Photo by Hiếu Hoàng

Chrysanthemum morifolium

Chrysanthemum morifolium is a beautiful flowering plant that has a wide range of uses. It is often referred to as disbud, hardy garden mum or the florist’s daisy. Chrysanthemums make perfect gifts as you can find a wide range of stunning mum bouquets and arrangements on the market. In addition, you can also grow them in pots or in your garden.

Chrysanthemums can grow up to 60 cm and reward growers with their unique-looking blooms during the summer and autumn months. A great thing about chrysanthemums is that they adorn your garden until the temperatures drop considerably and frost starts to occur.

This herbaceous perennial produces creamy yellow flowers. It is native to China, Japan, and East Asia but nowadays, you can find this flowering plant all over the world. Mums are considered a symbol of long life, joy, happiness, honour, and love. Gardeners appreciate mums for their attractive flowers that come in a wide range of colours sorts of colours like white, yellow, pink, and purple.

Mums have played an important role in traditional Asian medicine, especially in China. People have used different parts of the plant to treat certain health problems. In some parts of the world, chrysanthemum tea is a popular beverage, believed to have a calming effect. These lower blood pressure, and have a cooling effect on the body. However, chrysanthemums are toxic to animals including cats, dogs, and livestock.

So, in a nutshell, mums are awesome plants that bring more to the table than just their unique look. They have an interesting history, are versatile ornamentals, and deserve a place in your home or garden. Throughout this article, we will provide tips and tricks on growing these amazing plants. We will share all the information you need to become an expert chrysanthemum grower.

What Is Chrysanthemum morifolium?

Chrysanthemum × morifolium (alternative botanical name – Dendranthema X grandiflorum), is a hybrid rockstar perennial plant belonging to the Asteraceae family. It is one of the largest families in the botanical world, alongside sunflowers, asters, chamomile, and the beloved daisy. The Asteraceae family is considered one of the most evolved botanical families because it has a complex flower structure. Chrysanthemum × morifolium, also known as Chrysanthemum × grandiflorum is primarily derived from Chrysanthemum, indicum, but also from other species.  The name of the plant derives from the Greek words chrysos which means gold and anthemon which means flower. The second part of the name ‘Morifolium’ is a specific epithet indicating that the plant’s leaves are similar to mulberry (Morus).

Mums come in many different sizes and they can grow anywhere from 60 cm to 1 meter (20 to 40 inches) tall and wide. Their stems are strong and shoot straight up, and the foliage consists of ovate leaves. The blooms come in many different colours from mellow greens and pure whites to sunny yellows, vibrant pinks and royal purple. Florets are the petals on mums and other plants that belong to the same plant family. Florets are tiny flowers that form a dense cluster on a larger flower head, also called an inflorescence. Chrysanthemums have a thick and leathery texture with many silky branches that grow in tufts.

Mums have been around for centuries, so it comes as no surprise that people have been playing matchmaker with these flowers, creating thousands of different versions. Nowadays, you will notice that mums can have different-shaped blooms, different sizes, and, as mentioned above, a wide range of colours. These plants are a bit like a chameleon, changing their style over the years and adapting to gardening trends.

The History of the Chrysanthemum

Image by hartono subagio from Pixabay

Origin

Chrysanthemums have an interesting and colourful history that will surely make you want to add them to your plant family. These flowering perennials were first cultivated in China centuries ago. These were first described in writings as early as the 15th Century B.C. In Chinese culture. Also called “Chu” and believed to have the power of life. They were commonly used as culinary herbs. The young shoots and the petals were used as ingredients for salads and teas.

Mums travelled from China to Japan around the 8th century A.D., where they became increasingly popular and became plant royalty – adorning the Emperor’s official seal and crest. In Japan, mums are referred to as Kiku, and the Supreme Order of the Chrysanthemum is the highest level of decoration that an individual could receive as an award for distinguished service to the nation. Japan also celebrates National Chrysanthemum Day, which is a major festival in the country.

After becoming a very important plant in Asian cultures, the chrysanthemum was slowly but surely introduced into European culture in the 17th century by the Dutch. Historical records show that during that period, six different varieties of Chrysanthemums were grown in Holland. Over time, French gardeners started to hybridize different mum varieties and developed the famous Old Purple, one of the basic mums in European gardens.

