Chrysanthemums, commonly known as mums, are among the world’s most popular flowers, signaling the arrival of autumn with their vibrant, dome-shaped blooms. The price consumers pay for these flowers is highly variable. The final cost is determined by whether the flower is sold as a temporary cut bloom or a live plant, the physical size of the product, and the market dynamics of when and where the purchase is made. Understanding these distinctions allows for a more informed decision when adding these flowers to a home or garden.
Price Differences Based on Product Type
Chrysanthemums are primarily sold in two distinct forms: as freshly cut stems or as a fully rooted potted plant. Cut flowers are typically sold individually or gathered into bunches for floral arrangements. A standard wholesale bunch of cut mums, containing multiple stems, often falls between approximately $11 and $33, depending on the variety and bloom count.
The cost of a cut chrysanthemum is lower upfront because the product is temporary, intended only for a vase life of one to two weeks. Potted mums, conversely, are priced based on the plant’s maturity, container size, and potential for longevity. A small, standard 6-inch potted mum often starts around $10 to $11, reflecting a product meant to provide color for several weeks or potentially be planted for perennial return. Potted plants offer a longer-term seasonal or perennial investment compared to the immediate, short-term display value of cut flowers.
Specific Pricing for Potted Chrysanthemums
The cost of a potted chrysanthemum is strongly correlated with its container size. Small 4-inch pots, often used for mass displays, are generally the least expensive option, typically priced around $5.00 to $14.99. As the container size increases to an 8-inch pot, the price point rises significantly to reflect the larger, more mature root system and greater flower density, with prices often starting around $23.
Larger formats, such as jumbo 12-inch pots or substantial hanging baskets, represent the highest investment, commanding prices that can range from approximately $42 to nearly $60. The distinction between “florist mums” and “garden hardy” varieties also plays a role in pricing. Florist mums are denser, annual varieties bred for temporary bloom display. Garden hardy mums (Chrysanthemum morifolium) are perennial varieties intended to survive winter, justifying a higher price point due to their greater horticultural value and longevity.
How Location and Season Affect Final Cost
The final price of a chrysanthemum is heavily influenced by the retail environment and the timing of the purchase. Big box stores and grocery chains offer the most accessible prices for standard potted mums, sometimes listing a basic small pot for as low as $5. These outlets typically sell the less expensive, annual “florist mum” types, which are primarily decorative.
Local nurseries and garden centers feature higher prices, but this markup corresponds to a superior selection and quality. These specialized retailers frequently stock a wider range of colors, rare cultivars, and the more valuable garden-hardy perennial varieties. The most significant external factor is the season itself, as prices peak dramatically during the high-demand fall period from September through November, particularly around major holidays.