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Mums are very popular in Iowa gardens due to a long display of color from mid summer to frost. The flowers can increase in size and bloom if pinched in late spring and early summer. True hardy garden mums have had a recent history of name changing that can easily confuse the most experienced gardener. First, they were designated into the genus Chrysanthemum, then they were reclassified as a new genus Dendranthema. Recently, this genus reclassification was rescinded and now the flower is back in Chrysanthemum. So, due to all this confusion, you may find the name listed as either Chrysanthemum x morifolium, Dendranthema x morifolium, Dendranthema grandiflorum, or Dendranthema x grandiflorum. Despite this difficulty in the scientific name, the name "mum" has stuck with them and they are easy to find in garden centers throughout the Midwest and U.S. So, if you would like an easy to grow flower that your grandmother likely has in her garden, the dependable mum will fill that niche nicely for you.

Please note that the Zones listed above are USDA Hardiness Zones and are only given as a rough indication of whether a plant will grow and thrive in your area. Temperature variations and unusual weather conditions can affect plant survival. To assist plant survival during the winter, you may wish to place mulch over the areas in question or plant the flowers in an area away from walls or cement. Additionally, digging up bulbs and roots to overwinter indoors may be preferrable to keeping them in the ground.