Mums flower when there is a change in the number of dark hours to which they are exposed. >>>download photo

Submitted by Natalia Bjorklund

Chrysanthemums are probably one of the most recognizable harbingers of fall. Nothing can provoke thoughts of fall and cooler temperatures like the beautiful, muted colors of mums.

Chrysanthemums have a long and illustrious history. The National Chrysanthemum Society reports that they were cultivated as early as the 15th century, B.C. in China. Gradually they moved into Europe, and they made their way to North America during colonial times.

Chrysanthemums have different meanings in different cultures. In their native China they're used in important ceremonial activities. Americans often use them as housewarming gifts and for other happy occasions, but they are used almost exclusively for funerals in Belgium and Austria.

What are some key pointers for growing mums successfully? First, avoid overhead watering. Water on the plant itself can lead to disease. Also, try to keep plants spaced according to the planting instructions, which will vary with each cultivar. Good air circulation around the plants also prevents disease.

Good drainage is key to successful growth, so make sure your soil isn't heavy. If you plant mums in containers, only use pots that have a drainage hole in the bottom.

Mums flower when there is a change in the number of dark hours to which they are exposed, so avoid planting mums near street lights or security lights. If mums are getting a lot of extra light, their bloom time might be disrupted.

If you're unfamiliar with mums, you can easily find one to suit your needs and that will fit in with your other fall plantings. Hundreds of cultivars are available. So many that mums are classified in 13 different categories because of their many different flower colors, shapes and sizes, heights, foliage, etc.

If you're unsure where to add a mum or two for a little fall boost in your landscape, try adding a dark red, or burnt orange mum near an ornamental grass. Or, try a dark yellow cultivar near a native ironweed (Vernonia flaccidifolia). You could even get into the football spirit and plant orange and white! Any way you do it, mum's the word for autumn!

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Natalia Bjorklund is a graduate student in the University of Tennessee Department of Plant Sciences. She works under the guidance of Dr. Susan Hamilton, director of the UT Gardens. The UT Gardens are located on Neyland Drive in Knoxville. Admission is free, and the Gardens are open to the public seven days a week during daylight hours.