Are Chrysanthemums The Same As Mums – Clearing Up The Confusion
Have you ever stood in a garden center wondering if that beautiful potted plant is a “mum” or a “chrysanthemum”? It’s a common point of confusion for many of my fellow gardeners, and you are certainly not alone in asking are chrysanthemums the same as mums.
In this guide, I’ll explain exactly why these terms are used interchangeably and, more importantly, which varieties will actually survive the winter in your backyard. We will explore the botanical history, the different bloom types, and the expert care tips you need to keep your garden glowing with color until the first frost.
By the end of this article, you’ll be able to shop with confidence and care for these autumn staples like a seasoned pro. Don’t worry—these flowers are perfect for beginners, and I’m here to walk you through every step of the process!
are chrysanthemums the same as mums?
The short answer is a resounding yes! The word “mum” is simply a shortened, affectionate nickname for the botanical name Chrysanthemum. Botanically speaking, they belong to the Asteraceae family, which also includes daisies and sunflowers.
While the names are the same, the plants themselves can vary wildly in their growth habits and cold hardiness. In the gardening world, we usually divide them into two main categories: florist varieties and garden varieties. Understanding this distinction is the real secret to success.
When someone asks are chrysanthemums the same as mums, they are usually looking for the “hardy” kind that returns year after year. While they share the same DNA, how they were bred determines whether they are a temporary decoration or a permanent garden resident.
The Crucial Difference Between Garden Mums and Florist Mums
This is where most beginners run into trouble. You see a gorgeous pot at the grocery store, plant it in your garden, and it dies by December. This usually happens because you’ve bought a florist mum rather than a garden mum.
Florist Mums (The Decorative Type)
Florist varieties are bred for one thing: stunning, large blooms. They are often grown in greenhouses and lack the stoloniferous roots (underground runners) needed to survive cold winters. Think of these as a long-lasting floral arrangement in a pot.
If you live in a colder climate, these will likely not survive a hard freeze. They are best used as temporary autumn decor for your porch or patio. Once the blooms fade, they are typically composted.
Garden Mums (The Hardy Type)
Garden mums, often called “hardy mums,” are the true stars of the perennial border. These varieties are bred to produce underground stolons, which allow them to overwinter in USDA zones 5 through 9. They are tougher, more resilient, and will come back every spring.
When shopping, look for labels that explicitly state “hardy” or provide a specific hardiness zone. If the tag just says “autumn mum,” it’s often a florist variety intended for seasonal use only.
A Deep Dive into Bloom Shapes and Varieties
One of the reasons I love these plants is the incredible variety of flower shapes available. They aren’t just the round “cushion” shapes you see at the supermarket. There are actually 13 different classes of bloom forms!
- Decorative Mums: These have long, petal-like ray florets that cover the center. They look very full and “fluffy.”
- Spider Mums: These feature long, tubular petals with hooked ends, resembling spider legs. They are exotic and striking in any arrangement.
- Pompon Mums: These produce small, perfectly globular blooms. They are sturdy and hold up well against autumn rain.
- Anemone Mums: These have a distinct “cushion” center surrounded by one or more rows of flat petals. They are a favorite for pollinators!
- Single and Semi-Double: These look very much like daisies, with a clear central disk. They are excellent for a naturalistic or cottage garden look.
Choosing a mix of these shapes can add incredible texture to your landscape. I personally love mixing spider mums with traditional decorative types to create a sophisticated, high-contrast display.
Essential Planting and Growing Success Tips
To get the most out of your plants, you need to treat them right from the moment they leave the nursery. Because we often buy them when they are already blooming, they require a bit of extra TLC to settle in.
Sunlight and Location
Chrysanthemums are sun-worshippers. They need at least six hours of direct sunlight every day. If they are planted in the shade, they will become “leggy” (tall and thin) and produce fewer flowers.
Proper spacing is also vital. These plants need excellent air circulation to prevent fungal diseases like powdery mildew. Space your plants about 18 to 24 inches apart to give them room to breathe and grow into their natural mound shape.
Soil and Drainage Requirements
The fastest way to kill a mum is to let it sit in soggy soil. They require well-draining soil rich in organic matter. If your soil is heavy clay, I highly recommend planting them in raised beds or amending the area with compost.
When planting, make sure the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface. Planting too deep can lead to crown rot, while planting too shallow can cause the roots to dry out too quickly.
The Secret to Bushy Blooms: Pinching
Have you ever wondered how professional growers get those perfectly round, flower-covered globes? The secret is a technique called pinching. If you leave a hardy mum to its own devices, it will often grow tall and floppy.
