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Chrysanthemum × morifolium
Garden mum
At‑a‑glance
- Group/Class: Garden mum
- Height × spread: 18–36 in (45–90 cm) × 18–24 in (45–60 cm)
- Bloom window: September to frost
- Color & flower form: wide color range; single to pompon and decorative forms
- Fragrance: 1 trace
- USDA hardiness: zones 5–9; winter protection improves survival
- Breeder / Year / Origin: unknown
- Cut‑flower notes: strong stems; typical vase life about 14 days with preservative; buds store 2–3 weeks near 32°F (0°C)
- Pet safety: avoid
How it differs
- Widest range of colors and flower forms among chrysanthemums.
- Later bloom than most species mums.
- Thicker, more self‑supporting stems than many species.
- Used widely as a cut flower as well as for containers.
Strengths
- Abundant late‑season color.
- Many cultivars hardy in zones 5 to 9.
- Commonly noted long vase life for cut stems.
- Often tolerates deer and rabbits better than many perennials.
Care in one minute
Choose full sun and fertile, well‑drained soil with neutral to slightly acidic pH.
Water consistently in dry spells; avoid saturated roots.
Feed in spring; switch to a potassium‑forward feed during bloom if needed.
Pinch once or twice from late spring to mid‑summer to keep bushy and delay bloom.
Stake only taller cultivars if exposed to wind.
In zones 5–6, leave top growth over winter and mulch crowns; cut back in spring.
Watch‑outs
- Can fail to overwinter in cold or waterlogged sites.
- Susceptible to white rust, powdery mildew and botrytis in cool, wet weather.
- Can bloom early and reduce display if not pinched in early summer.
Best uses (tags)
Provenance note
A complex hybrid derived mainly from Chrysanthemum indicum and allied species; also known in horticulture as Dendranthema × grandiflorum.
References
- Missouri Botanical Garden – Plant Finder: Chrysanthemum morifolium ‘Bedazzled Bronze’
- RHS – How to grow chrysanthemums
- ASPCA – Chrysanthemum toxicity to pets
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