Chrysanthemum Species

Pyrethrum-Containing Species

• The Dalmatian chrysanthemum is sometimes placed in the Tanacetum genus, but is still considered a chrysanthemum by many botanists. It is the source of pyrethrum, a natural insecticide. The substance is derived from the flower’s dried petals. The flower repels pests if placed along the garden’s exterior. It has white petals and is daisylike in appearance. The red painted daisy (T. coccineum), considered a chrysanthemum by some, is also a pyrethrum source. It has vibrant, red or pink petals that bloom in June or July.

Ancient Species

• C. indicum and C. moriflorum are some of the oldest species and the basis for the thousands of cultivars that exist today. Most garden mums are hybrids of C. morifolum, particularly hardy varieties that bloom in fall. C. indicum, which has been cultivated for more than 1,000 years, has long been known for its antimicrobial and medicinal properties.

Yellow Chrysanthemums

• C. pacificu, which is native to Japan, is a unique chrysanthemum species because it grows clusters of buttonlike, golden flowers and scalloped-edge, green leaves outlined in white. Many cultivars come in yellow as well. Centennial Sun is a cultivar with bright yellow, decorative flowers that grow on mounded plants. Minnglow has decorative, lemon-yellow flowers, while Lemonsota develops lemon-yellow flowers in a pom-pom shape. For a deep-gold color, select cultivars such as Golden Jubilee or Goldstrike.

Red and Purple Chrysanthemums

• A variety of red, pink and purple mums are available for the home gardener. Betty Lou Maxi-mum is a red, button-bloom chrysanthemum. Dr. Longley, Naomi, Stardom and Sundoro are all pink-colored cultivars. Other red-colored mums include Minngopher, Remarkable and Bravo. For purple cultivars, try Venice Purple or Amor Dark Pink.