Today

Today, Chrysanthemum morifolium is known as “Ju Hua” in Chinese and it is one of the most remarkable types of Chrysanthemums. The Chrysanthemum meaning differs greatly from one culture to another. For instance, in Asian cultures, it symbolizes happiness, long life, joy and vitality, and it plays a very important role during Lunar New Year celebrations. In Asia, mums also symbolize birth and rebirth and are used in wreaths and bouquets or given as gifts for baby showers. 

However, their symbolism is often linked to their colour. Darker chrysanthemums can be associated with funerals, as is the case in European countries, especially in Italy, France, Austria, and Belgium where chrysanthemums are considered a symbol of death, mourning, and sympathy. They are commonly used as memorial flowers and offered as a token of sympathy or grief. Mums are often used in funeral wreaths and cemetery decorations thanks to their long-lasting blooms and sombre colours. In Australia, Chrysanthemums or “mums” are associated with happier events and are traditionally offered to mums on Mother’s Day.

What Are the Different Types of Chrysanthemum morifolium?

Chrysanthemum x Morifolium is a popular Chrysanthemum hybrid that comes in many different sizes, shapes, and colours. This plant is a valuable ornamental that is highly cultivated and hybridized so garden enthusiasts have a wide array of options to choose from. Chrysanthemum x Morifolium varies by:

Flower Type

• Single flower – The blooms are daisy-like, single-layered, with a central disc and radiating petals.
• Semi-Double – The blooms have a central disc but several rows of petals that give them a fuller appearance.
• Double – Fully double blooms have numerous layers of petals and have a dense appearance that reminds of a pom-pom.
• Cushion – These blooms are compact and rounded, with closely packed petals that give a cushion-like aspect.
• Anemone – The central disc is surrounded by smaller petals and, as the name suggests, these blooms resemble anemones.

Flower Colour

It is no secret that chrysanthemums come in many different colours. Some of the most common colours for these amazing ornamentals include bronze, lavender (Chrysanthemum x morifolium ‘Heyward Horry’), white (Chrysanthemum × morifolium ‘Icey Isle’), yellow (Chrysanthemum x morifolium ‘Gilette’), orange (Chrysanthemum x morifolium ‘Beverly Orange’), pink (Chrysanthemum x morifolium ‘Nikki Dark Pink’), red (Chrysanthemum x morifolium ‘Domingo’), but there are also various bicolour combinations (Chrysanthemum x morifolium ‘Redwing’).

Growth Habit

In terms of growth habit, there are two different types of Chrysanthemum x Morifolium: spray Chrysanthemums and disbud Chrysanthemums. Spray Chrysanthemums produce multiple small flowers on each stem, creating a spray-like effect and are commonly sold as potted ornamentals. Standard or disbud Chrysanthemums grow one large central bloom per stem and are very popular as florist flowers.

Bloom Time

Another way to classify Chrysanthemums is by their bloom times. You can opt for early, mid-season, and late-season bloomers based on your needs and preferences.

The Chrysanthemum family is very diverse so there are plenty of different options to choose from. Each hybrid has its own unique features. Depending on the specific characteristics that you are interested in, you will find the right type for your garden. When selecting chrysanthemum varieties, it’s recommended to consider the factors mentioned above. Make sure that they align with your climate, your experience as a gardener, and your garden design.

Buying Chrysanthemum morifolium

Decide where and when to source them

You might have noticed that potted mums are more available in late summer and early autumn. That is because chrysanthemums are the queens of fall and will fill gardens with flowers throughout the autumn months. 

Most gardeners choose to purchase these plants from plant nurseries once the hot summer months have passed because mums are not very fond of hot weather. Extreme temperatures can be stressful for mums. It is best to ensure that you bring them home while the temperatures are moderate. Another way to decide when to buy mums is by remembering that they are considered short-day plants which means that they require a long night to bloom. This happens naturally during the fall when the days start to shorten.

Decide what type you want

Once you have decided when you want to purchase your plants, the next step is deciding what type you want. There are many different types available on the market, so you should choose based on your preferences. In general, potted mums are all very attractive and the only thing to avoid is buying plants that seem distressed or damaged – unless you are the type of gardener who enjoys saving these types of plants. If you are new at growing houseplants, it is safer to purchase plants that have a healthy colour. Yellowing leaves are a red flag as they can indicate a wide range of diseases and problems, but we will discuss more about plant health in another section.

