Chrysanthemum Guide: C-E

Cameo

Hardy to zone 4-9
Stem length: 16-18 inches
Blossom size: 2 inches
Bloom Time: Mid September

Cameo is a soft and elegant chrysanthemum that brings a vintage charm to any fall garden. With Light lavender petals that gently fade to cream near the center, this variety creates a romantic and ethereal effect. Its stems grow between 16-18 inches tall, making them perfect for both fresh-cut arrangements and garden borders.

Blooming mid-September, Cameo extends the beauty of autumn with its dreamy pastel hues. It pairs beautifully with deeper-toned mums or can be planted in masse for a stunning monochromatic display. Whether in a floral arrangement or swaying in the garden, Cameo is a timeless favorite.

Carrousel

Hardy to zone 4-9
Stem length: 26-34 inches
Blossom size: 4 inches
Bloom Time: Mid October

Carrousel is a vibrant chrysanthemum with eye-catching, bi-colored blooms that feature bold purple petals tipped in lavendar with spoon like petals. This striking contrast makes it a standout in any garden setting. The plant grows to a height of 26-34 inches, with sturdy stems that hold up well in floral arrangements.

Blooming in mid-October, Carrousel adds a fun and festive feel to fall gardens. Whether planted alongside deep purples and oranges for a warm autumn palette or used to bring contrast to softer pastels, this variety offers a lively, show-stopping display perfect for the season.

Centennial Sun

Hardy to zone 5-9
Stem length: 16 inches
Blossom size: 1 1/2 inches
Bloom Time: Early September

Another creation from University of Minnesota,Centennial Sun is a radiant chrysanthemum that brings a burst of golden yellow to the fall garden. With bright, sunshine-hued petals and a slightly darker center, this variety stands out as a cheerful and eye-catching addition to any planting scheme. Stems grow 16 inches tall as a  mounding bush with prolific blooms. 

Blooming early September, Centennial Sun is an end of summer favorite that keeps the garden glowing well into autumn. Whether planted in mass groupings for a golden sea of color or mixed with deeper reds and purples, this variety shines with warmth and vibrancy, making it an essential choice for autumn floral displays.

Centerpiece
Hardy to zone 4-9
Stem length: 24 inches
Blossom size: 4 inches
Bloom Time: Early September

Centerpiece is a show-stopping chrysanthemum designed to command attention in any fall garden or floral arrangement. Its large, lush, deep lavender blooms feature delicate duplex quill petals, creating a striking and sophisticated look. Blooming in early September, this variety stands out for its exceptional uniformity, growing to a compact 24 inches while producing an abundance of flowers. Its frost-resistant blooms make it a reliable choice for gardeners looking to extend the beauty of their autumn displays.

Ideal for cut flower production, Centerpiece is a must-have for both home gardeners and floral designers seeking long-lasting and resilient blooms. The sturdy stems and prolific flowering habit make it a prime selection for bouquets, adding a touch of elegance with its soft yet vibrant color. Thriving in USDA hardiness zones 4-9, this variety is well-suited for gardens in colder climates like Minnesota, where its frost resistance ensures a beautiful floral display even as temperatures begin to drop. Whether planted in borders, mass groupings, or cutting gardens, Centerpiece is a dependable and dazzling addition to any fall landscape.

Cheerleader
Hardy to zone 4-9
Stem length: 28-36 inches
Blossom size: 5-6 inches
Bloom Time: Late September

Cheerleader is a bright and energetic chrysanthemum that brings warmth and enthusiasm to any fall garden or floral arrangement. Its deep golden-orange petals create a bold, eye-catching display, making it an ideal variety for those looking to add a burst of autumn color. Blooming in late September, this big incurved football mum produces stunning 5-6 inch blooms that radiate vibrancy and richness.

A versatile and impressive variety, Cheerleader thrives as both a garden showpiece and a premium cut flower. Its sturdy 28-36 inch stems provide excellent support for its large, luxurious blooms, making it an outstanding choice for fresh floral arrangements. This variety can also be disbudded to produce even larger, more dramatic blooms, perfect for floral competitions or statement bouquets. Hardy to zone 4-9, Cheerleader is a resilient and long-lasting addition to any fall garden, ensuring a grand display throughout the season.

Coral Daisy
Hardy to zone 3-9
Stem length: 24-32 inches
Blossom size: 3 inches
Bloom Time: Early October

Coral Daisy is a stunning daisy-style chrysanthemum that brings warmth and elegance to the autumn garden. Its delicate coral-pink petals gradually deepen to a soft lavender-pink, creating a captivating color transition throughout the season. With 3-inch blooms set against rich green foliage, this variety reaches a stem length of 24-32 inches, making it perfect for garden borders and cut flower arrangements. Blooming in early October, Coral Daisy adds a vibrant touch to fall landscapes while maintaining a refined, airy presence.

As part of the Mammoth™ series, these daisies are exceptionally hardy and were developed by the University of Minnesota for superior vigor. Once established, they can grow up to 3 feet tall and mound to an impressive 4 feet across, producing hundreds of vibrant flowers. Unlike common pot mums, Coral Daisy thrives in colder climates, overwintering dependably to Zone 3 while also performing well in southern gardens. With a dense, bushy growth habit, this variety requires no pruning, pinching, or deadheading, making it a low-maintenance yet high-impact addition to any garden. 

