Chrysanthemums, commonly known as mums, are vibrant, flowering perennials in the Asteraceae family, renowned for their diverse bloom forms and brilliant late-season displays. Native primarily to East Asia, particularly China and Japan, they include about 40 species, with Chrysanthemum x morifolium being the most cultivated for ornamental use. Mums are a staple in fall gardens, offering a burst of color when most plants fade, and are cherished for their versatility in borders, containers, or as cut flowers.
Mums typically grow 1–3 feet tall and wide, forming bushy, mounding clumps with sturdy, branching stems. Their leaves are aromatic, dark green, deeply lobed, and slightly serrated, providing a lush backdrop for blooms. The foliage, often glossy or slightly fuzzy, remains attractive throughout the growing season and may turn bronze or reddish in cooler fall weather, adding seasonal interest.
The hallmark of chrysanthemums is their diverse flowers, ranging from 1–8 inches wide, blooming in late summer to late fall. Flower forms include single (daisy-like), double, pompon, spider, quill, spoon, and anemone, among others, with colors spanning white, yellow, pink, red, orange, purple, and bicolor. Blooms are often profuse, covering the plant, and attract pollinators like bees, enhancing garden ecosystems.
After blooming, mums produce small, dry achenes (seeds) within the flower heads, which are typically inconspicuous and not ornamentally significant. While viable for propagation, seeds are rarely used in cultivation due to variability in hybrids, with most gardeners preferring divisions, cuttings, or nursery plants for consistent traits. The spent flower heads may persist, requiring deadheading for tidiness.
Chrysanthemums thrive in full sun (6+ hours daily), though some tolerate light shade, and prefer well-drained, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0–7.0. Hardy in USDA Zones 5–9, they require regular watering during establishment but are moderately drought-tolerant once established. Pinching back stems in early summer encourages bushier growth and more blooms, while a chilling period in winter supports flowering in the next season.
Mums are ideal for autumn borders, mixed beds, containers, or as seasonal accents, pairing well with asters or ornamental grasses. Their compact forms suit edging, while taller types create bold focal points. They are non-invasive but require staking for heavy blooms and protection from pests like aphids or diseases like powdery mildew. Their toxicity to pets should be noted, and regular deadheading extends bloom time, making them a low-maintenance, high-impact choice for fall gardens.
Types of Chrysanthemum (Mums)
Decorative Chrysanthemum
Decorative chrysanthemums, growing 1.5–3 feet tall and wide, form bushy, mounding clumps with aromatic, dark green, lobed leaves. Their double flowers, 2–5 inches wide, bloom in early to mid-fall in colors like pink, yellow, red, or white, with short, tightly packed petals forming a flattened or slightly rounded shape. The full, lush blooms cover the plant, making this class ideal for vibrant borders, mass plantings, or cut flower arrangements in sunny gardens.
Spider Chrysanthemum
Spider chrysanthemums, 2–3 feet tall and 1.5–2 feet wide, have a bushy habit with glossy, dark green, lobed foliage. Their large, 4–8-inch flowers bloom in mid to late fall, featuring long, tubular, or curled petals in colors like white, pink, yellow, or bronze, often splaying outward for a dramatic, feathery effect. This exotic bloom type is a striking focal point in mixed beds or as a cut flower for bold arrangements.
Pompon/Button Chrysanthemum
Pompon/Button chrysanthemums, 1–3 feet tall and wide, form compact, rounded clumps with dark green, aromatic leaves. Their small, spherical flowers, 1–3 inches wide (pompons larger, buttons smaller), bloom in mid to late fall in shades of yellow, white, pink, or red, forming tight, ball-shaped heads. Their neat, uniform blooms make them perfect for edging, containers, or creating tidy, colorful displays.
Quill/Spoon Chrysanthemum
Quill/Spoon chrysanthemums, 1.5–3 feet tall and wide, have a bushy, mounding form with medium green, lobed foliage. Their 2–4-inch flowers, blooming in mid-fall, feature tubular (quill) or flattened, spoon-shaped petals with flared tips in colors like pink, yellow, or white, creating a spiky or star-like effect. This unique form adds playful texture to borders or mixed containers.
Anemone Chrysanthemum
Anemone chrysanthemums, 2–3 feet tall and wide, form dense, bushy clumps with glossy, dark green leaves. Their 2–4-inch flowers, blooming in early to mid-fall, have one or two rows of flat outer petals in colors like pink, white, or yellow, surrounding a raised, cushion-like center of short, tubular petaloids, often in a contrasting color. This distinctive bloom type is ideal for adding variety to perennial beds or cut flower displays.
