Chrysanthemum.

At a glance

Care level

Moderate

Plant type

Perennial (often grown as annual)

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Indoor light

bright-indirect

Water

Every 2 to 5 days

Mature size

1 to 3 feet tall and wide

Growth rate

medium

Hardiness

USDA 4 to 9

Bloom time

Late summer to fall

Care

Provide consistent moisture and good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases. Pinch back young plants to encourage bushier growth and more blooms. Deadhead spent flowers to prolong the blooming season.

Watering

Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, ensuring good drainage to prevent root rot.

Feeding

Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season.

Pruning

Pinch back stems in spring and early summer to promote branching and more flowers; remove spent blooms regularly.

Repotting

Repot in spring when new growth appears, using a slightly larger pot with fresh potting mix.

Soil

Well-draining, fertile loam

Soil pH

6.0 to 6.5

Temperature

10 to 24°C

Humidity

40 to 60%

Drought tolerance

moderate

Lifespan

Perennial, typically 3 to 5 years

Fragrance

light

Deer and rabbits

moderate

Safety

People

Ingestion can cause mild gastrointestinal upset, and skin contact may cause dermatitis in sensitive individuals.

Pets

Can cause mild gastrointestinal upset in dogs and cats if ingested.

Children

The plant is not considered highly toxic, but ingestion of large amounts could cause stomach upset, and children may be more sensitive to skin irritation.

Contact allergens

The sap can cause skin irritation or allergic contact dermatitis in some people.

Airborne allergens

The pollen can be an allergen for some individuals, potentially causing hay fever symptoms.

Edibility

While some chrysanthemum varieties are used in teas, this plant is not generally considered edible and may cause mild stomach upset if ingested.

How to identify it

• Daisy-like flowers
• Many-petaled cultivars
• Finely divided leaves
• Aromatic foliage
• Bushy growth habit

Height

0.3 to 0.9m

Spread

0.3 to 0.9m

Leaves

Green, evergreen

Flowers

Yellow, White, Pink, Red, Bronze, Purple, 2 to 15cm

Common problems

• Aphids — Small, pear-shaped insects that feed on plant sap, causing yellowing leaves and distorted growth.
• Leaf miners — Larvae tunnel through leaves, creating winding, discolored trails.
• Powdery mildew — A fungal disease that appears as white, powdery spots on leaves and stems.
• Root rot — Caused by overwatering, leading to yellowing leaves and wilting.

Growing it

Propagation

Division, Cuttings

When to plant

Spring, Summer

Overwintering

In colder climates, cut back the dead foliage after the first frost. Mulch heavily around the base of the plant to protect the roots from freezing and thawing cycles. In very cold regions, consider planting them in pots that can be moved to a sheltered location like an unheated garage or shed.

In containers

Chrysanthemums do well in containers, especially smaller varieties. A pot at least 8-10 inches in diameter is recommended to give the roots adequate space.

Plant mums in well-drained soil with good air circulation to help prevent fungal diseases.

Grows well with

• Astilbe — Astilbe provides a lovely contrast with its feathery plumes and prefers similar moist, well-drained soil conditions.
• Heuchera — Heuchera's colorful foliage offers a beautiful groundcover that complements the mums' blooms and tolerates similar light conditions.
• Ornamental Grasses — Grasses add texture and movement to the garden, pairing well with the mums' late-season color.

Keep away from

• Very wet soil — Chrysanthemums are susceptible to root rot in constantly waterlogged conditions.
• Strong winds — Tall varieties can be easily damaged or flattened by strong winds, requiring staking or protection.

Similar species

• Shasta Daisy — Shares a similar daisy-like flower form and is also a popular perennial for summer and fall color.
• Coreopsis — Offers bright, cheerful daisy-like flowers and blooms through much of the summer and into fall.
• Aster — Provides similar late-season color and attracts pollinators, often blooming alongside mums.

Science

Family

Asteraceae

Genus

Chrysanthemum

Order

Asterales

Class

Magnoliopsida

Native range

East Asia, particularly China.

Conservation

Not of conservation concern.

In its native habitat, Chrysanthemum morifolium grows in meadows and open woodlands, preferring well-drained soil and ample sunlight.

Value to wildlife

nectar source

Pollinators

bees, butterflies, moths

Uses

Ornamental, Cut flower

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

When do chrysanthemums bloom?

Most chrysanthemums bloom in the fall, typically from late summer through autumn.

How much sun do mums need?

They prefer full sun, at least 6 hours a day, to produce the best blooms.

How often should I water mums?

Water regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, especially when they are blooming.

Can mums be grown indoors?

Yes, they can be grown indoors as temporary houseplants, but they generally perform best outdoors.

Do mums come back every year?

Many chrysanthemum varieties are perennial and will return year after year if given proper care and winter protection.

Where the name comes from

The genus name 'Chrysanthemum' comes from the Greek words 'chrysos' (gold) and 'anthemon' (flower), referring to the color of some early varieties. 'Moriifolium' means 'mulberry-leaved' in Latin, describing the shape of its leaves.

Good to know

• Chrysanthemums symbolize longevity and joy in many Asian cultures.
• There are thousands of chrysanthemum cultivars, varying greatly in size, shape, and color.
• They are often used in floral arrangements to represent autumn.
• Chrysanthemums have been cultivated in China for over 3,000 years.