Another important aspect to remember is that the average blooming period for chrysanthemums lasts for about 8 weeks. To enjoy your plants’ flowers for as long as possible, choose plants that have many young flower buds. The unopened buds will open gradually over a few weeks.

How to Grow Chrysanthemum morifolium

Image by moingay84 from Pixabay

The Chrysanthemum x Morifolium is a perfect plant to grow in a container which is why you will find it labelled as the ‘pot mum’. It is a very popular autumn ornamental that can be kept indoors, outdoors, in gardens, on patios, on balconies, and on porches. This type of mum produces beautiful, vibrant flowers that are appreciated by gardeners worldwide because they are very long-lasting. Mums are showy plants that can grow quite large, so they might need more space than other houseplants. Versatile in nature, mums will thrive in flower beds, so if you buy a potted plant, transplant it into your garden.

Things to consider in planting Chrysanthemum morifolium

Season

Chrysanthemums are hardy perennials that should be planted in early spring and will bloom in late summer and throughout the autumn months. However, most people purchase mums from garden centres when they become available, usually at the end of summer. Potted mums are often treated as annuals and discarded when they lose their flowers. You can try your hand at overwintering them, but most potted mums were not bred to be hardy, so you might not succeed.

If you want to add a hardy perennial mum to your garden, it is recommended that you purchase a cold-hardy plant that will withstand low temperatures. In this case, purchase and plant the mums in early spring to give them time to develop a strong root system and survive the winter.

Location

When planting chrysanthemums, select a location that gets plenty of sunlight and is not very close to trees or large shrubs. Mums prefer rich, well-draining soil and will not tolerate standing water. These plants are heavy feeders and will appreciate it if you add compost or aged manure to their soil. Chrysanthemums need good air circulation. Make sure you plant them 45 – 90 cm (18-36 inches) apart, depending on the size that they are expected to reach. If you purchase potted mums, plant them at a similar depth as the one in the pot. After planting, water them generously and keep the soil evenly moist.

Mums have specific lighting needs, and they require long nights to bloom well. Avoid planting them near a source of light that might disturb their night sleep. It is quite common for mums that grow in pots on well-lit porches or near street lights to bloom less, and growers often end up wondering why. The reason is because these plants need 11-12 hours of darkness.

Growing Chrysanthemum morifolium from Seeds

Growing Chrysanthemums from seeds is a more time-consuming process, but it can also be quite rewarding. You should start by purchasing high-quality seeds from a reputable source or getting them from a trusted friend. When choosing the type of Chrysanthemum that you wish to try your hand at growing, consider your climate and the characteristics of your garden.

Sowing Seeds

Once you have your seeds, you can sow them indoors, or directly outdoors, depending on the climate. If you decide to sow them indoors, you should start the seeds about 8-10 weeks before the last expected frost date in your area. When sowing them directly outdoors, it’s best to start the process after the last frost.

Soil Preparation

Preparing the soil is an important part as mums thrive in well-draining soil that is slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.5 to 7.0). These plants are heavy feeders, so you should mix in compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil fertility and drainage. When sowing them indoors, use a high-quality seed-starting mix.

Planting Seeds

Before you sow the seeds on the surface of the soil, moisten the soil evenly and press them in gently. You shouldn’t cover the seeds with soil as they will require light to germinate. Mist the surface with water and cover the tray or pots with plastic wrap or a clear plastic dome to create a humid environment. Once your seeds are planted, you can observe the germination phase. To activate the seeds, make sure that the containers are placed in a warm and bright location, but not in direct sunlight. The seeds will appreciate it if you keep their soil consistently moist but not soggy. The germination process will usually take around 1-2 weeks.

Once the seedlings have a few true leaves and are large enough to handle, it is time to transplant them into individual pots. It is recommended to expose the seedlings to outdoor conditions gradually over a week.

Planting Outdoors

When planting the seedlings outdoors, choose a sunny location with well-draining soil for transplanting. Ensure that there is enough space between them to accommodate their future growth. Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball of the seedling. Place the seedling in the hole, and backfill with soil. The seedlings will need moist soil until they establish and they will benefit if you apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-4 weeks during the growing season.