Starting in late spring, when the plant is about 6 inches tall, use your thumb and forefinger to pinch off the growing tip of each stem. This encourages the plant to branch out, creating a fuller shape and more flower buds.
Repeat this process every few weeks until the Fourth of July. After that date, stop pinching! If you continue into late summer, you might accidentally remove the developing flower buds, and your plant won’t bloom in time for autumn.
When people ask are chrysanthemums the same as mums, they are often surprised to learn that the “mum” look is actually a result of this specific maintenance routine rather than just the plant’s natural habit.
Watering and Feeding for Maximum Color
Because mums have relatively shallow root systems, they are prone to drying out, especially in the heat of late summer. You want to keep the soil consistently moist but never waterlogged.
Pro Tip: Always water at the base of the plant. Getting water on the foliage can invite leaf spot and other fungal issues. If you can, use a soaker hose or drip irrigation for the best results.
Regarding fertilizer, use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season. Once the flower buds begin to show color, you can stop fertilizing. The plant is now focusing all its energy on the display!
Overwintering Your Hardy Chrysanthemums
If you’ve planted hardy garden varieties, you’ll want to ensure they survive the winter to bloom again next year. This is the stage where many gardeners make a critical mistake: cutting the plants back too early.
Even though the foliage will turn brown after a hard frost, do not prune it back yet! The dead stems actually help insulate the crown of the plant during the winter. Wait until you see new green growth appearing at the base in the spring before you clear away the old stems.
Apply a thick layer of evergreen boughs or straw mulch (about 4-6 inches) over the base of the plant once the ground freezes. This prevents the “heaving” of the soil, which can push the roots out of the ground during freeze-thaw cycles.
Remember, even with the best care, some varieties are more temperamental than others. It’s always a good idea to check if are chrysanthemums the same as mums in terms of hardiness for your specific zip code by consulting a local extension office.
Common Challenges and How to Solve Them
No garden is completely free of trouble, but most mum problems are easy to fix if you catch them early. Here is what to look out for:
Yellowing Leaves
This is usually a sign of overwatering or poor drainage. Check the soil moisture. If it feels like a wrung-out sponge, you’re doing great. If it’s muddy, back off the watering immediately.
Pests: Aphids and Mites
Aphids love the tender new growth of mums. You can usually blast them off with a strong stream of water from the garden hose. For persistent infestations, an organic insecticidal soap works wonders without harming beneficial insects.
Powdery Mildew
This looks like a white, flour-like dusting on the leaves. It usually happens when the air is humid and the plants are too crowded. Improve air circulation and avoid overhead watering to keep this fungus at bay.
Safety and Toxicity Information
As much as we love these flowers, it is important to note that chrysanthemums contain pyrethrins. While these are used in many natural pesticides, they can be toxic to pets if ingested.
If you have curious cats or dogs, it is best to plant your mums in areas they cannot reach, or stick to using them in elevated containers. If your pet eats the leaves or flowers, they may experience vomiting or drooling, so contact your veterinarian if you suspect ingestion.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chrysanthemums
Can I plant a “grocery store mum” in my garden?
You can try, but don’t be disappointed if it doesn’t survive the winter. Most grocery store plants are florist mums. They are forced into bloom early and haven’t had time to establish a strong root system before the cold hits. Treat them as annuals for the best experience.
When is the best time to plant mums?
While most people plant them in the fall, the best time is actually spring. Planting in the spring gives the roots an entire growing season to establish themselves, making the plant much more likely to survive the following winter.
Why did my mums stop blooming?
Mums are photoperiodic, meaning they bloom based on the length of the day. If they are near bright streetlights or porch lights that stay on all night, their internal “clock” gets confused, and they may not bloom at all. Keep them in a spot that gets natural darkness at night.
How do I make my mums last longer in a pot?
Keep them in a cool spot away from direct afternoon heat, and deadhead (remove) the spent flowers regularly. This keeps the plant looking tidy and encourages the remaining buds to open.
Conclusion
So, are chrysanthemums the same as mums? In name, absolutely! But as we’ve discovered, the secret to a thriving autumn garden lies in choosing the right hardy varieties and giving them the sun, drainage, and “pinching” they need to flourish.
Gardening is a journey of trial and error, but chrysanthemums are incredibly rewarding plants that offer some of the most vibrant colors of the entire year. Whether you use them as temporary porch decor or permanent garden staples, they are sure to bring a smile to your face as the weather turns crisp.
I encourage you to head to your local nursery this weekend and pick out a few different bloom shapes. Experiment with spider mums or the classic pompon varieties to see which ones you love most. Happy planting, and may your garden be filled with spectacular autumn color!
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