Chrysanthemum Varieties and Types

As the vibrant hues of summer begin to fade, chrysanthemums—often simply called “mums”—step in to fill gardens with their colorful blooms. These quintessential fall flowers are a favorite among gardeners for their bright, varied colors and adaptability. From sunny yellows and deep reds to soft pinks and rich purples, chrysanthemums add life to outdoor spaces just as autumn begins. If planted in garden beds, displayed in pots, or cascading from hanging baskets, mums are a versatile choice that brings beauty to any setting.

A Burst of Color for Every Garden

Chrysanthemums are cherished not only for their bold and beautiful blooms but also for the wide array of settings in which they can thrive. Their dazzling colors, ranging from warm oranges and reds to soft whites and purples, make them an ideal addition to any fall garden. Mums can flourish in garden beds, where they create a striking display of color as other plants begin to die back. For smaller spaces, they are equally stunning in pots and containers, offering flexibility in placement and arrangement. Hanging baskets filled with mums can bring bright autumn color to porches and patios, creating an inviting atmosphere for the season.

Garden Mums vs. Florist Mums: Understanding the Difference

Chrysanthemums can be broadly categorized into two main types: Garden Mums (also known as Hardy Mums) and Florist Mums. Understanding the difference between these types is key to choosing the right variety for your garden or home.

• Garden Mums (Hardy Mums): These mums are tough perennials, known for their ability to survive colder temperatures. They are perfect for outdoor gardens, returning year after year with the right care. Typically, garden mums bloom from late summer into fall, providing a reliable burst of color as other plants begin to fade. They are best suited to USDA Hardiness Zones 5-9, making them an excellent choice for a wide range of climates.
• Florist Mums: Florist mums, on the other hand, are commonly used in bouquets, floral arrangements, and decorative displays. Their delicate blooms are larger and often more ornate, but they are less cold-hardy than garden mums. As a result, florist mums are typically treated as annuals or grown indoors, where their stunning appearance can be enjoyed in controlled environments. While they can survive outdoors in mild climates, they generally require more care and protection to thrive.

This is an Advertisement

Popular Chrysanthemum Varieties

Chrysanthemums come in a delightful range of shapes and sizes, offering something for every garden design. Here are some popular varieties that showcase the diversity of this beloved flower:

Single or Daisy Mums:

Single mums feature a simple, daisy-like flower with a central disc surrounded by one or more layers of petals. They are reminiscent of classic daisies and are popular for their cheerful appearance. These mums can range in color from bright yellows and whites to deeper pinks and purples, making them versatile for any garden palette. They are ideal for borders, cottage gardens, or wildflower settings where a natural look is desired.

Pompon Mums:

Pompon mums have small, round, ball-shaped flowers with tightly packed petals that create a full, spherical bloom. They are available in a wide range of colors, including vibrant reds, oranges, yellows, and purples. Due to their compact size and dense flowers, pompon mums are perfect for edging garden beds, container planting, and adding texture to mixed borders. Their long vase life also makes them a popular choice for cut flower arrangements.

Spider Mums:

Spider mums are named for their long, narrow petals that resemble spider legs. These petals often curve or twist, creating a dramatic and unique floral display. Spider mums are known for their bold statement and are often used as focal points in floral arrangements or garden beds. They are available in various colors, including white, pink, purple, and yellow. Due to their striking appearance, spider mums can add an exotic flair to any garden or bouquet.

Anemone Mums:

Anemone chrysanthemum varieties feature a prominent central disc that is surrounded by a single or double layer of petals, similar to the flower shape of an anemone. The central disc is often a contrasting color to the surrounding petals, creating a visually appealing effect. These mums are excellent for adding depth and contrast to garden beds or floral displays. They can be found in a range of colors, including deep reds, purples, whites, and bi-colored varieties.

Quill Mums:

Quill mums have tubular petals that resemble quills or needles. These petals can be slightly curled or straight, giving the flower a unique texture and appearance. Quill mums add an interesting dimension to gardens and floral arrangements with their distinct forms. They come in various colors and sizes, providing plenty of options for garden design or bouquets. Matchstick Chrysanthemums are a fun variety with yellow petals with red tips.

Incurve Mums (Decorative Mums):

Incurve mums have petals that curve upward and inward, forming a globe-like shape. These are some of the most recognizable chrysanthemums, often seen in floral competitions and displays. The petals may be tightly packed (regular incurve) or more loosely arranged (irregular incurve), creating a cushion-like appearance. Their full, rounded blooms make them a favorite for creating dramatic garden displays or large arrangements.

Reflex Mums:

Reflex chrysanthemum varieties have petals that curve downward, away from the center, creating a layered, cascading effect. They often have a classic, vintage appeal and are widely used in traditional floral designs. These mums come in many colors and are ideal for adding a nostalgic touch to gardens and bouquets.

Cushion Mums:

Cushion mums are low-growing, compact varieties that form dense mounds of blooms. They are perfect for ground covers, borders, and container gardens. Their bushy growth habit and abundance of small, colorful flowers create a “cushion” of color, providing excellent coverage and visual impact in garden beds.

Tips for Selecting the Right Chrysanthemum Variety

• Consider Climate: For regions with colder winters, opt for hardy garden mums that can survive low temperatures. If you live in a milder climate, you can experiment with more delicate varieties like florist mums.
• Choose Based on Garden Design: Consider the shape, size, and color of the blooms when selecting chrysanthemums for your garden. Compact types like cushion mums work well for borders and containers, while taller varieties like spider or incurve mums make excellent focal points.

• Match with Blooming Seasons: Some mums bloom earlier in the season, while others bloom later. Mixing early, mid, and late-blooming varieties can ensure a continuous display of color in your garden from late summer through fall.
• Purpose and Use: If you’re looking for long-lasting cut flowers, choose florist mums or types like spider and quill mums that hold up well in arrangements. For garden impact, hardy mums like single, pompon, and cushion varieties provide vibrant, season-long color.

If you’re looking to create a bold fall display in your garden or brighten up your indoor space, chrysanthemums are a perfect choice. With their stunning variety and ease of care, these flowers bring long-lasting beauty to any environment as the seasons change.