The majestic mums of today have undergone many changes. First, their nomenclature is now botanically known as Dendranthema grandiflora . Next, their hardiness and blooming times have been greatly improved for North Dakota gardeners. They come through the winter with greater success and their flowering can often be enjoyed as much as two weeks sooner than in the past. To achieve this dependable blooming and winter hardiness, mums must be grown in a way that assures full sunlight, ample water, well-drained soil and proper fertilization.
Mums offer a great diversity in plant habit, flower color, and form.
This makes them excellent candidates for both landscaping and cut flower purposes. Many of the cultivars introduced over the past 10 to 25 years were selected for mounded form, called cushion mums. These are more compact and densely self-branching, and provide a great showing of flowers. In the autumn garden, these bright, fresh splashes of color are unrivaled. They may be used to advantage in landscape and foundation plantings, or in the garden.