Allouise Pink Chrysanthemum
This hardy garden mum, 2–3 feet tall and wide, forms a bushy, mounding clump with dark green, lobed leaves. Its semi-double, pale pink flowers, 2–3 inches wide, bloom in early to mid-fall, featuring a yellow center disk surrounded by delicate, radiating petals. The compact habit and soft color make it a charming addition to perennial borders or containers.
Anastasia Green Chrysanthemum
A striking spider mum, 2–3 feet tall and 1.5–2 feet wide, with a bushy habit and glossy, dark green leaves. Its quilled, green flowers, 4–8 inches wide, bloom in mid to late fall, with long, tubular petals that splay outward, creating a spiky, exotic look. This vigorous cultivar is ideal for adding bold texture to mixed beds.
Bolero Chrysanthemum
This decorative mum, 2–3 feet tall and wide, has a dense, rounded form with deep green, aromatic foliage. Its vibrant yellow, double flowers, 3–4 inches wide, bloom in mid-fall, with short, tightly packed petals forming a flattened globe. The bright blooms make it a standout for borders or as a focal point in autumn displays.
Clara Curtis Chrysanthemum
A hardy, single-type mum, 1.5–3 feet tall and wide, with a spreading, bushy habit and medium green leaves. Its rose-pink, daisy-like flowers, 2–3 inches wide, bloom in mid-fall with a yellow center disk and one to two rows of flat petals, offering a classic look for perennial gardens or borders.
Fireglow Bronze Chrysanthemum
This compact, bushy mum, 1.5–2.5 feet tall and wide, features glossy, dark green leaves. Its bright orange-bronze, double flowers, 2–3 inches wide, bloom in mid-fall, with tightly packed petals creating a vibrant, rounded display. Its vivid color is perfect for fall containers or mixed plantings.
Hillside Sheffield Pink Chrysanthemum
A low-maintenance, single-type mum, 2–3 feet tall and wide, with a mounding habit and medium green foliage. Its lavender-pink, daisy-like flowers, 2–3 inches wide, bloom in mid to late fall with golden centers, attracting pollinators. This hardy cultivar is ideal for sunny borders or mass plantings.
Ja Dank Chrysanthemum
This decorative mum, 2–3 feet tall and wide, forms a bushy clump with dark green, lobed leaves. Its striking white, double flowers, 3–4 inches wide, bloom in mid-fall, with densely packed petals creating a showy, rounded bloom. It’s a stunning centerpiece for fall gardens or cut flower arrangements.
Matchsticks Chrysanthemum
A unique spoon-type mum, 1.5–2.5 feet tall and wide, with a compact, bushy form and dark green leaves. Its multicolor, quill-like flowers, 2–3 inches wide, bloom in mid-fall, with yellow centers transitioning to reddish-orange, spoon-shaped petal tips, adding a playful texture to borders or containers.
Moonbeam Chrysanthemum
This pompon mum, 2–3 feet tall and wide, has a dense, mounding habit with glossy, dark green foliage. Its large, white to pale yellow, pompon-shaped flowers, 3–4 inches wide, bloom in mid-fall, forming dense, rounded globes that resemble a full moon. It’s ideal for borders or as a cut flower.
Apricot Alexis Chrysanthemum
This decorative mum, 2–3 feet tall and wide, forms a bushy clump with deep green, aromatic leaves. Its large, copper-gold, double flowers, 3–4 inches wide, bloom in early fall, with layered petals creating a warm, sophisticated look. Perfect for adding warmth to bouquets or garden beds.
Lynn Johnson Chrysanthemum
An irregular incurve mum, 2–3 feet tall and 1.5–2 feet wide, with sturdy stems and dark green foliage. Its white, loosely incurved flowers, 6–8 inches wide, bloom in mid-fall, with a skirted effect from irregular lower petals, offering elegance for cut flowers or garden displays.
Patriot Chrysanthemum
This pompon mum, 1.5–3 feet tall and wide, has a compact, mounding form with glossy, medium green leaves. Its pure white, spherical flowers, 2–3 inches wide, bloom in mid to late fall, creating a serene, rounded display. It’s perfect for creating tranquil garden spaces or as a cut flower.
Tracy Chrysanthemum
A late-season, double daisy mum, 2–3 feet tall and wide, with a spreading habit and dark green foliage. Its white, double flowers, 2–3 inches wide, bloom in late fall with a green eye, adding a whimsical touch to borders or mixed plantings. Its late bloom extends garden color.
Chelsey Yellow Chrysanthemum
This hardy garden mum, 2–3 feet tall and wide, forms a uniform, mounding clump with dark green, lobed leaves. Its sunny yellow, double flowers, 2–3 inches wide, bloom in early to mid-fall, offering a long-lasting, vibrant display. It tolerates less sun, making it versatile for borders or containers.
