Garden Mum (Chrysanthemum morifolium), also known as the “Daisy Mum” and “Florist’s Mum,” is a popular perennial plant. It is one of the most widespread plants in the family Asteraceae. Native to East Asia, it’s introduction to the western world didn’t happen until the 19th century. Since then, Garden Mum has grown incredibly popular for its striking appearance and fast growth.
Garden Mum Main Characteristics
| Common Name | Garden Mum, Daisy Mum, Florist’s Mum, Pot Mum |
| Botanical Name | Chrysanthemum morifolium |
| Synonyms | Chrysanthemum × indicum, Dendranthema × grandiflorum, Dendranthema × morifolium |
| Family | Asteraceae (Compositae) |
| Genus | Chrysanthemum |
| Type | Herbaceous perennial |
| Common Cultivars | Mario, Niche’s October Glow, Saxapahaw, Hillside Sheffield Pink, Virginia’s Sunshine, Fireworks Igloo |
| USDA Hardiness Zones | 5 to 9a |
| Mature Size | Height: 2-3 feet; Spread: 2-3 feet |
| Flowering Time | Fall |
| Flower Color | Brown/Copper, Gold/Yellow, Orange, Purple/Lavender, White |
| Propagation methods | Division |
| Sun | Full sun |
| Soil | Good Drainage, Moist |
| Toxicity | Toxic to Humans, Dogs, Cats, Horses |
Garden Mum Care
In the United States, Garden Mum is used mainly as an ornamental plant. But this herb has been traditionally valued for centuries in Asia to treat ailments such as inflammation. A recent study done by NASA confirmed their findings that some common airborne toxins could be purified using Chrysanthemum morifolium (among other plants). Although these plants are typically grown outdoors rather than indoors, they’re still worth considering if you want cleaner air around your home.
Light and Location
Lighting conditions for the Garden Mum should be bright but with some shading. The plants should receive at least six hours of sunlight a day and more if possible. The best time for lighting is morning or afternoon sun except in southern climates where it likes some protection from the mid-afternoon sun.
Watering
You will need to water your potted plant often; three times a week is considered standard practice. Keep its soil consistently moist without allowing it to become soggy. These plants tend to wilt and die if the soil is too dry. So check the top layer of soil often for moisture levels with a finger. Then, water the soil directly and avoid getting the flowers and leaves wet.
Temperature
The ideal temperature range for Chrysanthemum morifolium is between 50 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit (10-27°C). Some cultivars require even more temperature management, but the flowering time for these plants remains largely unaffected by temperature fluctuations. Temperatures outside this range can cause the flower to lose its color, shape, and size. At much lower temperatures, the flowers will start to close, while they will start to wilt the higher it goes.
Humidity
These plants can tolerate most conditions and are not fussy about humidity. But if you want to be on the safe side, keep them away from arid areas as they may wilt or die (although this is rare).
Fertilizer
Pot mums are greedy for fertilizers, especially when freshly planted. So feed this plant once every month with any standard fertilizer, and you’ll be on your way to success!
Flowers
The flowers are the most distinguishing characteristic of this plant. They can come in various colors: white, yellow, orange, pink, and red. When bunched together, they look nothing short of amazing. Some varieties have a pompom-like appearance with tightly bunched petals. But most have ray-like extended petals, with flowers between 2 and 4 inches wide. Anyone looking to get one of these beauties in their garden is after one thing and one thing only—the gorgeous flower arrangements. And the best way to get them is by carefully pruning the stems before blooming season.
Propagating Garden Mum
Florist’s Mums are fabulous for planting in your garden because they come back year after year. To divide a Florist’s Mum, remove a moderately-sized stem from the parent plant.
Try to take a stem with at least five nodes, though more is always better. Cut off the bottom of the stem, below the last node. Break off the leaves off the last few nodes (from the cut-off), and plant the stem cutting in a fresh container.
You can opt to plant first in a pot of perlite and allow the roots to take shape before committing to a fresh pot, ensuring that the cutting will take root.
Potting and Repotting Garden Mum
This plant is best suited for soil with plenty of humus, fertile soil, and consistently moist conditions. When repotting a Daisy Mum, using a pot a bit larger than the current pot is essential. However, you can go for even bigger containers if the need arises.
The pot should also have holes at the bottom to allow proper water drainage. The soil should be well-drained, and you should add a balanced fertilizer beforehand to facilitate the potting process. Don’t disturb the roots when repotting. And be sure to water thoroughly after potting or repotting.
Toxicity
They are toxic for humans, dogs, cats, and horses. Both the flowers and the leaves can cause Dermatitis by touch. Don’t let your pets sniff or eat the flowers; they are mildly toxic to animals. They can cause vomiting, diarrhea, hypersalivation, and incoordination. In case this happens, take them to the vet.
Common Pests
The most common pests for the Chrysanthemum morifolium are aphids, spider mites, and thrips. Though capsid bugs, earwigs, leaf miners, nematodes, and whiteflies can sometimes be a problem. You can control these pests by using pesticides or insecticidal soaps. Adjust the dose depending on the severity of the infestation.
Common Problems
Are the leaves wilting?
Wilting is caused by underwatering. Try to increase the watering frequency. Keep the soil moist but not soggy. See the Watering section for more details.
Buds not opening?
Buds not blooming happens quite often, so no need to worry. Your plant is healthy; it just needs more light. Keep in mind that even more light sometimes won’t help buds that are closed like this. But future buds will most likely bloom.
Fuzzy grey mould on the leaves?
Most likely an outbreak of botrytis. Botrytis occurs in cold locations or if you previously wrapped the plant in cellophane. Cut off the infected areas and spray with fungicide.
Flowers blooming for a brief period?
Sometimes the blooming and wilting lifecycle is sped up in higher temperatures. Try to keep the temperature below 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
How To Grow a Garden Mum – Helpful Tips (Video)
FAQ
How to pronounce chrysanthemum?
The phonetic spelling for chrysanthemum are kris-AN-theh-mum—Kris, as in Chris.
What does a chrysanthemum look like?
Chrysanthemum is a widespread plant genus with countless cultivars and varieties. But they can be primarily identified by the unique group appearance of their flowers that usually all bloom at once. To identify individual types of this plant, we separate them by the shapes of the flowers.
What does chrysanthemum mean?
“Chrysanthemum” is from the Greek word for gold, chrusos. And anthemon, meaning flower. So, combined, this means Flower of Gold, referring to the gorgeous yellow blooms found in some varieties.
How often to water chrysanthemums?
To keep your potted plant healthy and alive, you need to water it often. Make sure you keep its soil consistently moist without allowing it to become soggy. Use fresh cool water; do not let any come directly into contact with flowers/leaves.
How to propagate chrysanthemum?
You can propagate using stem cuttings quite easily. Cut off a stem with at least five nodes from the bottom, clean off the leaves, then plant it into fresh potting soil with water to help speed up growth. Make sure at least two nodes are underground.