Chrysanthemum
Chrysanthemums are showstoppers of the autumn garden. Each flower consists of ray florets in a rainbow of colors—including white, yellow, green, bronze, orange, red, pink, purple, and countless bicolors.
Plant care & info
Family: Asteraceae
Genus: Chrysanthemum
Common Name: Mum
Mediterranean region.
Chrysanthemums will grow in most any soil type. However, amending the soil with compost, manure, or peat moss is very beneficial. Planting with an organic starter fertilizer and a little gypsum or lime is also recommended.
Plants should be placed at the same level in the soil as in their original container, never deeper. Good drainage and air circulation are critical for disease prevention. At least four hours of direct sun is required, though more is preferred.
To keep plants bushy and floriferous, regular and timely pruning is recommended. If plants are more than 10″ tall by July, cut back to 6″, always leaving some foliage below the cut. This encourages shorter, more compact plants at bloom time. When growth resumes, pinching out the very tip of each stem will promote further branching and flower production.
Small-flowered, late blooming types can be pinched up to August 15th. Large-flowered types should not be pinched after July 15th.
The regular use of high-nitrogen and potassium fertilizer, such as 10-10-2, will vastly increase both flower size and numbers. Top dress with a slow acting fertilizer at planting time, followed by weekly application of a liquid fertilizer. After August, switch to a low- or no-nitrogen fertilizer to limit new growth. This will help the plants put energy into flower development rather than foliage.
Commonly attacked by aphids, earwigs, leaf miners, spider mites, and white flies. Careful monitoring of insect populations and early intervention can prevent infestation.
Plants are also prone to fungal rot, gray mold (Botrytis), powdery mildew, and white rust. General garden cleanliness, proper spacing for good air circulation, and watering at the base of the plant will help mitigate disease issues.
They are classified into a dozen groups according to flower form. The aromatic foliage, oval to lance-shaped and 2″ to 7″ in length, may be shallow or deeply lobed—or even feathery!
The Chrysanthemum is one of the longest ornamental plants in cultivation, having been grown and hybridized in China for over 2500 years. The name derives from the Greek “chrysos” (gold) and “anthos” (flower), likely referring to the yellow Chrysanthemum coronarium. The genus consists of about 20 species of bushy, upright annuals and herbaceous perennials, some with woody bases.
Originating in the Mediterranean region, annual species typically grow in dry fields and wasteland. Herbaceous perennial species originate from the Arctic, Japan, China, and northern and central parts of Russia.
Chrysanthemums are usually talked about in two groups: Hardy Garden mums and Exhibition mums.
Explore More Mums
Hardy Garden Mums
The most popular chrysanthemums, these robust beauties bring color to the late summer and fall gardens when they need it most. Garden mums are low maintenance, care free, inexpensive, and instant fillers that are available in a range of vibrant colors. Although often sold in fall, they are perfectly perennial in our area and will perform steadfastly for you year after year.
Exhibition Mums
These are divided into 13 different styles by the National Chrysanthemum Society. These types are the kinds you see at florist shops. They come in beautiful colors and sizes that are truly exhibition worthy. They can be grown in a garden situation, but often require more attention and cold protection that the Garden types.
It is uncommon for us to have them for sale as we do not have a consistent supplier. If you are interested in finding Exhibition mums, we suggest you contact the Oregon chapter of the Chrysanthemum Society at Portland@mums.org for information. Also check our events page in May, when the Chrysanthemum Society has their annual sale at our nursery.
