Lesson 1
Cut flower vs. bedding
Hardy garden chrysanthemums (also called 'Korean' or 'Rubellum' types) overwinter outside in most climates — sprays of small flowers from September into November.
Cut-flower types (incurves, decoratives, spiders) are best lifted and stored over winter. For most home growers, hardy garden mums in pots are the easy win.
Reliable: 'Clara Curtis' (pink daisy), 'Mei-kyo' (button pompon, almost indestructible), 'Emperor of China' (silver-pink with coppery reverse), 'Innocence' (white spray), 'Bronze Elegance' (russet pompon).
Six chrysanthemum shapes worth knowing
- Korean / Rubellum — sprays of small daisies, hardy outdoors.
- Pompon — small tight balls; 'Mei-kyo' is the classic.
- Spray (decorative) — clusters of medium blooms; florist's staple.
- Incurve — a tightly curled show bloom; greenhouse-pampered.
- Spider — long thin petals like fireworks.
- Single / anemone — open daisy face, easy on the eye and the bee.