The Chrysanthemum Cultivars
Chrysanthemums are usually considered herbaceous perennials. However, if you wish to grow Chrysanthemum plants in your area as perennials, select an appropriate cultivar. Your local county extension can offer advice in this matter. A spring planting is best, giving the chrysanthemum flowers time to become established before winter. Chrysanthemums come in a wide variety of colors, including white, off-white, yellow, gold, bronze, red, burgundy, pink, lavender and purple. Mum plants can grow to be 2-3 feet high, depending on the cultivar and growing conditions. Chrysanthemums also come in many flower forms; that is, chrysanthemums are often grouped by the shape and arrangement of their petals. The most popular flower form is the "decorative," which is so packed with long, broad petals that you can hardly see its center.
Cushion Mums I began raising cushion mums more by default than plan. They were on a half price sale late in the season. Too late to do much pinching, but they did bloom well and I now have 22 plants taken from the original 6. I am looking forward to spring in great anticipation of good things to come.