Chrysanthemums, often called garden mums, bring classic autumn colour to borders, beds and patio pots with masses of cheerful, daisy-like white flowers.

This is 12 plants, each in its own 10.5cm pot, so there is plenty to create a bold, matching display. White chrysanthemums look clean and elegant on their own and pair well with deep purples, burnt oranges and rich yellows. The plants are compact and bushy, with deep green, deeply lobed leaves, and the blooms last well into the cooler months. They also make good cut flowers.

Plant in a sunny, sheltered spot in well-drained, fertile soil, or in a container on the patio. Water regularly while they are growing, letting the soil dry slightly between waterings, and feed with a balanced liquid fertiliser every two weeks to encourage strong growth and flowers. Deadhead spent blooms to prolong the display, and pinch out the growing tips in early summer if you keep plants over from one year to the next. Hardiness varies: border types often come through winter in well-drained soil, but mums sold for autumn colour are not reliably hardy, so protect the roots with a mulch or lift and store them somewhere frost-free in colder areas.

Chrysanthemums are harmful to cats and dogs if eaten.

Cultural Information

• Common Name: Chrysanthemum, Garden Mum, Autumn Mum
• Botanical Name: Chrysanthemum spp.
• Fully Grown Height and Spread: Approx. 30-60cm tall and 30-60cm wide (variety dependent)
• Growth Habit: Compact, bushy, upright to mounding
• Perfect For: Borders, beds, patio containers and cut flower gardens
• Foliage: Deep green, deeply lobed leaves
• Flowering Time: Autumn (September to November)
• Flower Colour: White
• Planting Position: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil Type: Well-drained, fertile soil
• Hardiness: Borderline. Hardy border types come through most winters in well-drained soil, but pot mums sold for autumn colour are not reliably hardy outdoors.
• Maintenance: Water regularly, feed fortnightly and deadhead often
• Seasonal Interest: Autumn
• Type: Autumn bedding and container plant