Garden Mum
Chrysanthemum morifolium
A dense, bushy perennial herb featuring deeply lobed aromatic leaves and an abundant display of small, daisy-like white flowers with bright yellow centers.
- Light
- Full sun, requiring a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight daily
- Water
- Moderate watering needs. Water thoroughly when the soil is dry to the touch, avoiding overhead watering to keep foliage dry and prevent fungal issues.
- Growth
- Perennial grown frequently as an annual, forming a rounded, bushy mound with a mature height and spread of 1 to 3 feet
Care instructions
Provide full sun exposure for at least six hours daily. Water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry, ensuring proper drainage. Plant in rich, well-draining soil and apply a balanced fertilizer in spring as new growth emerges.
Growing details
Sunlight
Full sun, requiring a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight daily
Watering
Moderate watering needs. Water thoroughly when the soil is dry to the touch, avoiding overhead watering to keep foliage dry and prevent fungal issues.
Soil
Rich, loamy, well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH range of 6.0 to 6.8
Hardiness zone
USDA Hardiness Zones 5 through 9
Growth habit
Perennial grown frequently as an annual, forming a rounded, bushy mound with a mature height and spread of 1 to 3 feet
Bloom season
Late summer through autumn, producing numerous white flowers with yellow centers
Propagation
Propagated successfully through stem cuttings taken in spring or by dividing established clumps in early spring
Common pests & issues
Susceptible to powdery mildew and aphids, which can be managed with good air circulation, proper spacing, and appropriate horticultural treatments
Similar species
Shasta Daisy (Leucanthemum x superbum), distinguished by larger individual flower heads and slightly different foliage structure