Chrysanthemums offer colorful flowers throughout the fall in a wide range of hues and flower types. Learn the secrets of growing great mums!

What's fall without garden chrysanthemums? Chrysanthemums, or mums, are native to Asia and northeastern Europe, although most species originate in China, where the mum is highly prized for its beauty. There are over 40 species of mums, with countless cultivars, offering gardeners a huge array of colors, petal formations and heights to enjoy throughout the fall.^[1]

Types of Mums

The National Chrysanthemum Society lists 13 classes of mums on its website, which groups various decorative mums into distinct categories. The common chrysanthemums that begin to appear in local garden centers in late summer are most likely pompom mums. These mums have a mid-height of about 8 to 12 inches, sometimes taller, and a multi-branching habit with multiple blooms per stem. And although mums are technically perennials, most gardeners treat these little plants as annual flowers, although with the right care, even these common mums will overwinter in garden zones 6 - 10. Among the more beautiful and exotic mums, youíll find:

• Incurve types, which have large flower heads and are often grown to be the ëfootballí mums you find at the florists.
• Single and semi double flowers, with a small central disk surrounded by larger rims of petals.
• Spoon mums, which have small ëcupsí or spoons at the end of each flower petal.
• Quill mums, which have delicate petals that are straight, tubular, and curving.
• Spider mums, which feature long, thin petals that coil or hook at the ends.

Mums come in a wide range of colors including white, pink, orange, red, bronze, yellow, lavender, and green-tinted hues. Foliages colors range from chartreuse to deep, dark green.

Secrets of Caring for Mums

Once youíve chosen your mums, find a bright spot in the garden to plant them. Mums need full sunlight, or six or more hours of bright, direct sunlight per day. Mums like well-drained soil, and need at least 12 to 18 inches of space between plants. Some cultivars need up to 36 inches between plants, so check the plant care label included with your purchase for specifics. Plant your mums just about as deeply in the soil as they were in the pot. Water them thoroughly after planting, and keep them well-watered throughout the growing season. Mulch helps retain water near the roots and suppress weeds. Mums planted in the spring or those returning for another season as perennials want to set bud in June or July and bloom during the summer. To coax them into blooming in the fall, pinch or disbud them in June, no later than the fourth of July. Pinching the tips and remove the terminal bud helps them to set flower again for a later time period. It also encourages the plant to grow fuller instead of taller, creating a pleasing form. Fertilizing your chrysanthemums also helps them bloom beautifully and keeps plants health and vigorous. Use a 5-10-5 or 5-10-10 granular fertilizer. The Ohio Cooperative Extension Office suggests applying it at the rate of two to three pounds per 100 square feet. When in doubt, always follow the application rate on the package or bag. Fertilize plants once a month starting in April or May, and stop fertilizing once the plants set their second buds in July.

Insects, Diseases and Problems

The two most common insect pests on mums are aphids and spider mites. Both can be combated through good cultural practices. In the event of a heavy infestation, an insecticide can be used that is suitable for mums; check the package labels and follow directions carefully. Powdery mildew can also be problematic for mums, especially in more humid climates. Removing dead or diseased foliage helps prevent powdery mildew from spreading. Do not use soaker hoses to water mums, as these can increase episodes of powdery mildew. Mums that turn lanky and refuse to bloom need pinching, preferably during the spring and once again during the early summer months. Fertilizing them with 5-10-10 may also help them bloom, especially if fertilizing and pinching are done at the same time.

Using Mums in the Garden

Chrysanthemums are a very versatile garden flower. They can be grown as bedding plants or used in borders. Mums also make great container plants, and smaller types can be grown in window boxes, too. Plant them with pansies, ornamental cabbage and kale for bright color throughout the fall months and into the early winter. With their wide range of beautiful colors and flower forms, chrysanthemums can be the star of your garden or support a wider cast of fall flowers. With minimal care and the proper growing conditions, your mums will return to take a bow year after year in the fall garden. [1] Wikipedia