Chrysanthemum (Red)

Red-flowered chrysanthemums add a strong late-season accent, with bloom timing and flower form varying among selections. The wider group ranges from low cushion and pompon types to taller plants with larger decorative flowers, so the name of a selected cultivar matters when you need a particular size or flowering date. ## Placement and soil Plant garden mums in full sun and fertile, well-drained soil. Use a container or garden bed sized for the selected plant, and allow good air movement around the foliage. The [University of Utah Extension chrysanthemum guide](https://extension.usu.edu/yardandgarden/research/growing-chrysanthemums-in-the-home-garden) lists red among available flower colors, describes the range of flower forms, and recommends full sunshine and well-drained soil. ## Flowering Many garden mums bring color from midsummer until frost, but varieties differ in when they set buds. For a planned fall display, select a named variety with a bloom schedule suited to the local climate. ## Maintenance Water when rainfall is insufficient and do not let plants wilt. Keep the root zone draining freely. Established garden clumps can be divided every couple of years if they become crowded; use winter protection for fall-planted mums where freezing conditions are severe.