If you want to encourage your plants to become bushier rather than taller, you can pinch back their growing tips. Taller varieties may require stalking for support.

Transplanting Potted Chrysanthemum morifolium

Transplanting potted mums is a straightforward process. All you need to do is to choose the right time, select a suitable location, and prepare the plant. The right time to transplant potted chrysanthemums is during the early spring or late summer/early fall. These periods provide a good balance of mild weather and growing conditions for the plants to establish themselves. The ideal location is one where your plant will receive full sun-to-light shade. Ensure the soil is well-draining and slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.5 to 7.0). 

Next, prepare the potted plant by watering it generously a day or two before transplanting. Once the plant is ready to move to its new environment, dig a hole in the garden soil that is slightly larger than the size of the pot the chrysanthemum is currently in. Remove the plant from the container by gently tapping or squeezing the sides of the pot to loosen the root ball. Slide the plant out of the pot carefully and hold on to its base to avoid damaging it.

It is recommended to look at the roots carefully and if they are tight, tease them out gently or make a few small vertical cuts to encourage outward growth. Place the plant in the garden bed, backfill the hole with soil, and gently press it around the plant as you go to eliminate air pockets. Water the plant generously and apply a layer of organic mulch, such as straw or wood chips, around the base of the plant. Mulch helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.

Caring for Chrysanthemum morifolium

Whether you have your Chrysanthemum x morifolium potted or in the garden, caring for these versatile plants is not a difficult task. As long as you provide the right growing conditions, regular maintenance, proper attention, and lots of love, these ornamentals will reward you with their vibrant blooms.

How to Care for Potted Chrysanthemum morifolium

Photo by Raquel Itziar Rodriguez Ferre:

Container

When caring for potted mums, it is important to select a well-draining container that is at least 30 – 40 cm (12-16) inches in diameter. Because these plants don’t enjoy soggy conditions, it is very important to ensure that their container has drainage holes at the bottom to prevent waterlogging. When it comes to potting mix, mums do best with high-quality, well-draining potting mix. If you want to improve drainage for your plants, you can add perlite or sand.

Location

Location is another important aspect when caring for Chrysanthemums. These plants thrive when placed in an area that receives full sunlight for at least 6 hours a day. During the hot summer months, your mums will be grateful if you protect them from direct sun, as too much heat can stress them. 

Temperature

The ideal daytime temperature for potted Chrysanthemums is around 15°C and below. This means that mums won’t do very well indoors, and are more suited for outdoor spaces. Potted mums are more vulnerable to extreme temperatures than hardy varieties, so if you live in a colder climate, it’s best to find a warmer place for your plants during the cold months.

Potted mums will require repotting every 2-3 years and they will benefit from a soil change and additional space to develop their roots. When repotting mums, choose a pot that is slightly larger than the current one. If you keep your mums outdoors, the pots can collect debris and dead leaves, so make sure you clean the pot regularly to prevent pests and diseases. 

To encourage continuous blooming, you can regularly remove spent flowers. This process is known as deadheading and it is a great trick that can help you enjoy your plants for longer.

The blooming season for Chrysanthemums usually ends in late autumn and that is when you should prune back the plant to encourage dormancy and to prepare the plant for overwintering.

Some varieties of chrysanthemums might require additional support, especially when their flowers become heavier. You can use stakes to help them out a bit.

Caring for Chrysanthemum morifolium that Grow in Your Garden

If you grow your Chrysanthemums in the garden, the maintenance process is pretty similar. Once the blooming season ends, it is recommended to cut the stem back to a few inches above the ground after the first frost. Protect the plants by applying a layer of mulch around the base to ensure that your plants survive the winter.

For mums that grow outdoors, it is important to divide and transplant them every couple of years to maintain healthy growth and prevent overcrowding. All you have to do is to dig up the clump, separate the plants, and relocate them with proper spacing. It is a good idea to relocate the plants every few years to avoid soil-borne diseases. You should also keep the garden clean of debris and fallen leaves to minimize potential pests and diseases.

Watering Chrysanthemum morifolium

A correct watering technique is very important for the health and vitality of Chrysanthemum plants. The water frequency is the first thing to consider.I t is important to water these plants deeply and generously when the first few inches of soil feel dry to the touch. In most cases, mums will require watering once or twice per week but it is important to adjust the watering schedule based on their growing conditions and the environment. Overwatering should be avoided as mums can develop root rot and fungal issues if their soil is consistently waterlogged.

