Dendranthema, also known as chrysanthemums or garden mums, are a cherished addition to gardens worldwide, celebrated for their vibrant fall blooms and remarkable versatility. Originating from East Asia and northeastern Europe, these resilient perennials grace landscapes with an array of colors, shapes, and sizes, making them a perfect choice for borders, containers, and cut flower arrangements. This comprehensive guide explores the captivating world of Dendranthema, offering valuable insights and practical advice for gardeners of all levels.

What Makes Dendranthema Special? Beyond their captivating beauty, Dendranthema possesses unique qualities that distinguish it in the world of flowering plants. Studies have shown that these remarkable plants offer several advantages for gardeners:

• Extended Bloom Time: While many other plants are entering dormancy, Dendranthema comes alive with an extended bloom time that typically stretches from late summer to late fall. This extended display of vibrant colors provides a valuable source of late-season interest in the garden.
• Diverse Color Palette: Dendranthema flowers come in a breathtaking spectrum of colors, encompassing classic white and yellow, as well as vibrant pinks, reds, oranges, and purples, and even some with bluish hues. This extensive color range allows gardeners to create stunning combinations and personalize their gardens to their liking.
• Low-Maintenance Care: Once established, Dendranthema requires minimal attention. It tolerates a wide range of soil conditions and has moderate watering needs. Many varieties are also resistant to common pests and diseases, making them a relatively low-maintenance choice for busy gardeners.
• Attracts Pollinators: The vibrant blooms and sweet fragrance of Dendranthema act as a magnet for beneficial pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. This not only enhances the beauty of the garden but also contributes to a healthy ecosystem.
• Culinary and Medicinal Uses: Some Dendranthema species have a history of culinary and medicinal uses in various cultures. The petals of certain varieties can be used in teas, salads, or as garnishes, while others have been traditionally used in medicine. However, it is essential to consult with a qualified professional before consuming any plant for medicinal purposes.

Taxonomy Dendranthema belongs to the Asteraceae family, a vast and diverse family that includes over 20,000 species. This family is also one of the most developed, known for its complex flower structures and wide range of adaptations. Interestingly, the genus Dendranthema was initially classified as Chrysanthemum. However, in the early 1960s, the Chrysanthemum genus was divided into several unique genera, including Dendranthema (hardy garden mums), Leucanthemum (oxeye and Shasta daisies), and Tanacetum (feverfew, painted daisies, and tansy). While the name Chrysanthemum is still commonly used, especially for florist mums, Dendranthema is the correct botanical name for the hardy garden varieties.

Morphology

• Leaves The leaves of Dendranthema are arranged alternately along the stems. They exhibit a variety of shapes, often lobed, pinnatifid (deeply cut), or toothed. The leaf surface is typically somewhat fleshy and may have a slightly hairy texture. Many Dendranthema varieties also have aromatic leaves that release a distinctive fragrance when crushed.
• Stems Dendranthema typically has multi-trunked or clumping stems that are green and of medium thickness.
• Flowers The flower heads of Dendranthema are a composite of many individual flowers called florets. This unique structure gives the blooms their characteristic full and intricate appearance. The disk florets are located in the center of the flower head, while the ray florets, often mistaken for petals, are arranged around the perimeter. The ray florets are considered imperfect flowers, as they only possess female reproductive organs, while the disk florets are perfect flowers, containing both male and female reproductive organs.

Dendranthema flowers exhibit a remarkable diversity in shape and arrangement, leading to their classification into eight distinct classes: daisy, anemone, quilled, spoon, decorative, spider, incurved, and pompon. Each class presents a unique form and arrangement of ray and disk florets, adding to the variety and visual interest of these plants. The flowers emerge from silvery-green terminal floral buds creating a beautiful contrast with the vibrant blooms.

• Root System Dendranthema has a relatively shallow root system which makes it important to provide adequate moisture and avoid deep planting.

Description and Details Dendranthema plants are typically hardy perennials that thrive in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. They come in a variety of colors, with the exception of blue, and bloom in various forms, from single to fully double flowers.

Appearance Dendranthema plants are known for their bushy growth habit and attractive foliage. The leaves are typically green and have a slightly aromatic scent. The flowers are the main attraction, and they come in a wide variety of colors and forms.

Flower Forms: Dendranthema exhibits a remarkable diversity in flower form, with each type offering a unique aesthetic appeal. Some of the most common forms include:

• Daisy: Resembles a classic daisy with a single or double row of petals surrounding a central disc. The daisy spray chrysanthemum, with several blooms per stem, owes its name to its daisy-like appearance.
• Spider (Fuji): Characterized by long, gracefully drooping petals with coiled ends, resembling spider legs.
• Quill: Features thin, tube-like petals that give the flower a spiky appearance.
• Pompon: Produces small, dense, globe-shaped blooms that grow in masses. These resemble the tassels on French sailors' hats, which is how they got their name.
• Anemone: Displays single blooms with large, prominent centers.
• Incurved: Includes various forms where the petals curve inward, creating a globular or dome-shaped bloom.
• Reflex: Features overlapping petals that curve downwards, resembling layered bird feathers.

Flower Sizes: Bloom sizes in Dendranthema can range from small, button-like flowers to large, impressive blooms, providing options for various garden designs and preferences.

Color Palette: Dendranthema offers a wide spectrum of colors, including shades of yellow, orange, red, purple, bronze, pink, and white.

