Chrysanthemums have a history that goes back over 1,000 years to ancient Asia. Their name actually comes from the Greek words for “gold flower,” and they’ve long been celebrated as symbols of luck and prosperity. It’s no wonder Japan chose the “mum” as its national symbol! Here in the States and across Europe, they’ve become a staple in the fall garden. With well over a thousand varieties out there, there’s truly a perfect match for every gardener’s style.
Fun Facts About Chrysanthemums
Mums are part of the Asteraceae family, making them cousins to asters, daisies, and marigolds. In most home gardens, you’ll mainly see two types: Garden Mums and late-blooming Autumn Mums. Thanks to years of breeding and crossing, these two groups have exploded into countless varieties featuring every shape and color imaginable.
The Garden Mum
These beauties grow as herbaceous plants, ranging anywhere from 8 inches to a towering 5 feet tall. They have sturdy, upright stems and broad, lobed leaves about 2 inches long. Their bushy flower heads come in a stunning spectrum—everything from snowy white and sunny yellow to deep pinks and royal purples. You can find them in “single” varieties (which look like daisies) or “double” varieties (which are full and fluffy).
Garden mums are the stars of the fall show. Some early birds start blooming in August, while others wait until October to pop. Generally, these are perennials that can handle the winter if you give them a little TLC. If you have them in pots, move them to a frost-free spot. For those planted in the ground, make sure to give them a cozy winter “blanket” consisting of a thick layer of mulch and some evergreen branches.
Autumn Mums
These varieties tend to be a bit shorter, with a compact, mounded shape that looks like a colorful floral globe. You might hear them called “Winter Asters,” though ironically, they aren’t quite as cold-hardy as the standard Garden Mum. Their blooming season runs from August through early November, showing off a palette of classic fall tones: oranges, yellows, deep reds, and vibrant pinks. It’s also common to find them in soft pastels or even eye-catching bicolor patterns.
Popular Varieties to Try
Because of all that expert breeding, the variety of mums available today is incredible. Here are a few favorites to look for:
- Goldmarie: A hardy perennial with semi-double, golden-yellow blooms starting in late August.
- Kleiner Bernstein: Features lovely semi-double, apricot-colored flowers that last through October or November.
- Mei-Kyo: A hardy pompon-style mum with charming rose-violet flowers from September to October.
- Fellbacher Wein: Offers stunning semi-double, wine-red blooms throughout the peak of fall.
- Schwabenstolz: A showstopper with full, double blossoms in a deep, rich red.
- Yellow Satellite: A hardy variety with unique, “spider-like” lemon-yellow petals that bloom late into November.
- Eisbär (Polar Bear): A hardy favorite featuring full white blooms with a sunny lemon-yellow center.
