Perennial Heirloom Mums
Just Say "NO" to Big Box Store Mums
Chrysanthemums, AKA “Mums,” have gotten a bad rap. When most picture mums, they think of the lackluster button flowers that flood the big box stores during the fall season. However, there is an entire world of mums out there that is relatively unknown outside of the flower farming/florist world and those are Heirloom Chrysanthemums, AKA “Heirloom Mums!” These are stunningly beautiful old-fashioned flowers, loved for their unique shapes and colors and many can also be perennialized. Thankfully, these amazing flowers are making a big comeback in gardens everywhere. You will see a lot featured in my bouquets later this year! And you can grow them too!
Why Heirloom Mums Are Awesome
Stunning Looks: Heirloom Mums come in all sorts of shapes and colors, from delicate spider mums to bold pom-poms. Their diverse beauty adds a special touch to any garden.
Rich History: These flowers have been around for centuries, especially in China and Japan. Growing heirloom mums connects you to these deep traditions and stories from around the world.
Easy to Grow: Many heirloom varieties are hardy and can thrive in different climates. They’re a great choice if you want gorgeous flowers without too much fuss. However, they must be planted in spring or summer! Fall is TOO late to perennialize!
Pest Deterrent: Mums can deter many pests, including ants, ticks, Japanese beetles, moths, thrips, and cutworms, making them an eco-friendly alternative to chemical repellents.
Boosts Biodiversity: Their fall blooms attract butterflies and other beneficial insects and pollinators during the late season when not a lot is blooming.
Cut Flower: And last but not least, my favorite reason: They make a fabulous cut flower with and extra long vase life!
Want to add some heirloom mums to your garden? Good news, I now sell rooted cuttings! Ready in July, but available now for pre-sale are over 30 different amazing varieties that will add the perfect touch of beauty and history to your space. Reserve yours today!
Growing Tips for Heirloom Chrysanthemums
Perfect Spot: Plant them in well-drained soil with lots of organic matter, and make sure they get plenty of sunlight.
Perfect Timing: In order to perennialize mums, you must plant them in spring (recommended) or summer. This will give their roots time to establish before they buckle down for the winter months.
Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, but don’t let it get waterlogged.
Pruning: Pinch back the tips in early summer to encourage bushier plants and more blooms. I pinch mine in Early June!
Provide Support (optional): While pruning does help keep these plants bushy and sturdy, some of the taller growing varieties could still benefit from use of support, whether that be staking or using netting. This will ensure long, straight stems that won’t flop over after a summer storm.
Winter Care: In colder areas, cover the roots with mulch or straw to protect them during the winter.
Melissa's Favorite Heirloom Chrysanthemums
Grape Queen: The name says it all. The tallest of my heirloom mums, this silvery-purple large flowered mum towers majestically above the rest on long, strong stems.
Feeling Green: Green flowers are underestimated and under-used in my opinion. This bubbly pop of lime green always make the perfect compliment to almost ANY bouquet color scheme.
Carousel: This hot pink, whimsical, quill mum looks like exploding fireworks. What’s not to love?
Sienna Bronze: Come let this burnt orange decorative mum warm you up for fall! Although it’s a more common looking mum, it’s value is in it’s workhorse nature. By far my fasted growing and most productive heirloom mum.
Purple Light: Purple is my favorite color so I may be a little biased here, but what makes this heirloom mum so special is the unique anemone shape. Most people don’t even believe this one is a mum!
Apricot Alexis: It’s no wonder that this is a favorite among growers and designers alike. The perfect peachy color and elegant petals go great with spring or fall color schemes. This is the heirloom mum most often requested by wedding designers!
