Chrysanthemum x morifolium

Autumn mum is an herbaceous perennial in the daisy family (Asteraceae). It is a complex hybrid involving five Chinese species: C. argyrophyllum, C. dichrum, C. indicum, C. nankingense and C. zawadzkii. There are hundreds of cultivars with various colors and characteristics. The hybrid epithet is a Latin compound meaning “mulberry [Morus] leaf” and alludes to the shape of the leaf.

While the plants will begin to grow in the summer and spring, it does not flower until the autumn. Plant in areas with full sun and well-drained soil, with protection from the afternoon sun in warmer locations. While favoring sunny locations, it will grow in areas with shade; however, too much shade can cause plants to sprawl instead of growing upright. To maintain these plants, cut them back three times during the spring and summer, with the last cut around mid-August to encourage bushy, compact growth and prevent spring flowering. They can be divided in the spring every few years to prevent plants from becoming congested. In the South, these plants easily overwinter outdoors. In colder climates, they may need to be dug up and overwintered in greenhouses.

These perennials form erect mounds that reach 1 to 3 feet tall and 1 to 2 feet wide. The edible, aromatic flowers come in many colors from brownish shades to pastels and vibrant yellows. They can be solid, bi-colored, or edged around the petals with another color. The National Chrysanthemum Society has established judging categories. These illustrate the diversity of forms in this genus. They include: 

Cascades: pot plants with a trailing growth habit and covered with masses of small daisy-like heads. 

Charms: pot plants with a dome growth form and numerous, small, daisy-like heads. 

Sprays: Outdoor or interior pot plants with many small heads borne on each branched stem. 

Anemone-flowered Group: ray florets in 5 rows or fewer with a central cushion of tubular florets; heads to 6" diam. 

Incurved Group: ray florets turned in toward the center, forming a tight ball; heads commonly 6-12" diam.

Pompon Group: ray florets are tightly packed (not curled) forming a tight globular bloom; heads to 6" diam. 

Spidery Group: ray florets elongate, thread-like to spoon-shaped; heads to 6" diam.

Autumn mums can be planted along edges, in the front of borders, or in cut flower gardens. They work well in containers planted near a patio or window boxes. The flowers attract pollinators, making them a welcome late-season nectar source in a pollinator garden.

Quick ID Hints:

• Leaves variable in size & shape, entire to lobed
• Heads of flowers variable in size & shape

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  Aphids, thrips, spider mites and lace bugs are occasional insect problems. Bacterial blight, powdery mildew, stem rot, rust, root rot, verticillium wilt and leaf spot are occasional disease problems. 

The Clemson Cooperative Extension Home & Garden Information Center has a factsheet on common pests and diseases.

More information on Chrysanthemum.