Updated: July 20, 2023

Mums, also known as chrysanthemums, are beautiful flowering plants that are native to Asia and northeastern Europe. They are widely cultivated for their vibrant flowers and are popular choices for gardens, floral arrangements, and gifts. Mums come in various shapes, sizes, and colors, making them a versatile and appealing choice for any garden or occasion. In this article, we will explore some of the different types of mum plants and their unique characteristics.

Garden Mums

Garden mums, also known as hardy mums or perennial mums, are the most common type of mum plant. These mums are bred to withstand colder temperatures and can survive through winter in many regions. They typically bloom in the fall, providing a burst of color to gardens when other flowers may be fading.

Garden mums come in a wide range of colors, including shades of white, yellow, orange, red, and purple. They have a daisy-like appearance with a prominent center disk surrounded by petals. The petals can be spoon-shaped, quilled, or even spider-like in some varieties. Garden mums are available in different sizes too, ranging from small pompons to large decorative blooms.

Exhibition Mums

Exhibition mums, also known as florist mums or show mums, are bred primarily for their large and showy blooms. These mums are often grown for exhibition purposes or used in floral arrangements where their size and striking appearance can make a dramatic statement.

Exhibition mums have been selectively bred for years to achieve larger flower heads with more petals. Some exhibition mum varieties can have up to 1,500 petals per bloom. These mums come in a wide array of colors and petal shapes. From cascading spoon-shaped petals to tightly coiled quills, exhibition mums offer an impressive variety of options for the avid gardener or florist.

Cushion Mums

Cushion mums, also known as button mums or spray mums, are characterized by their compact and rounded growth habit. These mums produce numerous small blooms on a single stem, creating a dense cushion-like appearance. Each bloom is typically small and daisy-like, with a prominent center disk surrounded by short petals.

Cushion mums are available in a wide range of colors, including shades of pink, purple, yellow, and white. They are often used in floral arrangements or as bedding plants to create a carpet of color in gardens. Their compact size makes them an excellent choice for containers and borders.

Pompon Mums

Pompon mums, as the name suggests, are known for their round and fluffy flower heads that resemble pompons or small balls. These mums have densely packed petals that give them a full and attractive appearance. The petals can be either quilled or tubular, depending on the variety.

Pompon mums come in a range of colors, including shades of pink, purple, red, yellow, and white. Their compact size and ball-shaped blooms make them popular choices for borders, rock gardens, or container planting. Pompon mums also make delightful cut flowers that can be enjoyed indoors.

Spider Mums

Spider mums, also known as spoon mums or quill mums, are unique mum varieties with long and slender petals that resemble spider legs. The petals can be straight or curved, giving them an exotic appearance. Spider mums are often used for their distinctive shape in floral arrangements and bouquets.

Spider mums come in various colors, including shades of pink, lavender, bronze, yellow, and white. They can have single or multiple rows of petals that create a layered effect around the central disk. Spider mums add a touch of elegance and intrigue to any garden or floral display.

Conclusion

Mum plants offer a wide variety of choices when it comes to colors, sizes, and petal shapes. Whether you prefer the classic daisy-like appearance of garden mums, the large and showy blooms of exhibition mums, the compact and rounded look of cushion mums, the fluffy and round flower heads of pompon mums, or the unique spider-like petals of spider mums, there is a mum plant for every taste and style.

Consider incorporating different types of mum plants into your garden or floral arrangements to add vibrancy and diversity. With their stunning blooms and versatility, mum plants are sure to bring joy and beauty to any setting.