Chrysanthemum

( kriss - ANTH - em - um )

At-A-Glance Information

This genus includes species of flowering perennials and annuals that require full sun and regular water to perform well in the garden. They are commonly called Mums or Chrysanths, and bloom in late summer to fall. Flowers come in a wide selection of blossom colors. Most varieties are primarily florists' Chrysanthemums (for use in cut flower arrangements), though some species also make handsome garden ornamentals. Plant Chrysanthemum in beds or containers for pops of color; they are also great as eye-catching border plantings. Take care when planting these in your yard, as they can cause contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals. Animals such as horses, dogs, and cats should be monitored around these plants, as well, as they can cause toxic reactions if ingested.

Chrysanthemum Species and Varietals

The genus Chrysanthemum is a member of the plant family Asteraceae and includes around 40 species. Once a vast genus, it has over the years been divided into multiple genera, including Argyranthemum, Glebionis, Leucanthemopsis, Leucanthemum, Rhodanthemum, and Tanacetum. The best growing zones for Chrysanthemum vary depending on the species; for more information, see the descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Chrysanthemum arisanense (Dendranthema arisanense) (Arisan Chrysanthemum, Arisan Daisy, Arisan Marguerite)
This perennial species of Chrysanthemum is native to Taiwan and China, where it grows in rocky outcrop and dry grassland landscapes. Flowers are yellow and bloom in late summer and fall in the plant's native range. Individual plants reach up to 16 inches tall at maturity. They grow well in USDA hardiness zones 5-9.

Chrysanthemum indicum (Indian Chrysanthemum)
These plants reach 2 feet wide by 2 feet tall at maturity, and are native to southeast Asia. Flowers are yellow to white and have yellow pollen. Hardy down to -10 degrees Fahrenheit and best in USDA hardiness zones 4-10. These plants are commonly cultivated and consumed pickled, in tea, or in soups and seeds can be used to make oil.

Chrysanthemum x grandiflorum (Florists' Chrysanthemum, Florists' Daisy, Garden Mum, Mums)
This perennial grows best in USDA hardiness zones 5-9 or Sunset growing zones 2-24 and H1. Blooms appear in fall, and this plant is great for borders, containers, cutting, and come in many flower forms, colors and plant sizes. Flower colors include white, yellow, red, pink, orange, bronze, purple, lavender and multicolored. Plants sold commercially are typically forced to bloom out of season, and once they are planted in the ground they will revert to fall blooming. Varieties are listed below. This species can be invasive in coastal California, the Pacific Northwest, and the Northeast in the United States.

'Cassandra'

'Crimson Tide'

'Diane Stoakes'

'Key Lime'

Chrysanthemum japonense (Gold/Silver Chrysanthemum, Point Wild Roadside Daisy, Japanese Chrysanthemum, Ashizuri Noji-Giku)
These perennial flowering plants are endemic to Japan, where they are considered endangered. They grow well in USDA hardiness zones 5-9. This species is used in the manufacturing of Nojigiku alcohol, and produces flowers between October and December in its native range.

Chrysanthemum lavandulifolium (Pyrethrum lavandulifolium) (Lavender Chrysanthemum, Lavender-Leaf Chrysanthemum, Prairie Lavender Chrysanthemum, Garden Mum, Korean Mum)
This species of Chrysanthemum has yellow or white flowers and reaches between 40 and 60 inches tall at maturity. Foiage is green and resembles that of Lavender plants. These plants are native to East Asia (Korea, Japan, and China) and grow well in USDA hardiness zones 5-9.

Chrysanthemum x morifolium (Florist's Daisy, Hardy Mum, Hardy Garden Mum, Florists' Chrysanthemum, Garden Mum)
This hybrid species produces perennial plants that reach up to between 12 and 35 inches tall when mature and in bloom. Stems are upright, and plants tend to get woody at their base over time. Leaves are deciduous and fragrant. Plants in this group grow well in USDA hardiness zones 5-9 as perennial plants, and can be grown as annuals in all other zones.