When is the best time to water Chrysanthemum?

Wondering about the best time of the day to water these amazing plants? According to gardening experts, it is ideal to water mums early in the morning. This will give the plants enough time to dry during the day and they will be less susceptible to fungal diseases. It is best to avoid watering mums overhead and try to water them at the base. Watering the foliage often can cause plant diseases and mould. If you grow your Chrysanthemums in the garden, you can use a soaker hose or a drip irrigation system to provide a slow, even flow of water directly to the base of the plants. 

If your mums are potted, you should water them until you notice water escaping from the drainage holes at the bottom of the container. This indicates that the water reaches the roots.

To make sure that your plants are getting enough water, check the soil regularly with your finger. When the soil feels dry to the touch at about an inch deep it is time to water.

Mulching is important for mums so make sure you add it to the base of your plants. Mulch helps regulate and retain moisture and lowers the frequency of watering by preventing fast evaporation.

As mentioned above, the watering schedule should be adjusted based on the climate and environment. In very hot and dry conditions, increase the frequency of watering. If the weather is cool and humid, decrease the frequency.

As a general rule, the soil for potted mums will dry out quicker than the garden soil. This means that you should check the soil more frequently for potted plants.

Fertilizing Chrysanthemum morifolium

Proper fertilization is key when growing Chrysanthemum x morifolium. Feeding the plants will encourage them to produce lots of blooms. We already mentioned that you can first fertilize your plants before planting to ensure that your mums will grow healthy and happy. Add organic matter like well-rotted manure or compost to their soil to improve drainage, soil structure, and nutrient retention.

When growing chrysanthemums, you can give them a helping hand by applying a balanced fertilizer with a ratio of N-P-K such as 10-10-10, 14-14-14, or a similar type. You can find this type of fertilizer at garden centres or in online gardening stores. Slow-release granular fertilizers are also a good option, as they feed the plants for a longer period. The ideal season to apply fertilizer is in spring and you can repeat the process every 4-6 weeks during the growing season. 

If you opt for a granular fertilizer, sprinkle the granules evenly around the base of the plant and make sure you follow the package instructions to get the dosage right. You can also use a liquid fertilizer that you will need to dilute according to the package instructions. It is important to avoid wetting the foliage when applying fertilizer. After you fertilize the plants, water them generously to help dissolve and distribute the nutrients evenly in the soil.

Always stop fertilizing the plants after their blooming period comes to an end to allow your plants to harden off and prepare for winter dormancy. Keep in mind that just like watering, fertilization should be adapted to the plants’ environment and local growing conditions. Keep an eye on your plant’s growth and health to ensure that the fertilization shows the right results.

Chrysanthemum morifolium Pests and Diseases

Photo by Lisa Chameleon

Chrysanthemums are hardy plants that are not extremely susceptible to pests and diseases but they can still be affected by some problems once in a while. Certain environmental problems can cause your Chrysanthemums to develop the following:

Common Pests for Chrysanthemum morifolium

Aphids

These are small insects that feed on the plant’s sap and can affect growth and healthy development. While aphids are not a death sentence for your plants, they can be quite annoying so make sure you address the issue as soon as you notice it. Common signs of an aphid infection include the presence of aphids, distorted growth, wilting, yellowing leaves, sticky residue (honeydew produced by aphids), black sooty mould, ant activity, and wilting.

Spider Mites

These pests are also very small and thrive in warm and dry conditions. Spider mites usually appear during the summer and are more attracted to indoor plants, greenhouse environments and stressed plants. The first signs of a spider mite infestation include visible mites, fine webbing, speckled or discoloured leaves, curling and twisting foliage, leaf drop, yellowing and wilting, and sticky residue. To confirm the presence of spider mites, you can perform a simple test: hold a piece of white paper under the leaves of the potentially infested plant and tap the leaves. If specks fall onto the paper and start moving, you are probably dealing with a spider mite infestation.

