A True Perennial
Garden Mum

Autumn Red

It was bred in Minnesota and tested all over the U.S. and Canada, proving hardy even in winters as cold as 30 below zero. In addition, test plants in bloom suffered no ill effects from several days of snow and 26 degree low temperatures followed by 70 degree days.

Autumn Red was the first color introduced from the complete series. The plant's spreading rootstock forms a broad clump, is naturally mounding and requires NO PINCHING, no pruning, no staking, and no deadheading. Each plant will spread out to 3' in diameter, showing up to 1,000 blooms the first year, then up to 5,000 blooms the second. Flowers open over a long period with new flowers growing over the old ones. Prior to blooming, the plants make an attractive low hedge. After blooming, just cut them back about a third. Then after the winter die-back, trim off at ground level.

Seemingly free from serious pests and diseases, the Perennial Garden Mum attracts bees and butterflies too! Buy either in an 8" decorative pot or the huge 3-plant 10" planter size.

Suggested uses: Border backgrounds, banks, shrub beds, and as cut flowers.

While much of the information in these tips is applicable in several gardening zones/climates, some of the plants and timing suggested are best suited to the Northwest, generally in the mild/wet growing regions found along the I-5 corridor. You should make appropriate adjustments or consult local gardening experts in regions whose climates differ from this area of the Northwest.