Chrysanthemum × morifolium
Light: Morning sun with afternoon shade; protect from intense western exposure. Aim for 4–6 hours of direct morning light.
Water: Moderate to regular water; keep soil evenly moist but never soggy. Water deeply when the top inch begins to dry; containers require more frequent checks in hot weather.
Soil: Well-drained soil enriched with compost. Use quality potting mix in containers and avoid heavy, poorly drained soil.
Mature size: Typically 1–3 feet tall and 1–3 feet wide, depending on cultivar.
Bloom: Primarily fall, as nights lengthen; nursery plants may be forced into bloom at other times. Phoenix heat can delay flowering.
Evergreen / deciduous: Herbaceous perennial, often dying back in winter; may remain partly leafy during mild Phoenix winters. Frequently treated as a seasonal annual.
Growth rate: Moderate to fast during mild weather.