Chrysanthemums: Care, Classification, and Their Stunning Blooms（Nov.15, 2024 USDA 5b）#gardening

Introduction
Chrysanthemums, or mums, are beloved flowers that brighten gardens in late summer and fall. But did you know some mums are perennials while others are annuals? Whether you're planting garden mums or florist mums, understanding their differences and care requirements can help you get the most out of these beautiful blooms.

Annual or Perennial? How to Tell

Garden Mums (Perennials): These have stolons, which are runners near the ground that produce new roots and shoots. They are hardy and can survive winter.
Look for Chrysanthemum morifolium on plant tags.
Leaves are broad and deeply toothed.
Florist Mums (Annuals): These have few or no stolons and typically do not survive winter.
Look for Chrysanthemum multicaule on plant tags.
Leaves are narrow with less-notched edges.
What If There's No Tag?
Check the foliage: Perennial mums have broad, deeply toothed leaves, while annuals have narrow and less-notched foliage.

The 13 Chrysanthemum Flower Classes
The National Chrysanthemum Society classifies chrysanthemums into 13 classes based on the flower's form, including:
Pompon: A small, globe-like bloom that's flatter when young and rounder as it ages
Irregular incurve: Can grow up to 4 feet tall and 10 inches in diameter
Reflex: Petals curve downward and overlap
Regular incurve: Grow tall and form large, ball-like blossoms
Intermediate incurve: Smaller than the irregular incurve, with shorter florets that only partially incurve
Other classes include:
Single and semi-doubles,Anemone, Spoon, Quill,
Spider, Brush and thistle, Unusual.

Two standout varieties I have:
1. Intermediate Incurve: Smaller than regular incurve mums, these have shorter florets and a more open, rounded appearance.
2. Spider: The most exotic type, often called Fuji mums, with threadlike or coiled florets that create a dramatic, bold look.
Both of these two classes are considered "hardy mums," which are generally hardy in USDA zones 5 to 9. Although I am in zone 5b, I did not try to plant them in ground and leave them out in winter yet. Bring them indoor when the temperature drops below 32 degrees Fahrenheit and continue to enjoy their beautiful blooms. Trim their branches to about 6 inches and stash the pots in the garage once they go dormant.

Chrysanthemum Care Tips

Soil and Sun: Plant in well-drained soil in a sunny spot. Consistently moist soil is essential.
Fertilizing: Mums are heavy feeders; regular fertilizer applications help them thrive.
Pruning: Start pinching when plants reach 4 inches tall. Removed the tips again when new branches with 5-6 leaves, so that the plant retains 4-7 main branches. Stop pinching by the end of June.

Overwintering:
Leave old plants over winter to protect new root growth.
Mulch only in very cold areas, and remove the mulch before spring thaw.
Avoid soggy soil in winter.
Spring Division
If the clump center stops producing new growth, divide the plant in spring.

Planting Tips

Ideally, plant in spring, but fall planting can succeed if temperatures don’t dip below freezing for 6–8 weeks.
For fall-purchased mums, let them go dormant and store in a garage or cellar above 32°F. Water lightly and plant in spring.
A Note on My Chrysanthemums This Year
This year, I missed pruning my chrysanthemums. Although their unpruned shape isn't as tidy, the blooms and abundance are just as stunning. Their slightly arching stems even add a graceful, swaying beauty. No matter their form, nothing diminishes my deep affection for them.

Conclusion
Chrysanthemums, whether annuals or perennials, bring charm and beauty to any garden. If you’re unsure whether yours will overwinter, treat them as perennials and give them a try—you may be pleasantly surprised!

Thank you for watching my video and joining me in appreciating these gorgeous blooms. I hope this inspires you to care for and enjoy chrysanthemums in your garden. See you next time! 💓💓💓