Daisy White
Hardy to zone 3-9
Stem length: 16-24  inches
Blossom size: 3 inches
Bloom Time: Late September

Daisy White is a stunning member of the Mammoth™ series, known for its exceptional cold hardiness and vigorous growth. Unlike traditional chrysanthemums, this hardy perennial thrives down to Zone 3, making it an excellent choice for gardeners in colder climates. Its pure white, daisy-like blooms measure 3 inches in diameter and provide a crisp, elegant contrast against the rich greens and warm hues of fall foliage. Blooming abundantly on sturdy 16-24 inch stems, Daisy White is perfect for garden borders, mass plantings, and cut flower arrangements. Its long-lasting blossoms bring a timeless, sophisticated charm to wedding bouquets and floral displays, ensuring beauty from early autumn through the first frost.

True to the Mammoth™ name, Daisy White spreads generously, forming a dense, mounding habit that can reach up to 4 feet across when fully mature. Each plant becomes covered in hundreds of blooms, creating an eye-catching display that often surprises gardeners and passersby—many will find it hard to believe daisies are still flourishing so late in the season! This variety’s impressive floral show makes it a standout in any landscape, drawing pollinators and admirers alike. Beyond its garden appeal, Daisy White boasts a remarkable vase life of up to two weeks, making it a favorite among florists and home decorators. With its low-maintenance nature and abundant blossoms, this hardy mum is a must-have for those looking to extend their garden’s beauty well into the fall.

Debutant
Hardy to zone 5-9
Stem length: 18-24 inches
Blossom size: 3.5 inches
Bloom Time: Early October

Debutante Chrysanthemum makes a striking entrance into the late summer and fall garden, gracing landscapes with its vibrant fuchsia blooms. As its name suggests, this variety debuts with an elegant presence, featuring large 3.5-inch flowers that stand out against the changing autumn hues. Growing on sturdy 18-24 inch stems, Debutante is ideal for both fresh-cut arrangements and mixed borders, providing a burst of color when most other plants begin to fade. Chrysanthemums are a garden essential for the fall season, and Debutante’s brilliant blossoms ensure a long-lasting, eye-catching display.

This medium-to-tall mum produces an abundance of large flowers, making a bold statement in any garden. It thrives when given plenty of space, forming a lush, full-bodied plant that reliably returns each year. Whether planted in garden beds, mass plantings, or containers, Debutante offers a dynamic display that pairs beautifully with other autumn favorites. Its ability to bloom prolifically makes it a standout among mums, providing a dazzling show of color. For even more variety, explore our full selection of chrysanthemums to find the perfect complement to this stunning fuchsia beauty.

Doliette
Hardy to zone 5-9
Stem length: 18-24 inches
Blossom size: 3 inches
Bloom Time: Early to Mid October

Dolliette Chrysanthemum is a true standout in the garden, captivating growers and collectors alike with its striking spoon-shaped petals and ever-changing color palette. This extraordinary novelty mum begins its bloom with rich bronze petals tipped in red, gradually transforming into a mesmerizing ombre of orange, yellow, red, and even hints of purple as the season progresses. A mid-season bloomer, Dolliette reaches a medium height, making it an excellent choice for garden borders, floral arrangements, and eye-catching container plantings. With its dynamic color shifts and vintage appeal, it’s no wonder this variety evokes a nostalgic nod to the bold and earthy tones of the 1970s.

Renowned for its uniqueness, Dolliette is one of the first chrysanthemums to sell out every year. Its one-of-a-kind color transformation and unusual petal shape make it a must-have for mum enthusiasts and collectors of rare garden varieties. Whether displayed in the garden or cut for bouquets, its long-lasting blooms provide an ever-changing display of autumn hues. Dolliette’s ability to blend seamlessly with other fall favorites, while still commanding attention with its vibrant, fiery tones, makes it a garden essential for those seeking something truly special. Don’t wait too long to add this extraordinary mum to your collection, its high demand means it won’t be available for long!

Dorothy Degn
Hardy to zone 4-9
Stem length: 18-24 inches
Blossom size: 3.5 inches
Bloom Time: Early October

Dorothy Degn Chrysanthemum is a breathtaking addition to any fall garden, featuring striking brunt red blooms with bright yellow centers and lemon-tipped petals. Its refined, ferny green foliage adds an elegant contrast, providing texture and depth throughout the growing season. This upright-mounded perennial is not only visually stunning but also highly functional, thriving in garden beds, borders, and patio containers. Blooming abundantly from early to late fall, Dorothy Degn is a standout variety that delivers vibrant color when most other plants begin to fade. Its long-lasting flowers make it an exceptional choice for fresh-cut arrangements, ensuring warmth and beauty indoors as well as out.

With a moderate growth rate, Dorothy Degn can reach 24 inches in both height and spread, forming a dense, bushy habit that requires minimal maintenance. It is highly resilient, returning each year with a reliable display of color, and is naturally deer-resistant, making it an excellent option for low-maintenance landscapes. This variety is best pruned in early spring to encourage vigorous growth and should be left undisturbed in late winter to protect the crown. Ideal for mass plantings, border edging, and container gardening, Dorothy Degn Chrysanthemum is a versatile and dependable choice for autumn interest. Whether used in floral displays or garden landscapes, this exceptional mum is sure to be a seasonal favorite year after year