If you are looking for a stunning and colorful addition to your garden, you might want to check out the cushion mums. Cushion mums, also called button mums, are lovely groundcover plants that bloom late in the season, bringing splashes of color to your garden. They are easy to grow and maintain, making them perfect for home gardeners who want a beautiful and low-maintenance garden. In this post, we will discuss everything you need to know about how to grow cushion mums, from soil to light to water.
Cushion Chrysanthemums, or Chrysanthemum x morifolium ‘Cushion’, are a popular variety known for their mounded, compact growth habit that resembles a floral cushion. Their abundant, small-sized blooms cover the entire plant, creating a spectacular display of vibrant colors that range from whites and yellows to rich oranges, reds, and purples. This dense, plush appearance makes Cushion Chrysanthemums an eye-catching addition to any flower garden.
Zone Hardiness and Preparing the Soil
Cushion mums thrive best in USDA hardiness zones 5 through 9, where the climate varies from moderately cold to hot. Preparing the soil for these plants involves several steps. Begin by choosing a location that receives full sun for at least six hours each day. The soil should be well-draining as Cushion mums do not fare well in waterlogged conditions. Incorporate organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure into the soil to enhance its fertility. A pH level between 6.0 and 7.0 is ideal for these plants. If your soil leans towards the acidic side, you can make it more alkaline by adding lime, or if it’s too alkaline, you can lower the pH by adding sulfur or peat moss. Remember, taking the time to prepare the soil properly will greatly enhance the health and blooming potential of your Cushion mums.
Light and Water Requirements
When it comes to light and water requirements, cushion mums are quite specific in their needs. As sunshine-loving plants, they require at least six hours of direct sunlight a day to thrive. An area with morning sun and afternoon shade is perfect for these mums as the afternoon sun can sometimes be too harsh.
Watering needs for cushion mums are just as crucial. While they prefer moist, well-draining soil, over-watering or waterlogged conditions can lead to root rot. Water them deeply and thoroughly once or twice a week, depending on your local weather conditions. In hot, dry climates, you may need to water them more frequently. Always water at the base of the plant to keep the foliage dry and prevent fungal diseases. During the blooming season, make sure the plants receive adequate water to support their prolific flowering. But once the blooming season is over, reduce watering to prevent the roots from becoming waterlogged during the winter.
Fertilizing and Deadheading your Cushion Mums
Fertilizing is another essential aspect of growing Cushion Mums. Use a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 (Nitrogen-Phosphorous-Potassium) to promote overall plant health and vibrant blooms. Start fertilizing in early spring and continue until mid-summer. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the fertilizer package to avoid over-fertilization, which could potentially damage the plants.
Deadheading, or removing spent flowers, is a crucial task in maintaining your Cushion Mums. This process not only keeps your plants looking neat and attractive but also encourages them to produce more blooms. Begin deadheading as soon as the flowers start to fade and continue until the end of the blooming season. To deadhead, simply pinch off the spent flowers at their base using your fingers or a pair of clean, sharp pruning shears.
Remember, adequate and timely fertilizing, coupled with regular deadheading, will help ensure that your Cushion Mums stay healthy and produce a plethora of gorgeous blooms.
How to prepare your Cushion Mums for Winter
Preparing your Cushion Mums for winter involves a few important steps to ensure their survival and blooming potential for the following year.
Firstly, stop deadheading in late fall. Allow the last blooms of the season to remain on the plant. This helps the plant to naturally prepare for dormancy. Secondly, reduce watering, but don’t let the plants dry out completely. The soil should remain slightly moist.
Insulate your Cushion Mums by adding a layer of mulch around the base of the plants. This will protect the roots from severe cold and prevent freeze-thaw cycles that could heave the plants out of the ground. Use straw, pine needles, or shredded leaves for this purpose, applying a layer about 2-4 inches thick.
If the temperatures in your area drop below freezing, consider covering your mums with a breathable cloth or a frost blanket. Remove it during the day so the plant can get some sunlight and put it back in the evening.
Remember to avoid winter pruning. Leave the dead foliage and stems in place until spring. They act as a protective barrier against harsh winter weather. In spring, when new growth emerges, prune back the old stems to about 1 inch from the ground to make room for the new growth.
By taking these steps, you’re preparing your Cushion Mums to withstand the winter and return in the spring with a stunning display of blooms.
How to Grow Cushion Mums in Pots
Growing Cushion Mums in pots on your patio is a fantastic way to add color and beauty to your outdoor spaces. Start by selecting a pot that is at least 12 inches in diameter with a good drainage system to prevent the soil from becoming waterlogged. Fill the pot with a well-draining potting mix, ideally one that contains compost or well-rotted manure to enhance soil fertility.
Plant your Cushion Mum in the center of the pot, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface. After planting, water thoroughly and place the pot in a location that receives at least six hours of sunlight each day.
Caring for potted Cushion Mums involves the same practices as those grown in the garden. Regular watering is critical, but be careful not to overdo it. Aim to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Fertilize your potted mums with a balanced fertilizer from early spring until mid-summer. Deadhead spent flowers to promote further blooming and maintain the plant’s neat appearance.
With adequate care and attention, your potted Cushion Mums will thrive and create a stunning flower display on your patio.
Happy Gardening!
Cushion mums are lovely and easy-to-grow plants that can bring a burst of color and texture to any garden. If you provide them with well-draining soil, full sun or partial shade, regular watering, and a bit of TLC, they will reward you with a stunning display of flowers late in the season. Whether you want to plant them as a groundcover, a border, or a container plant, cushion mums are versatile and adaptable. Try growing them in your garden and see for yourself how beautiful and low-maintenance they can be.
Please be sure to check out my Gardening Blog Post page for more growing tips on growing Mums, Herbs, African Violets, bulbs and how to plant them, Flower Gardening, Vegetable and Fruit Gardening, Indoor Houseplants of all kinds, Cactus, Succulents, Hanging plants, Container Gardening and even Bird, Bee, Butterfly and Hummingbird Gardens!