Chrysanthemums, commonly called mums, are a favorite choice for adding a burst of color to the fall landscape. These plants naturally bloom as the days shorten, making them a fixture in autumn displays. Selecting the right plant involves more than just picking a color; a careful inspection ensures you choose the healthiest specimen. The following steps guide you through finding a robust mum that will provide the longest-lasting display in your garden or on your porch.
Assessing Overall Plant Health
Start your selection by looking closely at the plant’s overall vigor and foliage condition. Healthy mums should have lush, deep green leaves all the way down to the base. Avoid plants that exhibit yellowing or excessive dead leaves underneath the canopy, as this indicates neglect or early stress.
The plant’s stems should look sturdy and unbroken, supporting the dense, rounded shape. Look for signs of common pests, such as aphids (which leave sticky residue called honeydew) or spider mites (which create fine webbing). Fungal diseases, like powdery mildew, appear as a white, dusty coating on the leaves and should be avoided.
Pale spots or dark, irregular blotches on the leaves may signal a fungal infection or leaf spot disease. Choosing a plant free of these visual defects prevents introducing problems to your garden. A vigorous, clean plant is more likely to thrive and resist the stresses of transplanting.
Selecting the Optimal Bloom Stage
The most impactful factor for maximizing the mum’s lifespan is the stage of its flowering. A plant already covered in fully open blooms has expended most of its energy and will fade quickly after purchase. These are best only for immediate, short-term decorating.
For a prolonged show, intentionally choose a plant that is heavily loaded with tight, unopened buds. The ideal specimen will have only a small percentage (20 to 30 percent) of its flowers fully open, allowing you to confirm the color. The remaining buds will open sequentially over the coming weeks, greatly extending the period of color.
Mums with mostly closed buds will continue to develop and bloom for four to eight weeks, depending on the variety and local temperatures. Cooler fall weather naturally slows the plant’s metabolism, helping the flowers last longer. Selecting a plant in this early budding stage effectively resets the clock on its blooming cycle.
Examining the Root System and Container
A plant’s hidden root system is often a source of stress that can lead to failure shortly after buying. If possible, gently slide the plant out of its container to inspect the root ball. A healthy root system will hold the soil together but still show some loose soil around the edges.
Being root-bound occurs when the roots completely fill the pot and begin circling the perimeter. This dense, tangled root mass indicates the plant has been restricted for too long and will struggle to absorb water and nutrients once planted. If the roots are tightly matted or visibly protruding from the drainage holes, select a different plant.
The soil moisture level in the container also offers a clue about its care. Avoid plants whose soil is bone-dry, as this indicates a severe lack of water. Similarly, a plant sitting in a saucer of stagnant water may have stressed roots due to poor oxygen exchange.
Choosing Mums Based on Intended Use
Mums are generally sold in two distinct categories, and your choice should align with whether you plan to keep the plant long-term. “Florist mums” are typically sold in grocery stores and big box retailers. They are bred for a dense, perfect dome shape and immediate, intense color, but have shallow root systems and are treated as annuals for temporary seasonal display.
If your goal is to plant the mum in the ground to return next year, you must choose a “garden mum,” also known as a hardy perennial mum. These varieties are specifically bred to survive winter and are often labeled as such in the perennial section of a nursery. They may appear less perfectly round than florist mums, with a looser growth habit.
To ensure winter survival, hardy mums need time to establish a robust root system before the first hard frost. Purchase and plant these varieties at least six to eight weeks before the ground freezes in your area. Without this establishment period, the shallow roots may succumb to frost heave and fail to return the following spring.