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Florist's chrysanthemum

Chrysanthemum × morifolium

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Florist's chrysanthemum · Chrysanthemum × morifolium

Many forms and colours that peak toward year-end, familiar for festive seasons.

Care and placement

Needs at least 6 hours of sun, shallow roots so water evenly at the base, pinching until mid-season; flowers on short days (nights longer than about 9–10 hours).

Draft mature dimensions

Maximum height (cm): 80 cm · Maximum spread (cm): 50 cm

Things to consider

Chrysanthemum contains sesquiterpene lactones and pyrethrins: ASPCA lists it as toxic to dogs, cats and horses (vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, incoordination, dermatitis); NC State rates it low severity. Keep pets from chewing it; do not self-medicate.

Unknown evidence does not mean safe. Decorative plants are not automatically edible.

Information is compiled from multiple reputable sources for reference. If you spot an error, please contact us so we can check and update it.

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How to grow and care for it

  1. Planting and pot

    Plant in sun in well-drained, humus-rich soil; use a wide pot with drainage holes. Space for airflow and mulch in summer to keep roots cool.

  2. Light

    At least 6 hours of direct sun to stay compact and set many buds; light late-afternoon protection helps in hot climates. Avoid planting near night lights since artificial light disrupts day length and inhibits flowering.

  3. Watering

    Shallow roots need frequent watering: water when the top 2–3 cm is dry, at the base, avoiding overhead watering to limit fungus; mulch to cut evaporation.

  4. Feeding

    Balanced 10-10-10 at half strength monthly from early growth to mid-season, then stop so buds can form (or stop once buds show colour). Too much nitrogen gives lush leaves, fewer flowers and weak stems.

  5. Pruning

    Pinch tips at 15–20 cm to branch and stop around mid-season so buds can form (last pinch about 100 days before the first expected frost in temperate regions). For exhibition-size blooms, remove side buds so one large flower develops.

  6. Propagation

    Tip cuttings of 8–10 cm in spring with lower leaves removed in moist mix; or divide established clumps every 2–3 years to keep them vigorous.

  7. Pests and common problems

    Aphids cluster on shoots and buds (rinse off, insecticidal soap); spider mites in hot dry weather; powdery mildew in humid, poorly ventilated spots; also botrytis, downy mildew, leaf spot and nematodes.

  8. For more flowers

    For more flowers: enough sun, correctly timed pinching, stop feeding as buds form, base watering, good airflow and natural short-day flowering (no night lighting).