Chrysanthemum Varieties: Complete Guide to 13 Types of Mums for Every Garden

By team · May 29, 2026

# Chrysanthemum Varieties: Complete Guide to 13 Types of Mums for Every Garden Chrysanthemums, affectionately known as mums, are one of the most diverse and beloved flowering plants in the world. With over 40 wild species and thousands of cultivated varieties, choosing the right chrysanthemum for your garden can feel overwhelming. This comprehensive guide breaks down 13 major types of mums, their growing requirements, and how to select the perfect varieties for your space. ## Understanding Chrysanthemum Classifications The National Chrysanthemum Society classifies mums into 13 distinct flower forms. Understanding these categories helps you choose varieties that match your garden goals, whether you want cut flowers, landscape color, or exhibition specimens. ### 1. Irregular Incurve Mums These dramatic blooms feature petals that curve inward toward the center, creating large, rounded flower heads that can reach 6-8 inches across. Popular varieties include 'Gillette' and 'Moira'. They're favorites for exhibition and cut flower arrangements. **Growing tips:** Stake tall stems, provide full sun, and pinch back growing tips until mid-July for the best blooms. ### 2. Reflex Mums Petals curve downward and outward, giving these flowers a distinctive shuttlecock appearance. 'Apricot Alexis' and 'Burnbridge Ruby' are excellent garden choices. **Growing tips:** These tend to be vigorous growers. Provide consistent moisture and deadhead spent blooms to encourage reblooming. ### 3. Regular Incurve Mums Perfect globe-shaped blooms with tightly incurving petals. 'Dorothy Mechau' and 'Riverton' produce stunning spherical flowers ideal for formal gardens. **Growing tips:** Require disbudding (removing side buds) to produce exhibition-quality blooms. ### 4. Decorative Mums The most common garden center variety. Flat to slightly cupped blooms with petals that may reflex at the edges. 'Sheffield Pink', 'Clara Curtis', and 'Will's Wonderful' are hardy garden stalwarts. **Growing tips:** Most cold-hardy type. Plant in spring for fall blooms, mulch heavily in winter. ### 5. Intermediate Incurve Mums A hybrid between irregular and regular incurves, offering semi-globular blooms. 'Coral Charm' and 'Lili Gallon' provide reliable mid-season color. ### 6. Pompon Mums Small, perfectly round blooms (1-4 inches) on compact plants. 'Yoko Ono', 'Baby Tears', and 'Taffy' are charming border plants and container choices. **Growing tips:** Excellent for edging and containers. Pinch regularly for bushy growth and abundant small blooms. ### 7. Single and Semi-Double Mums Daisy-like flowers with one or two rows of ray florets around a prominent center disc. 'Single Apricot Korean' and 'Cottage Apricot' offer a natural, wildflower aesthetic. **Growing tips:** Among the hardiest types. Self-seed readily in favorable conditions. ### 8. Anemone-Form Mums Raised cushion-like center surrounded by one or more rows of flat petals. 'Dorothy Hewitt' and 'Adrienne Mehl' create unique textural interest. ### 9. Spoon Mums Petals feature distinctive spoon-shaped tips. 'Kimie' and 'Starlet' offer unusual forms that stand out in any garden. ### 10. Quill Mums Tubular petals that are open at the tips, creating a spiky, architectural effect. 'Mammoth Yellow Quill' is a garden favorite. ### 11. Spider Mums Long, tubular petals with hooked or coiled tips creating dramatic, exotic-looking blooms. 'Seiko Fusui' and 'Western Voodoo' are conversation starters. **Growing tips:** Best grown as annuals in most zones. Excellent for indoor arrangements lasting 2-3 weeks. ### 12. Brush and Thistle Mums Fine, tubular petals that may be straight or twisted, creating a feather-duster appearance. Less common but stunning when available. ### 13. Unclassified (Exotic) Mums Varieties that don't fit neatly into other categories, often featuring mixed characteristics. These are the mums that keep the chrysanthemum world exciting. ## Hardy Garden Mums vs. Florist Mums A critical distinction for gardeners: - **Hardy garden mums** (Dendranthema × grandiflorum) are bred to survive winters in zones 5-9. They bloom in fall and return year after year. - **Florist mums** (greenhouse varieties) are grown for cut flowers and potted plants. They rarely survive outdoor winters. ## Planting and Care Calendar | Season | Task | |--------|------| | Spring | Plant or divide, begin pinching | | Summer | Continue pinching until July 4th, fertilize monthly | | Fall | Enjoy blooms, reduce watering | | Winter | Mulch hardy varieties, bring florist mums indoors | ## Choosing Mums for Your Climate - **Zones 3-5:** Focus on early-blooming hardy varieties like 'Morden Garnet' and 'Prairie Lavender' - **Zones 6-7:** Most hardy mums thrive; try decorative and pompon types - **Zones 8-9:** Longer growing season allows late-blooming varieties and spider mums - **Zone 10+:** Treat as cool-season annuals; plant in fall for winter color ## Final Tips for Stunning Mum Displays 1. Plant in full sun (6+ hours daily) for maximum blooms 2. Amend soil with compost for good drainage 3. Water at the base to prevent fungal diseases 4. Pinch growing tips until July 4th for bushy plants 5. Apply balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during active growth With this knowledge, you can confidently select chrysanthemum varieties that will transform your autumn garden into a spectacular display of color and form.

Chrysanthemum Varieties: Complete Guide to 13 Types of Mums for Every Garden

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