Chrysanthemum

( kriss - ANTH - em - um )

At-A-Glance Information

These flowering perennials (and some annuals) require full sun and regular water. They are commonly called Mums. Flowers bloom in late summer and fall, and come in a wide selection of blossom colors. Most commonly sold varieties are primarily florists' Chrysanthemums, though some of them also make good garden subjects. 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)
This species of Chrysanthemum is native to Taiwan and China, and produces yellow flowers in late summer and fall in their native range.

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. These plants are commonly cultivated and consumed pickled, in tea, or in soups and seeds can be used to make oil.
 
Chrysanthemum x grandiflorum (Chrysanthemum x morifolium) (Florists' Chrysanthemum, Florists' Daisy, Garden Mum)
This perennial grows best in 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 forced to bloom out of season, and once they are planted in the ground they will revert to fall blooming.

Chrysanthemum japonense (Gold/Silver Chrysanthemum, Point Wild Roadside Daisy)
These perennial flowering plants are endemic to Japan, where they are considered endangered. This species is used in the manufacturing of Nojigiku alcohol, and flowers between October through December in its native range.

Chrysanthemum lavandulifolium (Pyrethrum lavandulifolium)
This species of Chrysanthemum has yellow or white flowers and reaches between 40 and 60 inches tall at maturity. These plants are native to East Asia and 

​Chrysanthemum zawadskii (Chrysanthemum rubellum)
This perennial grows best in zones 1-24 and hails from Russia and Northern and Eastern Asia. Gets to 2 feet tall and wide. 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

Propagation

Problems and Pests

Gallery

Camellias are great candidates to be grown as container plants on your patio.
A field of thea sinensis
Camellia hiemalis 'Shishi Gashira'

Videos

A video all about growing camellias successfully
Propagating camellias

Resources

The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Pages 242 - 243, Chrysanthemum
Second Generation Seeds' Chrysanthemum Grower's Guide
If you have any questions, comments, concerns, or photos you’d like to add to the gallery, please let me know by sending me a message using the button below!
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