'Apricot Courtier'

'Barbara'

'Beverly Orange'

'Bronze Giant'

'Chelsey Yellow'

'Cheryl Regal Purple'

'Garnet King'

'Gethsemane Moonlight'

'Joyce Fountain'

'Kelvin Mandarin'

'Kermit'

'Margaret'

'Saffina'

'Moonbeam'

'Tonto'

Chrysanthemum zawadskii (Chrysanthemum rubellum)
This perennial species of Mum grows best in USDA hardiness zones 5-9 or Sunset growing zones 1-24 and hails from Russia and Northern and Eastern Asia. Gets to 2 feet tall and wide at maturity. Flowers bloom over a long season starting in late summer. Varieties include 'Clara Curtis' (pictured; has bright pink flowers) and 'Mary Stoker' (soft yellow blooms touched with orange).

Caring for chrysanthemum

Take care when planting these in your yard, as they can cause contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals. Animals such as horses, dogs, and cats should be monitored around these plants, as well, as they can cause toxic reactions if ingested. Plant Chrysanthemums in early springtime. Plants can be purchased as starts from a reputable nursery or grown from seed (direct sown or pre-seeded). They are commonly planted in the ground, as well as in beds and containers. Chrysanthemums should be planted in a spot in the garden that receives full sun during the day. Ideally, these flowers prefer to get between 6 and 8 hours of sun each day. Not enough sunlight will result in a leggy plant that produces fewer flowers. Mums like a rich, well-draining soil medium. If local soils are particularly poor in nutrients or do not drain well, make sure to amend the planting area with plenty of organic compost before installing. After planting, apply a thick layer of mulch around the planting area to suppress weed growth, increase soil moisture retention, and maintain a constant soil temperature. Ensure that mulch does not go right up to the stems, as this creates an environment that favors fungal diseases.

Water new plantings regularly as they develop a strong root system. At maturity, these plants have shallow root systems, and prefer frequent waterings to bloom well. This is especially true in high heat situations. As a general rule of thumb, water whenever the top inch of soil feels dry. Two to three times during the growing season from spring through fall, pinch plants back by about an inch to encourage a strong branching system to develop. Fertilize yearly in early springtime with a application of 2 inches of compost around the base of plants. Pull mulch back before applying, work the compost gently into the soil a bit, water it in, and then replace mulch. These plants are not heavy feeders, and this should be sufficient to provide the necessary nutrients for the active growing and flowering seasons. Annual species are typically pulled at the end of the growing season and composted. Perennial species of Chrysanthemum are considered to be short-lived perennials and can survive for 3-4 years in the garden before needing to be replaced.

Caring for Chrysanthemum in Containers
Barberry shrubs are wonderful in the ground, but can also be grown in containers. Choose a container that is at least a few inches wider and deeper than the nursery pot or root ball. Ensure that the pot has adequate drainage holes on the bottom to allow for excess water to flow away. Fill with a well-draining potting mix amended with organic material and perlite, and top with a layer of mulch to suppress weed growth, maintain consistent soil temperatures, and to increase soil moisture retention. Water regularly as the plant establishes itself in its new home. Once established, waterings can be lessened. Berberis plants grown in containers will need more frequent irrigation than those grown in the ground. As a general rule of thumb, water whenever the top few inches of soil feels dry to the touch. Prune to remove dead, damaged, or diseased foliage at any time during the growing season. Every few years, check the bottom of the pot to ensure that the plant is not outgrowing its root space. If roots are growing through the drainage holes in the bottom of the container, it is a good indication that it needs to be potted up; choose a slightly larger container and repot.

Harvesting Chrysanthemum
Calendulas can make great fresh cut flowers for arrangements, and are commonly grown in cut flower gardens. They are typically in bloom in fall. To harvest flowers, simply cut them at the desired stem length at an angle using sharp, clean shears. The best time to harvest these flowers is in the late morning, after the dew has dried but before the heat of the day sets in. Choose flowers that are between 1/2 and 3/4 of the way open. Drop cut stems in a bucket of cool water. When arranging, make sure to remove all leaves that will sit below the water line. Chrysanthemum blooms have a vase life of between 10 and 21 days or even longer under optimal care.

