Chrysanthemums, commonly known as mums, are the quintessential flowering plant of autumn. Their vibrant colors and varied forms make them a popular choice for seasonal outdoor decoration and garden displays. Selecting a healthy plant is the first step toward enjoying a long-lasting floral show. This guide offers practical advice on assessing plant health, understanding variety differences, and timing your purchase.
Visual Inspection for Plant Health
Closely examine the foliage, which should be a deep, uniform green color. Avoid mums displaying extensive yellowing or brown spots, as this indicates nutrient deficiencies or fungal issues like leaf spot. Inspect the underside of the leaves and stem joints for signs of pests, such as fine webbing, sticky residue (honeydew), or visible insects like aphids or spider mites. The presence of these indicators suggests the plant is already stressed.
The structural integrity of the mum indicates its overall health and ability to withstand transport. Look for strong, upright stems that are firm, not soft or brittle, and ensure they are not broken or severely bent. A well-grown plant has a dense, rounded shape, sometimes called a cushion habit, indicating robust growth. Prefer plants with many healthy branches originating from the base.
Assessing root health requires a gentle inspection to prevent buying a root-bound plant. Carefully tip the container and slide the plant out just enough to view the outer root mass. Healthy roots should be light-colored (white or tan) and hold the soil together without densely encircling the pot. If the roots are dark brown or form a tight mat, the plant is severely root-bound and will struggle to establish or absorb water.
Understanding Mum Varieties and Hardiness
After confirming physical health, determine the plant’s intended lifespan, as chrysanthemums fall into two main categories. Garden mums, often labeled hardy mums, are perennial varieties bred to tolerate winter temperatures and return each year when planted in the ground. They possess the genetic makeup needed to survive ground freezing and enter dormancy.
Conversely, florist mums are cultivated in greenhouses solely for seasonal display and are generally treated as annuals. While they offer spectacular blooms, they often lack the cold tolerance required to survive winter outside of very mild climates. Buyers should check the plant tag for hardiness zone information to confirm the plant’s perennial potential in their specific region.
Varieties also differ in their growth habit, which influences placement in a landscape or container. Cushion mums grow into low, mounding shapes ideal for front borders or pots. Spray or decorative varieties may grow taller with a more open structure. Choosing a variety that fits the desired space ensures optimal performance throughout the season.
Selecting Mums Based on Bloom Stage
To ensure the longest possible color display, select a mum that is primarily in the bud stage, with only a small percentage of flowers fully open. The ideal plant has approximately 70-80% of its flower heads showing tight buds that are just beginning to reveal color. This strategy allows the plant to continue opening new blooms over several weeks after purchase.
Purchasing a mum with a majority of fully opened flowers significantly sacrifices the display duration. These mature blooms are already at the end of their flowering cycle and will begin to fade and drop petals quickly. The plant’s longevity is directly proportional to the number of unopened buds present at purchase.
While selecting a plant based on bloom stage, consider the eventual placement of the mum, as this can affect the intensity of the color. Intense sun exposure can cause slight fading or bleaching of the petals on certain varieties. Choose colors that complement the existing fall décor, remembering that the true vibrancy of the flower is best seen just as the petals fully unfurl from the bud.