Why Spider Mums Are Becoming An Increasingly Popular Flower To Grow

Flowers don't need to be saved for special occasions or grown for blooms at the peak of summer. In fact, Chrysanthemums are great flowers to plant for a fall splash of color — one that's sure to bring joy to any space or garden. One of the more popular species of the Chrysanthemum genus, the spider mum (Dendranthema x grandiflorum), has gained acclaim due to its unique blossom shape and the fact that its cuttings last much longer than many other flowers'. Believe it or not, as long as you change the water often and keep the vase in a bright location, these mums will maintain their beauty for up to three weeks after being cut. 

Also known as Fuji mums, these late-season bloomers make for a lovely flower arrangement due to their unique petals and bright colors. They can bloom up to 6 inches wide and their colors range from white to purple to yellow, as well as many others. Spider mums are known specifically for their long, tubular petals that hang loosely from the stem. These flexible offshoots are singular flowers called florets and are not dissimilar to the appearance of spider legs, hence the name "spider mum."

Spider mums are not typically found in a flower shop, so to plant them, you will need to locate rooted cuttings online through a specialty nursery. These flowers do well when disbudded, a process where smaller side flowers are removed to make room, so the plant produces fewer but larger blossoms. It's also important to keep in mind seasonality before planting your clippings. 

These flowers are perennial plants in zones 5 to 9 and can help you create a stunning flower garden if you plant and care for them correctly. Spider mums do best when planted in late spring or early summer. Though seasonality is key, the location of the flower is another important factor. Spider mums prefer dappled sunlight for around six to eight hours a day and need an area that's damp but not soggy. Spider mums have a similar care regimen as traditional mums and aren't terribly difficult to tend to. If frost occurs before the end of the growing season, covering the mums with a frost blanket or row cover will help protect them from damage.