Chrysanthemum X Morifolium
Mums are the queen of fall annuals, beloved for their round shape, warm colors and profuse blooms. They appear at garden centers in August and are often raked away with the leaves several weeks later. Few of us stop to think of them as reliable perennials that can be integrated into the garden year-round. In mild Decembers, like this one, gardeners can retain the brilliant golds and reds of leftover annual mums as part of holiday displays. The photo above is of a perennial variety, which flowers from September well into December and past the first snow of the season. We have been watching this mum for months now, gracing us with its vibrant yellow blooms through the season.
Mums are a great addition to any garden or seasonal display--whether you're looking for a short-lived autumn showstopper or a reliable perennial bloomer year-after-year. The species commonly seen in nurseries and stores from late summer to early fall is Chrysanthemum x morifolium, a perennial and native of Asia. This has been bred over hundreds of years for a range of bold colors and profuse flowering. Less well known is the fact that the genus Chrysanthemum (a member of the aster family) includes some other popular perennials such as the shasta daisy / Chrysanthemum maximum (aka Leucanthemum × superbum) and feverfew / Chrysanthemum parthenium, a medicinal perennial that is purportedly useful for treating migraines. Chrysanthemum is not all about show; it is also used to make pyrethrin, an organic pesticide, which means the plant is also an effective bug repellent. While it is thought to be safe for many mammals, it is known to be toxic to dogs, cats and horses.
Growing in zones 5 through 9, mums can tolerate a wide range of conditions. They prefer full sun in northern regions and can benefit from light shade in southern climates with hot summers. Take care to plant mums in beds that are well drained but not dry. Keep the soil moist. Mum cultivars come in both florist cultivars and hardy cultivars, so make sure when purchasing for use as a perennial that the cultivar is hardy. Many of the florist cultivars are meant only for annual use or for cuttings. Mums require little maintenance but, if you want shaped plants, you should pinch stems in summer to encourage a compact globular form. Plant in spring or in early fall about 6 weeks before first frost.
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