Caring for Chrysanthemums (Mums): A Guide to Choosing and Maintaining Mums
Chrysanthemums, commonly known as mums, are popular flowering plants that brightens up gardens and landscapes, especially in the fall. There are two main types of chrysanthemums: perennial and annual. Perennial mums are the kind you find in the stores in the fall. They are best suited for outdoor use and can thrive year-round under the right conditions. Annual mums, often found in florist shops, are primarily used for decorative purposes and do not survive outside.
Varieties and Blooming Time
Chrysanthemums come in a range of colors, from yellow and bronze to red, lavender, and white. They are available in early-, mid-, and late-blooming varieties, meaning that you can enjoy a continuous display of color well into the fall. The variety makes it possible to find mums blooming during specific times. Early-blooming varieties will start flowering first, while late-blooming varieties won’t flower until late into fall. The flowers on all three varieties will last 4-6 weeks.
Choosing the Right Mum
When selecting a mum, you may notice different stages of bloom, ranging from fully open to barely budding. If you need a blooming plant now, it’s best to choose a mum that has fully open flowers. This plant is at the peak of blooming, but will not last as long before the flowers fade. Mums with flowers that have not started opening will last the longest, making them ideal for those looking to enjoy the flowers for a more extended period.
Trimming and Shaping
The rounded shape of mums is caused by regular pruning. To maintain a neat, full appearance, mums are typically trimmed twice: in the spring, and summer before the Fourth of July. Pruning after this can reduce the number of blooms in the fall, because they need time to develop flower buds. The periodic pruning helps them develop a dense, rounded shape, and lots of blooms.
Watering and Soil Requirements
Mums prefer full sunlight, requiring at least six hours of direct sun per day for maximum blooming. The more sun they receive, the larger and fuller their blooms will be. These plants thrive in well-drained soil. Excessive moisture can lead to root rot. When growing mums in containers, be mindful of drainage—poorly draining pots may cause the roots to rot. To check if the plant needs water, insert your finger into the top of the soil. If it feels dry, it’s time to water; if it is moist, hold off. When watering, water the soil directly at the base of the plant, avoiding the foliage to prevent the stems from breaking.
Pests and Diseases
Chrysanthemums are relatively resistant to pests and diseases. In fact, chrysanthemums are the source of pyrethrum, an insecticide that naturally repels insects. However, mums can be affected by root rot, especially when overwatered or planted in poorly drained soil. A less common pest, the spittlebug, can also occasionally infest mums, leaving behind a frothy secretion that resembles spit. Regular checks for pests and proper watering practices can help keep your mums healthy and vibrant.
Final Thoughts
Mums are a cheerful and colorful addition to fall landscapes, offering a burst of color as leaves begin to change. Whether planted in the ground or grown in containers, they provide long-lasting blooms that add a lively touch to fall gardens and porches. By giving them proper care, you can enjoy the beauty of chrysanthemums for many weeks every fall.
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Related Resources:
Chrysanthemums
Chrysanthemums are a fall favorite | Mums in the home garden
Varieties and Blooming Time
Chrysanthemums come in a range of colors, from yellow and bronze to red, lavender, and white. They are available in early-, mid-, and late-blooming varieties, meaning that you can enjoy a continuous display of color well into the fall. The variety makes it possible to find mums blooming during specific times. Early-blooming varieties will start flowering first, while late-blooming varieties won’t flower until late into fall. The flowers on all three varieties will last 4-6 weeks.
Choosing the Right Mum
When selecting a mum, you may notice different stages of bloom, ranging from fully open to barely budding. If you need a blooming plant now, it’s best to choose a mum that has fully open flowers. This plant is at the peak of blooming, but will not last as long before the flowers fade. Mums with flowers that have not started opening will last the longest, making them ideal for those looking to enjoy the flowers for a more extended period.
Trimming and Shaping
The rounded shape of mums is caused by regular pruning. To maintain a neat, full appearance, mums are typically trimmed twice: in the spring, and summer before the Fourth of July. Pruning after this can reduce the number of blooms in the fall, because they need time to develop flower buds. The periodic pruning helps them develop a dense, rounded shape, and lots of blooms.
Watering and Soil Requirements
Mums prefer full sunlight, requiring at least six hours of direct sun per day for maximum blooming. The more sun they receive, the larger and fuller their blooms will be. These plants thrive in well-drained soil. Excessive moisture can lead to root rot. When growing mums in containers, be mindful of drainage—poorly draining pots may cause the roots to rot. To check if the plant needs water, insert your finger into the top of the soil. If it feels dry, it’s time to water; if it is moist, hold off. When watering, water the soil directly at the base of the plant, avoiding the foliage to prevent the stems from breaking.
Pests and Diseases
Chrysanthemums are relatively resistant to pests and diseases. In fact, chrysanthemums are the source of pyrethrum, an insecticide that naturally repels insects. However, mums can be affected by root rot, especially when overwatered or planted in poorly drained soil. A less common pest, the spittlebug, can also occasionally infest mums, leaving behind a frothy secretion that resembles spit. Regular checks for pests and proper watering practices can help keep your mums healthy and vibrant.
Final Thoughts
Mums are a cheerful and colorful addition to fall landscapes, offering a burst of color as leaves begin to change. Whether planted in the ground or grown in containers, they provide long-lasting blooms that add a lively touch to fall gardens and porches. By giving them proper care, you can enjoy the beauty of chrysanthemums for many weeks every fall.
Related Videos:
Fall Pumpkin Display
Caring for Bromeliads: A Beginner’s Guide
Related Resources:
Chrysanthemums
Chrysanthemums are a fall favorite | Mums in the home garden