Chrysanthemums (Asteraceae spp.), also commonly known as "mums", are a variety of flowering garden plants that are in the same plant family as daisies, asters, and sunflowers. In total there are between 150 to 200 different species of mums.http://virtual.clemson.edu/groups/psapublishing/Pages/Hort/HortLf65.pdf The fall-blooming flowers come in shades of red, yellow, pink, purple, white, and just about everything in between, and are grown as both annuals and perennials. Hardy mums, which are usually perennials, are the most common addition to gardens. While non-hardy mums, which are usually annuals, are more commonly suited for growing in pots.http://www.gardens.si.edu/horticulture/res_ed/fctsht/mum.htmlhttp://virtual.clemson.edu/groups/psapublishing/Pages/Hort/HortLf65.pdf

Though mums are valued for their fall blooms, they need to be planted in the garden landscape in the spring. Hardy mums will often not fare well since the plant's energy is devoted to the bloom production instead of root growth. As a result, fall-planted hardy chrysanthemums will often not survive into the next growing season.http://www.gardens.si.edu/horticulture/res_ed/fctsht/mum.html

Once new chrysanthemums have been planted in the spring (or older established mums have been divided at about that same time), the plants require pinching during summer months. This involves pinching off flower buds during the hot weather season to help ensure the plant grows in a healthy, bushy form. This is best done through the first week of August, after which the blooms can be allowed to mature and fully form.http://www.gardens.si.edu/horticulture/res_ed/fctsht/mum.html

Chrysanthemum gardeners may find that spider mites, aphids, and white flies become pests for the plants, and may require treatment during summer or fall months. Otherwise, the plants mostly require adequate watering so that they don't wilt. Wilting can harm bloom production later on.http://www.gardens.si.edu/horticulture/res_ed/fctsht/mum.html

As winter approaches, mums require a reliable coat of mulch to protect their roots from cold winter temperatures and thawing temperature fluctuations.http://www.gardens.si.edu/horticulture/res_ed/fctsht/mum.html