Chrysanthemums: 6 Facts

1. Chrysanthemums are one of November’s birth flowers.

Chrysanthemums, often called “mums,” are the primary birth flower for November. 

Mums bloom later than many other flowers in the Northern Hemisphere. Chrysanthemums are tolerant of harsher conditions than many other flowers. 

Because mums bloom in November, they make a natural flower to symbolize the month.

2. Chrysanthemums come in colors from white to the yellow-orange spectrum to the red-pink-purple range.

Researching more, you can learn that mums have been bred to have all types of colors, including lime green, brown, and bicolors. 

3. Chrysanthemums flower when the days get shorter.

Since flowers are one way a plant survives, or at least, reproduces, it makes sense, in a way, that less light would trigger a survival response. 

4. Chrysanthemums can mildew if they stay wet for too long.

It’s curious to think about a living plant in the ground outside getting too wet. I have visions of someone holding an umbrella over their mums during extended rainy seasons. But really, sufficient air circulation and drainage will allow the mums to dry out naturally.

5. Chrysanthemums can be perennials or annuals.

Hardy (garden) mums are perennials. Florist (pot) mums are annuals. Florist mums are often more showy than hardy mums, but they can’t survive in the cold.

6. Chrysanthemums make good cut flowers.

Mums last a long time as cut flowers. Even though there may be few varieties available to buy at grocery stores and the like, there exist many types of mums that make great cut flowers.