Size and Growth Habit Dendranthema typically grows in a radiating, spreading clump with daisy-like flowers that branch out from the ends of each stem. The size of the plant can vary depending on the variety. Some varieties are compact and reach a height of about 12 inches, while others can grow up to 3 feet tall. The spread of the plant can also vary, with some varieties reaching up to 4 feet wide.

Native Habitat Dendranthema is native to East Asia and northeastern Europe. Most species originate from East Asia, with China being the center of diversity. They have been cultivated in China for over 2,000 years, where infusions of the leaves and flowers were used as medicine and fermented into wine.

Geographic Distribution Dendranthema is widely distributed across East Asia, including China, Japan, and Korea. The popular name "Korean mums" is accurate, as the species is also native to Korea. It is also found in northeastern Europe and has been introduced to North America and other parts of the world.

Preferred Environmental Conditions Dendranthema thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained soils amended with organic matter. In sandy soils, a 3 to 4-inch layer of peat or compost should be worked into the top 6 inches of the soil.

Landscaping Design Tips Dendranthema's versatility makes it suitable for various landscaping applications. Here are some design tips to consider:

• Borders: Plant fall-blooming mums along borders and combine them with other late-blooming perennials for a stunning autumn display. Some excellent companions include ornamental grasses, asters, and sedum. For a traditional and fragrant border, consider underplanting David Austin's English Rose 'Graham Thomas' with Nepeta 'Six Hills Giant' (Catmint) and the contrasting bright yellow foliage of Alchemilla mollis (Lady's Mantle).
• Mass Planting: Create a dramatic effect by mass planting Dendranthema in a single color or a mix of complementary colors. This works well in larger gardens or landscapes where you want to make a bold statement.
• Edging: Use low-growing varieties of Dendranthema as edging plants along walkways or flower beds. Their compact size and dense growth habit make them ideal for defining garden spaces and adding a touch of color to pathways.
• Ground Cover: Some varieties of Dendranthema, such as Chrysanthemum pacificum, with its attractive variegated foliage, can be used as a ground cover in full sun locations. This is a great way to add texture and interest to bare areas in the garden.
• Container Gardening: Dendranthema thrives in containers, making it a versatile choice for patios, balconies, and small gardens. Choose a well-draining potting mix and ensure the container has adequate drainage holes. When selecting a container, consider the mature size of the plant, as container size can significantly impact growth and flowering.
• Companion Plants: Combine Dendranthema with companion plants that have contrasting colors, textures, and forms to create a visually dynamic and layered effect. Some suitable companion plants include purple coneflower, crocosmia, gas plant, ironweed, and ornamental grasses. When designing your landscape, remember to consider the light conditions and choose plants that are appropriate for the amount of sun or shade the area receives. Avoid planting Dendranthema near trees, as they may compete for light and water.

Planting and Care

• Soil Preparation Prepare the soil by loosening it and mixing in compost or well-rotted manure to improve drainage and fertility. Dendranthema prefers a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH of 6.5 to 7.0. Avoid planting near trees, as they may compete for resources.
• Planting Depth Plant Dendranthema at the same depth it was grown in the pot. Ensure the top of the root ball is level with the ground. Planting too deep can cause the stems to rot. Space mums 18 to 36 inches apart, depending on their expected size at maturity, to ensure good air circulation.
• Watering Needs Water regularly, especially during dry periods, to keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy. Avoid overhead watering, as it can promote fungal diseases. Water at the base of the plant or use a soaker hose. While Dendranthema needs consistent moisture, overwatering can be just as harmful as underwatering, leading to root rot and other problems. Dendranthema tolerates some light shade but may become leggy in low light conditions.
• Fertilization Fertilize monthly with a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) during the growing season. Stop fertilizing when flower buds emerge.
• Pruning Pinch back stems regularly to encourage bushier growth and more flowers. When new shoots are 3 to 4 inches tall, pinch off the top, leaving 2 to 3 leaves on the shoot. Continue pinching every 2 to 3 weeks until mid-July.
• Winter Care While often called "Hardy Mums," it is important to note that some Dendranthema varieties may not be reliably winter hardy in all climates. In colder climates, protect Dendranthema during the winter by mulching around the base of the plant with leaves or straw after the ground has frozen. Do not cut back mums in the fall, as the dead growth helps insulate the roots.

Other Insights for Gardeners

• Pollinator Attraction: Dendranthema is a valuable plant for attracting pollinators to the garden. Its vibrant colors and sweet fragrance are particularly appealing to bees and butterflies.
• Symbolism: In many cultures, chrysanthemums hold symbolic meaning. In Asian cultures, they often symbolize longevity, happiness, and good fortune. In Japan, the chrysanthemum is the emblem of the imperial family. Interestingly, the dew collected from the flowers is said to promote longevity in some cultures.
• Pests and Diseases: While generally pest-tolerant, Dendranthema can be susceptible to aphids, Japanese beetles, mites, slugs, snails, and nematodes. Potential diseases include leaf spot, mildew, and rust. Regular inspection and appropriate treatment can help prevent and manage these issues.

Dendranthema, with its extended bloom time, diverse colors, and low-maintenance care, is a rewarding addition to any garden. By understanding its unique characteristics and following the planting and care tips outlined in this guide, gardeners can enjoy the beauty and versatility of these remarkable plants for years to come. Whether used in borders, mass plantings, as edging, or in containers, Dendranthema offers a wealth of possibilities for enhancing the garden landscape. Its ability to attract pollinators and its cultural significance add further value to this beloved perennial. With proper care and attention, Dendranthema will reward gardeners with a stunning display of fall color and contribute to a thriving garden ecosystem.