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Chrysanthemum morifolium /kɹɪˈsænθəməm/

Common name: Florist's chrysanthemum · Garden mum · Hardy mum

Chrysanthemum morifolium is a herbaceous perennial and the most important cultivated chrysanthemum, grown worldwide as a garden and cut-flower plant. It originated in China, where chrysanthemums have been bred for well over a thousand years, and was developed largely from hybrids involving Chrysanthemum indicum. Plants form bushy clumps of lobed, aromatic leaves and produce dense flower heads in nearly every color except true blue, blooming mainly in autumn. It is cultivated for ornamental bedding, pot plants, and the cut-flower trade.

Fun facts

  • Chrysanthemums were cultivated in China as early as the 15th century BCE, originally as a flowering herb.
  • It is a short-day plant, flowering when nights grow longer in autumn; growers manipulate day length to bloom it year-round.
  • The flowers and leaves contain pyrethrins, compounds used in natural insecticides.
  • In Japan the chrysanthemum is the imperial emblem, and the throne is called the Chrysanthemum Throne.

Care summary

Sun Full sun; at least 6 hours daily
Water Regular; keep evenly moist, avoid waterlogging
Soil Rich, well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral
Hardiness Zones 5–9
Mature height About 30–90 cm (1–3 ft)
Pet safe No; toxic to cats and dogs
Difficulty Moderate
Propagation Usually propagated by basal softwood cuttings taken in spring. Cut 5-8 cm shoots from the base of the plant, strip the lower leaves, and root in moist, free-draining compost; keep warm and shaded until rooted. Established clumps can also be divided in spring.

Make your own Florist's chrysanthemum · Garden mum · Hardy mum profile

Common problems

    • Space plants for good air circulation
    • Water at the base, not overhead
    • Remove and bin affected leaves promptly
    • Blast aphids off with water
    • Apply insecticidal soap to infested tips
    • Encourage ladybirds and lacewings nearby
    • Remove infected leaves immediately
    • Avoid wetting foliage when watering
    • Destroy heavily infected plants entirely
    • Pinch out growing tips in early summer
    • Stake tall varieties before flowering
    • Grow in full sun for sturdy stems
    • Keep plants away from artificial light
    • Ensure uninterrupted dark nights in autumn