Garden hybrid
This is a garden hybrid, bred from more than one wild species, so it has no single species page of its own.
2 other cultivars
The Story
Plant Bio
Herbaceous perennial with deeply lobed, aromatic, dark green foliage. Forms a compact, bushy mound, valued for its late-season color.
Features unique, quill-like ray florets that are golden-yellow at the base and transition to fiery red-orange at the tips, resembling lit matchsticks. Blooms profusely from late summer to fall.
Uses & Benefits:
Bred from more than one wild species, so it has no species page of its own.
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
24 inches
Width
24 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Moderate
Humidity
Average
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Cultivated hybrid
Toxicity
Toxic to pets
Bloom period
Late summer – Late fall
In flower about 4 months of the year
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds or plug plants into well-drained soil in spring.
- Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged.
- Fertilize monthly with balanced fertilizer during growing season.
- Pinch back stems early to promote bushier growth.
- Mulch around plants to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
- Divide in early spring or fall every 2-3 years for best vigor.
Pro Tip
Ensure good air circulation to prevent powdery mildew.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water deeply once a week 🌱
- Deadhead spent blooms for continuous flowering
- Apply balanced fertilizer monthly
Don't
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Don't forget to mulch to retain moisture
- Avoid heavy pruning in late fall
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Pinch | ||||||||||||
| Winter Prep |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Matchstick Garden Mum questions
What zones can Matchstick Garden Mum grow in?
Matchstick Garden Mum is hardy in USDA Zones 5–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Matchstick Garden Mum deer resistant?
Not reliably. Deer may browse Matchstick Garden Mum, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.
When does Matchstick Garden Mum bloom?
Matchstick Garden Mum typically blooms in late summer through late fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Matchstick Garden Mum need full sun?
Matchstick Garden Mum does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
More Chrysanthemum to compare
May Queen Shasta Daisy
Chrysanthemum leucanthemum 'May Queen'
Becky Shasta Daisy
Chrysanthemum leucanthemum 'Becky'
Mammoth Chrysanthemum
Chrysanthemum x morifolium 'Mammoth'
Christy Garden Mum
Chrysanthemum x hybrida 'Christy'
Small Wonder Chrysanthemum
Chrysanthemum x morifolium 'Small Wonder'
Mammoth Mum
Chrysanthemum x morifolium 'Mammoth Mum'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Matchstick Garden Mum with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.