Mums

Fall decor would not be right without chrysanthemums. These aromatic plants brighten our fall days.

Chrysanthemums are called by many, mums. Mums are sold here in southern Illinois in late summer these are hardy. This means they should survive our winters. Be sure to select plants which are not in full bloom. This will insure you are able to enjoy the plants' bloom longer.

These plants prefer to be planted in a well-drained full sun location. Mums respond to shorter daylight periods to bloom. Therefore one should not plant them near night lights which will delay their bloom.

Most mums will reach a height of about two feet depending on the variety. Height is somewhat controlled by pinching. Pinching keeps the plant more compact and increases floral bloom.

Plants purchased this time of year have been pinched which is a form of pruning. So those plants planted in your landscape should have been pinched every 2 to 3 weeks until late June or early July. This keeps the plant from getting leggy and insures more flowers.

The color display available today is wide when considering floral display. I personally really like the deep purple and bright yellow.

If one decides to add hardy mums to their landscape, be sure to divide them every 3 to 4 years depending on growth. Dense heavy growth promotes disease.

Whether using them as annuals by purchasing plants every year or planting them into the landscape as perennials; mums brighten our fall days with great color.