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What Are the Different Types of Mums Plant

Updated: June 30, 2023

When it comes to adding vibrant color and beauty to your garden or porch, mums are an excellent choice. These stunning flowers, also known as chrysanthemums, are popular for their wide range of colors, shapes, and sizes. With so many different types available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one for your garden. In this article, we will explore the various types of mum plants and their unique characteristics.

1. Garden Mums

Garden mums, also known as hardy mums, are the most common type of mum plant. These mums are known for their ability to withstand colder temperatures, making them ideal for fall planting. They come in a variety of colors, including shades of yellow, orange, red, pink, and white. Garden mums have a bushy growth habit and can reach heights of up to three feet. They are perfect for adding a burst of color to your autumn garden.

2. Exhibition Mums

Exhibition mums are a favorite amongst avid gardeners and flower enthusiasts. These mums are known for their large blooms and showy appearance. Exhibition mums require careful cultivation and pruning to achieve their full potential. They are often grown for exhibition or competition purposes due to their impressive size and shape. Exhibition mums come in a wide range of colors and forms, including quilled, pompon, and spider types.

3. Cushion Mums

Cushion mums, as the name suggests, have a cushion-like growth habit with dense foliage and compact flowers. They are characterized by their low-growing nature and rounded shape. Cushion mums typically produce an abundance of small flowers in various colors such as pink, lavender, white, and yellow. These mums are perfect for borders, rock gardens, or container planting.

4. Spoon Mums

Spoon mums are a unique type of mum plant that features spoon-shaped petals. The petals of these mums curl inward, giving them a distinctive appearance. Spoon mums come in various colors, including shades of pink, purple, and white. They are often used as focal points in floral arrangements or as eye-catching accents in garden beds. Spoon mums require regular pruning to maintain their shape and encourage new growth.

5. Pompon Mums

Pompon mums, also known as button mums, are characterized by their rounded, compact blooms. These mums have densely packed petals that give them a pom-pom-like appearance. Pompon mums come in a wide range of colors, including shades of red, yellow, orange, and purple. They are often used in bouquets and floral arrangements due to their charming and delicate appearance.

6. Spider Mums

Spider mums are aptly named for their long, spindly petals that resemble spider legs. These mums have elongated petals that radiate from the center of the flower, creating a unique and striking appearance. Spider mums come in various colors and can have single or double blooms. They are often used as cut flowers due to their unusual shape and vibrant colors.

7. Daisy Mums

Daisy mums, also known as single daisy mums, are characterized by their simple yet elegant appearance. These mums have a central disc surrounded by petals that give them a daisy-like look. Daisy mums come in a variety of colors and are often used in flower beds or containers to add a touch of charm and beauty to any space.

8. Decorative Mums

Decorative mums are known for their large, showy blooms with overlapping petals. These mums come in a wide range of colors, including shades of pink, lavender, bronze, and white. Decorative mums are popular for their bold and vibrant appearance and are often used as focal points in garden beds or container plantings.

9. Incurve Mums

Incurve mums, also known as reflex mums, are characterized by their inward-curving petals. These mums have large blooms with petals that curve inward towards the center of the flower. Incurve mums come in a variety of colors and forms, including quilled and anemone types. They are often used in floral arrangements due to their unique shape and striking appearance.

10. Anemone Mums

Anemone mums are known for their distinctive appearance, with a central disc surrounded by larger, petal-like florets. These mums come in a wide range of colors and can have single or double blooms. Anemone mums are often used in bouquets and floral arrangements due to their eye-catching appearance and versatility.

In conclusion, mum plants offer a wide range of colors, shapes, and sizes, making them a versatile choice for any garden or porch. Whether you prefer the elegant simplicity of daisy mums or the showy blooms of exhibition mums, there is a type of mum plant to suit every taste. Consider experimenting with different types to create a stunning display of color and beauty in your outdoor space.