Garden mums are popular flowering plants that belong to the Asteraceae family. These plants are highly valued for their beautiful and colorful blooms, making them a common choice for garden beds, borders, and containers.
- Size: Garden mums are herbaceous perennials that typically grow to a height of 1 to 3 feet (30 to 90 cm), although some varieties can be taller. They have an upright, bushy growth habit with numerous branches covered in lush green foliage.
- Leaves: The leaves of garden mums are typically dark green, lobed, and serrated along the edges. They provide an attractive backdrop to the vibrant flowers.
- Flowers: The most distinctive feature of garden mums is their profusion of colorful, daisy-like flowers. These blooms come in a wide range of colors, including white, yellow, orange, red, pink, lavender, and various shades of bronze and burgundy. The flower heads can vary in size from small button-sized blooms to large, showy blossoms. The shape and arrangement of the petals can also differ between varieties, with some having a more traditional daisy-like appearance and others being more pom-pom or anemone-like.
- Blooming Season: Garden mums are known for their long-lasting blooms, which typically appear in late summer or early autumn, depending on the variety and local climate. They provide a burst of color when many other plants are beginning to fade.
- Care: These plants are generally easy to care for. They thrive in well-drained soil with good moisture retention and should be watered regularly. Full to partial sun is ideal for most garden mums, although some can tolerate more shade. Pruning or deadheading spent flowers can encourage continuous blooming and a neater appearance.
- Hardiness: Garden mums are often grown as annuals in colder climates because they can be sensitive to frost. However, in milder regions, they can be grown as perennials and may come back year after year.