Whiteflies

These insects are small and white and will feed on your plants’ sap affecting growth and causing leaf yellowing. Whiteflies enjoy warm and humid conditions, but their activity can vary based on the climate and the specific plant species. If you are growing your chrysanthemums indoors, you are more likely to deal with a whitefly infestation as these pests thrive indoors, in humid and warm conditions, and are more attracted to tropical and subtropical plants and ornamentals. You can monitor and control the whitefly population by using yellow sticky traps. Make sure you also keep an eye out for these signs of whitefly infestation: yellowing leaves, sticky residue, sooty mould, stunted growth, wilting, and clusters of tiny, white-winged insects flying around the plant when disturbed.

Thrips

Thrips can sometimes attack chrysanthemums and feed on their flowers, leaves, and buds. The first signs of a thrips infestation include fine webbing, stunted growth, yellowing leaves, silvery or discoloured leaves, black specks, and deformed flowers. Thrips are more likely to attack plants indoors when the weather is hot and humid and when the plants produce flowers.

The most effective ways to get rid of aphids, whiteflies, spider mites, and thrips include using organic insecticides such as neem oil, and insecticidal soap, and introducing natural predators such as ladybugs, lacewings, or beneficial nematodes. You can also get rid of these pests by using a strong stream of water to dislodge them. Chemical insecticides should only be used as a last resort when all other methods have failed. Be cautious when using insecticides as they can affect beneficial insects and pollinators.

Common Diseases for Chrysanthemum morifolium

• Grey Mould (Botrytis) – This plant disease causes brown spots on leaves and flowers and is followed by fuzzy grey growth. Grey mould will usually attack plants that grow in humid environments and that do not get good air circulation. The first thing that you need to do when noticing grey mould on your plants is to remove the affected parts. Next, improve air circulation and isolate the plant until the plant is healthy. You can also use organic fungicides like neem oil or baking soda solutions, which may help suppress fungal growth. 
• Powdery Mildew – This is a very common plant disease that appears as a white, powdery substance on the foliage, the stems, and the flowers. Powdery mildew appears when the plants are overcrowded and in cases of excessive watering and overfeeding. When it comes to getting rid of powdery mildew you can apply the same techniques as for grey mould.
• Downy mildew – The first signs of a downy mildew infection are yellow patches on the upper surface of the foliage and fuzzy, purplish growth on the underside. Downy mildew is a fungal disease that appears in cool and humid conditions, especially in regions with wet and rainy weather. Plants that are watered overhead are more susceptible to this disease which is more likely to appear in late summer and early fall.

How to Prevent Pests and Diseases in Chrysanthemum morifolium

• Choose hardy and resistant varieties – a great way to avoid potential pests and diseases is by choosing resistant plants.
• Sanitation – clean your plants’ environment regularly to ensure that no debris can become a hiding place for pests and diseases.
• Check your plants regularly– keeping an eye out for pests and diseases is a great way to catch the problems early on before they become an issue.
• Proper watering – Most ornamentals, including Chrysanthemums, will do well if you apply the ‘soak and dry’ method that consists in checking the top few inches of soil before watering. If the soil feels dry to the touch, you can water the plants, if it is still damp, you should wait a bit longer.
• Avoid waterlogging – a very common mistake that many gardeners make is overwatering the plants. Waterlogged soil can lead to serious problems.
• Pruning – you improve air circulation by pruning your plants with regularity and thinning them. Bad air circulation and humidity are known to increase the risk of pest infestations and fungal infections.
• Mulching – A layer of organic mulch can also help prevent soil-borne diseases and it can also help regulate soil moisture.
• Quarantine new plants – When bringing home a new plant, resist the temptation to introduce it to your other plant companions right away. Keep the plant in a separate location until you are sure that the plant is healthy.
• Biological Controls – Introduce beneficial insects to your garden. Certain insects such as ladybugs, lacewings, or parasitic wasps feed on pests like aphids, thrips, and whiteflies and can help you manage this problem.
• Rotate Crops – consider rotating your crops to disrupt pest and disease cycles.
• Stay Informed –Research the most common problems in your region and combine the information with what we shared throughout this article.

Is Chrysanthemum morifolium toxic?

Although people have used Chrysanthemums as treatments for different health problems and have even used them to make tea, these plants contain chemical compounds that can be toxic to humans and pets The toxic compounds in chrysanthemums are pyrethroids and pyrethrins, which are toxins that the plants produce to fend off their natural predators, such as herbivores.

