Mums the word
Chrysanthemums Morifolium
Shhhh, but it’s no secret that Chrysanthemums come in arrear of gorgeous fall colors - rust, burgundy, red, orange, and yellow. Besides our favorite seasonal colors, they also bloom in lavender, pink, peach, and white. They are the perfect addition to your fall decorations from front porch to back patio. Chrysanthemums are better known by their common nickname “Mums.”
If you want to grow mums in your yard, make sure you purchase hardy or garden mums. Most of the local stores sell florist mums, which do not have the appropriate root system to survive as perennials. If you live in the north, you should plant hardy mums in the spring so they have a chance to get established before the winter months. However, you will need to pinch back new growth through June so they don’t bloom too early. In cooler temperatures, they will bloom for 4-6 weeks. Don’t forget to water them daily and deadhead the spent blooms.
Like me, mums like a sunny spot and organic soil! They will grow in the shade, but get leggy attempting to reach for the sun. Don’t forget to give them a generous blanket of fall mulch to protect them during the winter. Also, they will need to be divided every 3-5 years.
Smarty Plants Fun Facts
Chrysanthemum in the family Asteraceae
4 hours of direct sunlight per day (6 hours for bigger flowers)
Ancient Chinese name for Chrysanthemum is “Chu.”
The More You Grow
In 15th Century, Chrysanthemum were first cultivated in China as a flowering herb. In China, mums were so esteemed that only the royal families were allowed to grow them. It was believed to have the power of life. The boiled roots were used to relieve headaches, petals were eaten in salads, and leaves were brewed for tea to nourish the Yin. The ancient Chinese name for Chrysanthemum is “Chu.” A Chinese philosopher once said, “If you would be happy for a lifetime, grow Chrysanthemums.” This old-world favorite still brings smiles to new-world gardens everywhere.