When autumn arrives, the Chrysanthemum (Pot Mum / Florist’s Mum) takes center stage in gardens and floral arrangements. Known for their vibrant blooms, mums are a staple of the season. Yet, not all mums are created equal; understanding the difference between garden and florist mums is key to selecting and caring for these plants.
Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or new to the world of mums, it’s important to know the distinct characteristics that set garden mums apart from florist mums. These differences influence not only how they are grown but also how they can be enjoyed during their blooming season.
Are Garden Mums The Same As Florist Mums?
No, garden mums and florist mums are not the same. Garden mums, also known as hardy mums, are bred to withstand the cold and often return each year as perennials. They are planted outdoors and become a lasting part of the landscape. On the other hand, florist mums, or pot mums, are typically grown as annuals and are used for indoor decoration, with a lifespan that revolves around their blooming cycle.
While both types are genetically Chrysanthemum x morifolium, their cultivation practices differ significantly. Garden mums thrive in full sun and well-draining soil, offering a variety of fall-blooming flowers that often attract butterflies. Florist mums, grown primarily for their aesthetic value, feature a wide range of colors and petal shapes, making them popular choices for bouquets and indoor displays.
Gardeners often prefer garden mums for their garden plant care routines, as they contribute to a perennial garden’s longevity and biodiversity. In contrast, florist mums offer a temporary but intense burst of color, ideal for special occasions and interior design.
Why Are Garden Mums Perennials?
Garden mums are considered perennials due to their ability to survive and flourish year after year in the right conditions. They are hardy plants that, when planted in the ground, can withstand winter temperatures in USDA hardiness zones 6-11. Their root systems go dormant during the cold months but will regrow from the base come spring.
The key to their perennial nature lies in their adaptability and resilience. Garden mums have been selectively bred to endure the drop in temperatures that comes with fall and early winter. With proper fall planting and care, including mulching and pruning, they can provide a vivid display of color annually.
Moreover, their hardiness is not just a matter of surviving the cold. These chrysanthemums also adapt well to various soil types, as long as they have good drainage. Adequate spacing and sunlight exposure further contribute to their perennial success, as these factors prevent disease and promote vigorous growth.
What Are Florist Mums And Their Characteristics?
Florist mums, or pot mums, are known for their precise and deliberate cultivation for use as potted plants or cut flowers. Unlike garden mums, they are often grown as annuals, with growers forcing them into bloom under controlled conditions to ensure they are at their peak for sale.
The characteristics of florist mums are diverse, allowing for a broad range of uses. These chrysanthemums can display a myriad of colors, from classic yellow and white to unexpected purples and reds. The blooms can vary greatly as well, from spider mums with their elongated petals to pompons that resemble little globes.
Florist mums are annual plants primarily because they are not bred for cold hardiness. They are grown in greenhouses where temperatures, lighting, and watering can be carefully managed to produce flowers at any time of the year. This makes them ideal for special occasions and year-round indoor enjoyment, though they typically do not survive beyond their initial blooming period.
Can Mums Survive The Winter In Pots?
While garden mums can survive winter in the ground with proper care, the question of survival in pots is more complex. Pots expose the root system to colder temperatures than if the plant were in the earth. However, with the right precautions, it is possible to overwinter mums in pots.
Insulating the pot with bubble wrap or straw can protect the roots from freezing. Placing the pot in a sheltered location, such as against a south-facing wall, can also provide additional warmth. If the mums are florist varieties, though, they are unlikely to survive the winter outdoors, as they lack the hardiness of garden mums.
For those who wish to try overwintering potted mums indoors, it’s crucial to provide a cool, bright environment during the dormant period. Avoiding heat sources and maintaining a cool temperature can mimic the natural dormant state these plants would experience outdoors.
How To Care For Chrysanthemums (Pot Mum / Florist’s Mum)?
Caring for Chrysanthemum (Pot Mum / Florist’s Mum) requires specific steps to ensure the longevity and vibrancy of their blooms. Whether you have a garden mum or a florist mum, each has its own set of care instructions to follow.
- Ensure adequate sunlight: Mums thrive in well-lit areas, so place them where they can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight each day.
- Water judiciously: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, as mums have a strong preference for well-drained conditions.
- Regular feeding: Apply a balanced fertilizer regularly to support the growth and blooming of the flowers.
- Appropriate pruning: Pinch back the tips of the stems during the growing season to encourage bushier growth and more abundant blooms.
- Monitor for pests: Keep an eye out for common pests like aphids and spider mites, and take action promptly if they appear.
Particularly for florist mums, it’s important to select plants with buds that are just beginning to open. This ensures that you’ll have the longest possible display of flowers. After the blooming phase, you can attempt to keep the plant alive by cutting back the stems and providing care through the winter, though this may be challenging.
Where To Buy Chrysanthemum (Pot Mum / Florist’s Mum)?
Finding Chrysanthemum (Pot Mum / Florist’s Mum) for sale is often as easy as visiting your local garden center, florist, or even grocery store during the blooming season. For a wider selection, online retailers and specialty nurseries can offer unique varieties that may not be available locally.
When purchasing mums, look for plants with healthy, green foliage and buds that are just beginning to open. Avoid plants that show signs of wilting, yellowing, or pests. By selecting healthy plants, you increase the chances of successful growth and a beautiful display of flowers.
As you explore the world of mums, take a moment to watch this informative video on Chrysanthemum pot mum care tips:
Frequently Asked Questions About Chrysanthemum (Pot Mum / Florist’s Mum)
What’s the difference between garden mums and florist mums?
The primary difference lies in their hardiness and intended use. Garden mums are perennials meant for outdoor planting, while florist mums are annuals cultivated for indoor enjoyment or as temporary garden additions. Garden mums can survive winters in appropriate climates, whereas florist mums are not bred for longevity past their blooming period.
Additionally, garden mums are generally more robust and require less maintenance than florist mums, which need a controlled environment to thrive. The choice between the two depends on whether you are looking for a long-term addition to your garden or a short-term enhancement to your decor.
How do you take care of florist mums?
To care for florist mums, ensure they are placed in an area with bright, indirect light and maintained at a consistent temperature. Water them when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, but avoid overwatering. Regularly check for pests or diseases and treat them promptly to extend the life of the blooms.
After the blooming season, you can cut the stems back and try to re-bloom the plant. This requires precise care, including reduced watering and a period of darkness to simulate winter conditions. Success varies, but with diligent care, a second bloom may be possible.
Do potted mums come back every year in pots?
Potted garden mums can potentially come back each year if they are properly overwintered and cared for. The key is to protect the root system from freezing temperatures, either by insulating the pot or bringing the plant indoors to a cool, bright location during the winter months.
However, florist mums grown in pots are typically one-season plants. They are less likely to survive to bloom again due to their lack of hardiness and the stress of being forced into bloom for sale.
Is chrysanthemum garden mum a perennial or annual?
Chrysanthemum garden mums are perennial plants, meaning they can live for several years and bloom each fall. They are bred for hardiness and can survive cold winters in the ground with proper care. In contrast, chrysanthemum florist mums are typically annuals, as they are generally not meant to survive beyond their initial season.
It’s important to note that while garden mums have the potential to be perennials, their survival depends on the climate, planting time, and care provided.