The toxicity of these plants is low. However, if you have curious children, pets, or livestock that might come into contact with your mums, you should take some safety measures.

For most pets, ingesting chrysanthemum leaves, flowers, or stems will generally cause an upset stomach and digestive issues. In rare cases or when large quantities are ingested, these plants can cause more severe reactions. Refrain from growing these plants near livestock as these animals might be tempted to consume larger amounts. For livestock owners, keep your mums away from your four-legged companions.

Chrysanthemums can cause contact dermatitis. Handling these plants can irritate your skin and cause serious allergic reactions in more sensitive people, so ensure you wear protective gloves when working with mums. Also, wash your hands and any exposed skin thoroughly after handling chrysanthemums.

For people who have ragweed or pollen allergy, chrysanthemums contain certain chemical compounds, including pollen, that can trigger allergic reactions ranging from mild to severe. 

Chrysanthemum allergies

A few common symptoms associated with chrysanthemum allergies include respiratory symptoms, skin reactions, eye irritation, and asthma. Keeping flowering plants indoors is risky for people with allergies, so it might be best to keep your chrysanthemums outdoors.

To avoid any unwanted incidents involving your plants, keep chrysanthemums in safe locations and take precautions such as educating your children and other household members about the potential risks associated with ingesting and handling toxic plants. If a pet or a family member develops health problems due to ingesting or handling chrysanthemum plant material, seek medical attention immediately.

FAQ

Question: How do you take care of a Chrysanthemum morifolium?

Answer: Provide a sunny location, ensure good air circulation, plenty of space and well-drained soil. Water it generously and allow the top inch of soil to dry before watering again. To encourage continuous flowering, deadhead spent blooms regularly. Protect from heavy rain and keep an eye out for potential issues such as overcrowding, waterlogging, pests, and diseases.

Question: What is the common name for Chrysanthemum morifolium?

Answer: Chrysanthemum morifolium is a popular ornamental plant known by several common names including garden chrysanthemum, florist’s chrysanthemum, pot chrysanthemum, disbud, or florist’s daisy.

Question: Is Chrysanthemum morifolium an indoor or outdoor plant?

Answer: Chrysanthemum morifolium is a versatile ornamental that can thrive both indoors and outdoors, depending on the specific circumstances and climate. More commonly cultivated outdoors, the chrysanthemum can also survive in indoor conditions.

Additional Details: Chrysanthemum morifolium is more commonly grown as an outdoor plant that is suitable for temperate climates. You can plant chrysanthemums outdoors in your garden beds or containers. Outdoor planting is suitable in areas where the climate allows for chrysanthemums to thrive and the growing season aligns with the plants’ growth requirements. If you live in a colder region, you can still enjoy these amazing plants, but you will have to treat them as annuals and purchase new ones each year.

If you love Chrysanthemum morifolium but don’t have a garden, you’ll be happy to learn that you can also grow this plant indoors, in pots. Indoors, mums are usually a seasonal plant used for decoration, especially during late summer and autumn during its blooming season. When growing mums indoors, make sure you provide them with plenty of bright light and well-draining soil.

In Conclusion

Chrysanthemum morifolium a.k.a. the florist’s chrysanthemum is a captivating and versatile flowering plant that graces gardens, landscapes, and indoor spaces with its vibrant colours, rich foliage, and diverse array of blooms. The rich history associated with Chrysanthemums, their striking variations, and their ability to brighten landscapes make them perfect gifts and cherished additions to horticultural landscapes, bouquets, and floral arrangements. A white bouquet of Chrysanthemums is a great way to show your appreciation, while a colourful bouquet will surely put a smile on your loved one’s face.

A great thing about mums is that there are many different types to choose from. Whether you prefer blooms with single or double petals, small or large, brightly-coloured or dramatic, their captivating beauty will surely complement your home or garden.

As a hardy perennial in suitable climates, Chrysanthemum morifolium offers stunning fall displays, while in colder regions, it thrives as a seasonal burst of colour. Its adaptability to both outdoor and indoor settings, resistance to pests and diseases, and easygoing nature ensure a rewarding gardening experience. As long as you keep an eye out for potential pests and provide your chrysanthemums with plenty of light, a correct watering schedule, and lots of love, your plants will thank you by producing many attractive blooms.