The Chrysanthemum 'Herbstbrokat' is a genus from the sunflower or aster family (Compositae or Asterareae) and is commonly named mum or chrysanth. The mum is native to Asia and northeastern Europe. There are many species and the majority comes from China.
The word chrysanthemum is derived from the Ancient Greek where ‘chrysos’ means gold and ‘anthemom’ flower.
A Chrysanthemum prefers a sunny spot with well drained and rich soil. Mums tolerate quite some drought but do not like wet winters. Some protection against the summer sun in the warmer regions is advisable.
It is best to plant mums in spring. This allows the roots to develop during summer and fall which increases the chance that they survive the winter.
Mums will grow wider over the years. Do not plant them too close together because then they have to compete with each other and they will become more vulnerable to diseases.
By cutting off the tops during spring you stimulate the plant to branch out, become fuller and develop more flowers. You can do that by cutting off 2 to 3 centimeters (1 inch) when the plant reaches a height of about 15 centimeters (6 inches). Then cut off about 2 to 3 centimeters (1 inch) every 3 weeks until mid-June. This only applies to the mums that bloom in autumn.
Do not cut back the dead stems until spring. The dead stems protect the plant from the winter cold and the plant stays stronger if you allow the stems to die back naturally.
Because the Chrysanthemum 'Herbstbrokat' blooms so late in the year it provides a colorful note in the withered garden. The mum is ideal as cut flower.
If the center becomes thin and the plant is not as full and round as it used to be, you can dig it up and divide it. You discard the old, woody center and replant the younger, outer sections. It is best to do this in spring.
Attracts bees: no
Characteristic: newly emerging every year
Deer resistant: yes
Exposure: sun/ part shade
Flower color: yellow
Flowering time: October – November
Foliage color: green
Fragrant flower: no
Hardiness: -20 ºC (-4 ºF)
Height: 28 inches (70 cm)
Soil: normal