to any home or office space.

They are also known to purify the air by removing pollutants and toxins, creating a healthier environment for those around them.

Garden mums are bred from winter-hardy species, so they'll come back every year if planted in the right conditions. They're perfect for gardeners who want a long-term bloom.

Garden mums are typically hardy to USDA hardiness zones 5 to 9, making them a great choice for many regions. This means they can withstand cooler temperatures and come back year after year.

Florist mums, on the other hand, are not bred for their ability to come back every year and are best treated as short-term annuals.

Mums are susceptible to a range of pests and diseases, including Aster yellows, Ascochyta ray, crown gall, leaf spot, powdery mildew, Pythium root and stem, and Fusarium wilt.

Leaf spot and powdery mildew are common issues, but they can be managed with proper care and maintenance.

Aphids, spider mites, and spider mite webbing are signs of pest infestation, which can be treated by spraying the plant with water or using a miticide or insecticidal soap.

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Mums can be susceptible to various pests and diseases, but don't worry, we've got you covered.

Aphids are a common pest that can be treated by spraying them off the plant with a strong stream of water from the garden hose.

Leaf miners are small flying insects whose larvae chew tunnels through the center of plant leaves, but unless there's an especially high population, you usually don't need to worry about treating them.

Spider mites are a pest that sucks up plant sap and typically lives on the underside of plant leaves, and their tell-tale sign is the webbing they create.

The good news is that mums are relatively resistant to pests, but it's still important to keep an eye out for these common culprits.

Here are some common pests and diseases that can affect mums:

Mums can be toxic to pets if ingested, so keep them out of reach of curious cats and dogs.

Some plants, like mums, contain substances that are poisonous to animals, so be cautious about where you place them.

If you have pets that like to explore, consider choosing a location for your mums that's inaccessible to them.

Mums are toxic to cats, dogs, and horses if eaten, so make sure to keep them in a safe spot.

Common poisonous plants for dogs and cats include mums, so be aware of the plants in your home and yard.

If you suspect your pet has ingested something toxic, seek veterinary attention right away.

In some European countries, chrysanthemums are used only for funerals or on graves, symbolizing death. This stark contrast to their positive connotations in other parts of the world is a fascinating example of cultural diversity.

In the United States, chrysanthemums are often seen as cheerful and positive flowers. However, New Orleans is a notable exception to this rule.

The chrysanthemum is also a significant flower in the Victorian language of flowers, with different colors carrying distinct meanings.

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Potted plants sold at supermarkets and big box stores are often grown as annuals, typically featuring a tidy mound of small flowers. They're a popular choice for autumn container displays.

These plants are sometimes called garden mums or Belgian mums, but most gardeners report they're not as hardy as other mums.

In some European countries, like France, Belgium, and Italy, chrysanthemums symbolize death and are used only for funerals or on graves. This is a stark contrast to the United States, where the flower is usually regarded as positive and cheerful.

In China, Japan, and Korea, white chrysanthemums are a symbol of adversity, lamentation, and/or grief. In fact, in Chinese culture, the chrysanthemum is a symbol of autumn and the flower of the ninth moon.

In the Victorian language of flowers, the chrysanthemum had several meanings, including cheerfulness, slighted love, and "I Love". The chrysanthemum is also the flower of November.

Here's a breakdown of the different meanings of chrysanthemums in various cultures:

In China, the chrysanthemum is one of the "Four Gentlemen" of China, along with the plum blossom, the orchid, and bamboo. It is also symbolic of nobility and is a significant part of the Double Ninth Festival.