Bronze Elegans Chrysanthemum
This decorative mum, 2–3 feet tall and wide, forms a dense, mounding clump with glossy, dark green, lobed leaves. Its double, bronze-orange flowers, 3–4 inches wide, bloom in mid-fall, with tightly packed petals creating a warm, rounded display. Its rich hue is ideal for autumn borders or mixed containers.
Ruby Mound Chrysanthemum
A compact, bushy mum, 1.5–2.5 feet tall and wide, with aromatic, dark green foliage. Its double, ruby-red flowers, 2–3 inches wide, bloom in early to mid-fall, forming a vibrant, dome-shaped bloom head. This cultivar’s bold color makes it perfect for focal points in beds or as a cut flower.
Saratov Chrysanthemum
This single-type mum, 2–3 feet tall and wide, has a spreading, mounding habit with medium green leaves. Its white, daisy-like flowers, 2–3 inches wide, bloom in mid to late fall with a bright yellow center, adding a classic, airy look to borders or pollinator gardens.
Starlet Chrysanthemum
A quill-type mum, 2–3 feet tall and 1.5–2 feet wide, with a bushy form and dark green, lobed foliage. Its pink, tubular flowers, 3–4 inches wide, bloom in mid-fall, with long, quilled petals radiating outward for a starry effect. Its unique texture is striking in mixed beds or as a cut flower.
Symphony Chrysanthemum
This pompon mum, 2–3 feet tall and wide, forms a compact, rounded clump with glossy, dark green leaves. Its lavender-pink, spherical flowers, 2–3 inches wide, bloom in mid-fall, creating tight, ball-shaped blooms. This cultivar’s soft color suits cottage gardens or container displays.
Gold Country Chrysanthemum
A decorative mum, 2–3 feet tall and wide, with a bushy habit and medium green, aromatic foliage. Its golden-yellow, double flowers, 3–4 inches wide, bloom in early to mid-fall, with layered petals forming a full, rounded shape. Its sunny hue brightens borders or autumn arrangements.
Venerable Chrysanthemum
An incurve mum, 2–3 feet tall and 1.5–2 feet wide, with sturdy stems and dark green leaves. Its white, double flowers, 5–6 inches wide, bloom in mid-fall, with inward-curving petals forming a globe-like shape. This elegant cultivar is ideal for cut flowers or formal garden beds.
Fleur de Lis Chrysanthemum
A spider mum, 2–3 feet tall and wide, with a bushy form and glossy, dark green foliage. Its lavender, tubular flowers, 4–6 inches wide, bloom in late fall, with long, curling petals creating a dramatic, feathery effect. It’s a bold choice for mixed borders or as a focal point.
Honeyglow Chrysanthemum
This decorative mum, 1.5–2.5 feet tall and wide, has a compact, mounding habit with dark green leaves. Its amber-orange, double flowers, 2–3 inches wide, bloom in mid-fall, with tightly packed petals for a warm, glowing display. Perfect for containers or autumn garden accents.
Pink Fantasy Chrysanthemum
A semi-double mum, 2–3 feet tall and wide, with a bushy, rounded form and medium green foliage. Its soft pink flowers, 2–3 inches wide, bloom in mid-fall with a yellow center, offering a delicate, layered look. It’s ideal for cottage gardens or mixed perennial beds.
Autumn Sunset Chrysanthemum
This decorative mum, 2–3 feet tall and wide, forms a dense clump with glossy, dark green leaves. Its bronze-red, double flowers, 3–4 inches wide, bloom in early to mid-fall, with full, rounded petals creating a fiery glow. It’s a vibrant addition to borders or fall displays.
Coral Reef Chrysanthemum
A single-type mum, 1.5–2.5 feet tall and wide, with a spreading habit and medium green leaves. Its coral-pink, daisy-like flowers, 2–3 inches wide, bloom in mid to late fall with a golden center, attracting pollinators. Its bright color suits mass plantings or container gardens.
Snowscape Chrysanthemum
This pompon mum, 1.5–2 feet tall and wide, has a compact, mounding form with dark green, aromatic foliage. Its pure white, spherical flowers, 1.5–2 inches wide, bloom in mid-fall, creating a crisp, rounded display. It’s perfect for serene garden spaces or as a cut flower.
Tinkerbell Chrysanthemum
A dwarf, cushion mum, 1–1.5 feet tall and wide, with a tight, mounding habit and glossy, dark green leaves. Its double, lavender-purple flowers, 1–2 inches wide, bloom in early fall, covering the plant in a vibrant blanket. Its small size is ideal for edging, rock gardens, or containers.