Propagation

Chrysanthemums can be propagated either by cutting, division or from seed. To ensure that your propagated plant will have the exact same qualities and characteristics as the parent plant, use the division or cutting method. If you would like to experiment and see what plant you can grow from seed, just keep in mind that it will not necessarily be the same as the parent plant. To propagate your Mums, follow the instructions below:

Propagating Chrysanthemum by Cutting

Gather your materials. You'll need a clean, sanitized, sharp pair of garden shears, rooting hormone, a pencil, and a 3-inch pot filled with well-draining compost or other organic material. A good substrate for propagation of cuttings is a light blend of 1/3 pasteurized soil or compost, 1/3 sand, vermiculite or perlite, and 1/3 coconut coir or peat moss.
In spring or early summertime, choose the plant that you'd like to propagate. Ensure that this plant has had a good watering the night before, as this will improve the chances your cutting will take root. Cut one or more 6 inch portion(s) of the end of a non-blooming branch and strip the leaves off of the lower half. Make a hole in your planting medium by pushing your pencil into the soil. Dip the end of the stem in rooting hormone, and plant it in your pot. Fill in soil around the cutting to support it, but do not pack it down too much.
Moisten with water, and ensure that the pot has good drainage. Your pot should be kept in warm, sunny conditions indoors (and not in direct sunlight). Water whenever your soil is dry under the top layer. After about four to six weeks have passed, your cutting should be rooted. When you notice new growth, you'll know you have roots.
Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring, when you can transplant it to its new home. Ensure that the last frost of the year has occurred before doing this, as it can seriously damage your new shrublet.

Propagating Chrysanthemum by Seed

Keep in mind that the plant you get from seed will not necessarily mimic all of the characteristics of the parent plant. To propagate by seed, you will need a paper bag, a pot or tray filled with well-draining compost or other organic material, a spray bottle and a fork. The best potting medium for seed germination is a light blend of 1/3 pasteurized soil or compost, 1/3 sand, vermiculite or perlite, and 1/3 coconut coir or peat moss.
Harvest your seeds. The seed heads on plants are pretty easy to spot, they're left behind after flowers have faded. Once they have dried out and begun to split open, you can harvest the seeds inside. Cut them off of the plant, placing them in a paper bag. Harvest as many as you can, and place the paper bag in a dry, cool, dark area. They will continue to split open and release the seeds contained inside. Once they have been released, take them out of the bag and put them in a container so you can work with them.
In either late winter or early springtime, get your container prepared. Water your prepared seed tray or pot filled with soil, and ensure that good drainage is occurring. Place your seeds in your prepared pot or seed tray about a quarter inch to a half-inch under the soil surface. Cover them with soil and water with your spray bottle. Place your tray of seeds in a warm area that receives bright, indirect light. A greenhouse is the most ideal climate, but a planting tray inside a window will do as well. Germination usually takes 2-6 weeks from sowing.
Keep the seedling's potting medium moist, but not wet, by spraying the soil with your spray bottle. Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 65 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring (after the danger of frost has passed), when you can transplant it to its new home.

Propagating Chrysanthemum by Division
This type of propagation is relatively simple; you will need a clean shovel, mulch, fresh soil, compost and pots (only necessary if you will be saving divided plants for transporting elsewhere). Division is best done in early spring (just as plants start pushing out new growth), and needs to be done every few years regardless of whether you have the goal of propagating the plants for best performance, especially if you are growing your Mums in a container or raised bed. To propagate by division, follow these steps:

Using a shovel, dig up your existing plant. Start from the outside and work your way in to avoid damaging the root(s). Once you have worked it up out of the ground, lay it out.
Start to tease apart the roots with your fingers. Once the roots are untangled, separate your plant into segments, ensuring that each one has at least one thick root section attached.
Prepare your pot(s) or new planting site(s) with amended, well-draining soil. You can either bring in new soil or simply amend your existing soil with compost to complete this task. Then, plant your divisions and water thoroughly.
Apply a thick layer of mulch over the new planting to protect it from cold weather as it acclimates to its new home. Then, enjoy watching it sprout in the next growing season.

Chrysanthemum seed heads contain many seeds.

Chrysanthemum seeds are quite small, and are typically dark brown to black in color.

Problems and Pests

Chrysanthemums, or Mums, are considered to be invasive in some regions, including regions of the northern and western United States. Check with local authorities before planting. Chrysanthemum plants rarely suffer from any pest or disease issues. For information on commonly-encountered landscape pests and diseases, consult the following links:

Pests & Pest Management

Plant Issues