Chrysanthemum flowers, often known simply as mums, are celebrated for their wide variety of colors, bloom forms, and strong association with the autumn season. These versatile plants are utilized both as vibrant, long-lasting cut flowers for arrangements and as potted plants for garden and patio displays. The source you choose depends heavily on whether you need a quick decorative accent or a specific variety for planting. This guide directs you to the most appropriate locations for finding the type of chrysanthemum you seek.
Quick Access Retail Locations
For consumers seeking immediate floral accents or temporary seasonal decoration, high-traffic retail locations stock chrysanthemums. Local grocery stores and supermarkets frequently offer pre-cut bunches of common varieties, which are convenient for vase arrangements and typically feature standard daisy or cushion bloom forms.
Big-box stores with dedicated garden centers are another reliable source for potted chrysanthemums, usually featuring common “garden mum” cultivars. These plants are often sold in 6-inch pots and are priced affordably, sometimes ranging from $5 to $8 at discount retailers. Local floral shops and studios also carry chrysanthemums, often integrating them into professionally designed arrangements or offering higher-quality, single-stem cuts for custom bouquets. The selection at these locations emphasizes vibrant color and immediate visual impact rather than rare planting stock.
Specialty Growers and Online Nurseries
If your goal is to acquire specific, less common, or exhibition-quality chrysanthemum cultivars, specialty suppliers are the best choice. Dedicated local nurseries and garden centers that focus on perennial stock often carry a wider array of hardier, named varieties suitable for permanent garden planting. These locations are equipped to provide advice on cultivars suited to your specific climate and soil conditions.
For the most extensive selection, including rare bloom types such as spider, spoon, or quill forms, online nurseries and mail-order specialists are invaluable. These vendors ship rooted cuttings or bare-root stock, which allows for planting and establishment rather than temporary display. Purchasing directly from specialty online growers ensures access to better genetics and healthier stock for enthusiasts seeking specific bloom characteristics. Wholesale suppliers, primarily serving florists and event planners, also operate online, offering bulk quantities of cut flowers for large-scale needs.
Seasonal Availability and Pricing Factors
While chrysanthemums can be cultivated year-round in controlled greenhouse environments, their peak availability and demand occur seasonally. The largest volumes of potted mums and cut flowers hit the market from late summer through mid-fall, coinciding with the natural bloom time of many varieties. This seasonal surge in supply is driven by the demand for autumn décor, particularly around holidays like Thanksgiving.
Pricing for chrysanthemums varies significantly based on the source and the form of the plant. A standard 6-inch potted mum at a garden center generally costs between $8 and $15. Specialty cultivars or larger specimens can reach $25 to $40 or more at premium nurseries. Specialty vendors offering planting stock, such as rooted cuttings, typically charge more per unit but provide specific, unique varieties for long-term garden use.