decorative garden mum

When watering decorative garden mum, check the soil first with your finger to see if it needs water. Do not water if soil is still moist; wait until it is dry before watering. Water the mums deeply and thoroughly about once per week during the growing season (spring to late summer). As the mums start to wilt, this is a sign that it is time to water them. Pouring water slowly near the base of the mum is the best way to get to the roots where the water is needed most. Go slowly and allow the water to seep into the soil.

Decorative garden mum (Chrysanthemum 'Hillside Sheffield Pink') grows best in full sun to partial shade. It prefers at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day and flowering usually occurs when the plant is placed in full sun. For best bloom performance, the plant should be placed in an area that receives direct morning sunlight and afternoon shade. It will also benefit from some afternoon shade in hotter areas.

Decorative garden mum (Chrysanthemum 'Hillside Sheffield Pink') should be pruned twice during the growing season. In the spring, after the last frost has passed, prune back newly grown stems to a desired length, leaving at least 3 shoots at the base of the plant. This pruning encourages a bushier growth and more flower buds. During late summer, lightly prune along the plant’s main stem and remove any dried, browning stems until the desired shape is achieved. Cutting down these stems will encourage growth and flowering of new buds in the early fall months.