Hardy Mums

Hardy Mums (Chrysanthemum spp.)

Garden Mums, Fall Mums

Full sun, moderately moist to well-drained, tolerates clay with good drainage; pH 6.0–7.0; requires at least 6 hours of direct sun for compact growth and full bloom.

25–60 cm tall depending on cultivar and pinching history; blooms August–November with flowers in white, yellow, bronze, pink, red, or purple; spreads by basal offshoots and crown division.

Division every 2–3 years in spring prevents center die-out; rooted stem cuttings in May–June produce blooming plants by fall.

Native region: Not native to Tennessee; ornamental introductions primarily derived from Asian species, widely cultivated statewide.

Hardy mums sold at retail in Middle Tennessee in September are typically nursery-forced for immediate color and frequently lack adequate root systems to survive winter — true perennial performance requires planting in spring and allowing a full growing season before first frost. Pinch stem tips back to 10 cm height at 3-week intervals from emergence through mid-July; stopping earlier allows buds to set for September–October bloom. Crown die-out in the center is the primary failure mode after 2–3 seasons; annual division and replanting of vigorous outer shoots in fresh soil corrects this. Aphid colonies on new growth in spring respond to strong water spray or insecticidal soap.