Flower spotlight: varieties of mums

Chrysanthemums, commonly known as mums, are traditionally thought of as a fall blooming plant at greenhouses, but in cut flower form - there are thousands of varieties in all sorts of colors, sizes, and different looks that are available year around. Mums are the second most popular bloom in the world after roses, which have maintained the top spot for decades. There are so many varieties that you may not even recognize them as mums.

• chrysanthemum Daisies come smothered on a single stem with multiple heads in stunning colors with yellow eyes.
• Quilled and spider mums are both quirky and unique. Their blooms are a bit more erratic in form and size. Quilled bloom varieties have long, thin, straight petals that resemble matchsticks, which is why that is also one of their nicknames. The spider mum has long, thin petals that curl at the end that giving it the appearance of spider legs. Both are fun and unique and add a funky element to arrangements.
• Cushion mums are more balanced in form and add a lovely, classic touch to almost any bouquet. Each one features shorter, wider petals, which give these blooms a more symmetrical look.
• The "anemone chrysanthemum" features a cushion-like cluster of petals in the center surrounded by longer, more slender petals.
• Button mums (also called pompom mums) are more globe-shaped with short petals that hide the center disc.

• Thistle mums have become more prevalent in wedding bouquets and arrangements in recent years. Characterized by long, thin tubular petals that often grow in every direction, mimicking a paintbrush. Though they grow very small (only 2 inches in diameter), they deliver a big character when included in a mixed bouquet. Brides love them, however, because they look wonderful and work well in filling out floral sprays.

There are way too many different varieties of mums to talk about all of them here, but we encourage you to keep an eye out and see if you can spot some of the many varieties of mums next time you’re picking out a bouquet!