Table of Contents
The basic chrysanthemum flower has a single layer of petals arranged in a disc shape around a center that looks like a small button and generally is a color different from the petals. Some of the more unusual cultivars have spoon-shaped appendages on the tips of their petals or spidery filaments.
What is the difference between mums and chrysanthemums?
The term “mum” is short for chrysanthemum, and this plant is the largest commercially grown flower in the U.S., known as the “Queen of Fall Flowers,” according to FTD.
Are chrysanthemums and mums the same flower?
The answer is both. There are several species of chrysanthemum, with some being hardier than others. The perennial type are often called hardy mums. Whether your chrysanthemum will come back after winter depends upon which species you have.
What does a chrysanthemum symbolize?
In Asia the chrysanthemum signifies life and rebirth, making them great gifts for birthdays and baby showers. A white chrysanthemum is a symbol of loyalty and devoted love. In general, chrysanthemums are believed to represent happiness, love, longevity and joy.
What does the flower mums look like?
Mums can be flat flowers with a single or double layer of petals that look like daisies, or a mounded flower with long petals shaped like tubes or quills.
Do chrysanthemums come back each year?
Early-flowering chrysanthemums can be planted in ornamental borders and will flower from late summer to autumn. For a reliable perennial chrysanthemum, choose hardy garden varieties that can be left in the ground all year round.
Do chrysanthemums rebloom?
Chrysanthemums do not normally bloom twice. They put on foliage growth throughout the spring and summer, then produce buds in the late summer and fall. If you purchase these, it’s possible to get them to flower twice by pruning them back.
What color do chrysanthemums come in?
Mums bloom in all the colors of fall, such as orange, red, and yellow, but also show off in white, pink, and lavender. Group colorful mums in pots on your front porch, put them in your garden, or have some fun and create mumkins.
What kind of mums come back every year?
Perennial Mums Water well throughout the growing season. Like annual mums, you’ll get the best blooms if they’re planted in full sun, but they will tolerate partial shade. This encourages them to grow fuller and bushier, and flower later into the season. Like annual mums, perennial mums benefit from deadheading.
How long does it take a chrysanthemum to flower?
Early bloomers often begin flowering in late July, early fall bloomers show off blooms in September and late fall bloomers start their stunning display of colors in October. Each variety differs, but most mums will continue to bloom for four to eight weeks. There are many ways to extend the flowering of chrysanthemums.
What does chrysanthemum smell like?
Chrysanthemums The smell of these wonderful flowers is earthy and herby – rather than the sweet aromas typically associated with bouquets. As well as exuding an elegance, chrysanthemums can also be used to repel insects.
What flower represents God?
They were associated with the nails used in the Crucifixion and coronations, while the name dianthus translates to “flower of God” (from the original Greek Dios for Zeus), and can be found represented in numerous illuminated manuscripts.
What color chrysanthemum means death?
White chrysanthemum blooms are reserved for funerals and decorating graves. In several European nations, including Belgium, Italy, France and Austria, chrysanthemum symbolism has to do with death. The only time chrysanthemum flowers are given in these nations is as a token of comfort, grief or bereavement.
How long do mums last outdoors?
Mums that are on special with fully open flowers are OK to buy, but be aware that they will not last as long in your garden. Depending on weather conditions and mum varieties, you can expect to get a good display of color for four to six weeks. Extended periods of hot weather will age the flowers more quickly.
Do mums come back in pots?
Potted mums are autumn classics, with late-season color that boosts curb appeal or brightens a Thanksgiving table. Treat your potted mums with care, and they’ll come back whether you maintain them in the pot or plant them out in the garden.
What do the leaves on a mum plant look like?
The overall shape is oval, but each leaf is divided into 5 or 7 bluntly-pointed lobes which may be further divided in a loosely serrated form. The leaves of mums also have a characteristic fuzzy texture on the surface and are dark green in color.
Can you leave chrysanthemums in the ground over winter?
It is easy to overwinter chrysanthemums, simply dig up the plants and cut back all the stems to about 6in. Place the chrysanthemums in a box or tray and cover with soil or compost and store in a cool, frost-free place for the winter.
How do you get a mum to rebloom?
Plant the mums in well-draining soil that receives full sun. Fertilize well to encourage blooms. If the mums produce spring blooms, pinch them back before late summer to encourage fall flowering. Before winter, cover plants with several inches of mulch or straw.
What do you do with chrysanthemums after flowering?
Plants should be lifted in the autumn, after flowering, and any soil cleaned from the roots. Cut top growth down to around 15cm (6″). It does no harm to dip the root ball in a disinfectant, such as Jeyes Fluid, for a few minutes to maintain cleanliness.