Cut mums · daisy poms · button mums
Cut mums and daisies are the cheerful workhorses of a mixed arrangement: big football mums, spider mums, cushion poms, button mums and white daisy poms. They are some of the longest-lasting flowers there are.
Most of the “daisies” in our arrangements are actually daisy-type chrysanthemums, which is why they last so well. Gerbera daisies are a different flower with their own needs; they have their own guide.
The leaves go first, so keep them out of the water
Strip every leaf below the water line. Mum leaves soften and cloud the water long before the flowers fade, and dirty water is what shortens their life.
Change the water every two or three days and these flowers can easily last two weeks.
When your flowers arrive
- Fill a clean vase with cool water and flower food.
- Cut about an inch off each stem at an angle. Mum stems are firm, so use sharp clippers or a knife rather than pulling.
- Pull off all the leaves that would sit below the water.
- Get the stems into water right away.
- Set the vase out of direct sun.
Where to put them
Mums are easy to please. Keep them out of the sun and away from heat.
- Any room out of direct sun is fine.
- Keep them away from heat vents and ripening fruit.
- A cooler room makes them last even longer.
Everyday care
Mums & Daisies
Chrysanthemum and daisy-type flowers
- Vase life
- Ten days to two weeks or more.
- Water
- Top up daily and change it every two or three days.
- Stems
- Re-cut an inch every few days.
- Flower food
- Use the packet if one came with them.
- Temperature
- Room temperature is fine; cooler is better.
- Watch for
- Leaves drooping or yellowing before the flowers. Pull them off.
Chrysanthemums and daisies can cause drooling, vomiting and skin irritation in cats and dogs if chewed. Keep the vase out of reach. If any part is eaten, call your veterinarian.
Quick fixes
Leaves wilting but flowers fine
Normal for mums. Pull off the tired leaves.
Cloudy or smelly water
Leaves in the water. Strip them, wash the vase and refill.
Whole stems drooping
Thirst or a blocked stem. Re-cut an inch and refill with cool water.
Petals browning at the edges
The flowers are aging or sitting in sun. Move them out of the light.
Centers turning dark on daisies
A sign of age. Remove those stems to keep the rest looking fresh.
Petals shedding
The end of their life. Enjoy the long run they gave you.
Common questions
How long do cut mums last?
Often ten days to two weeks or more, longer than almost any other cut flower.
Are the daisies in my arrangement real daisies?
Most are daisy-type chrysanthemums, which is why they last so long.
Why do mum leaves wilt before the flowers?
The leaves age faster. Strip them off below the water line and keep the water clean.
Are chrysanthemums toxic to pets?
They can cause drooling, vomiting and skin irritation in cats and dogs. Keep them out of reach.
More flower care guides
Gerbera Daisies
Gerbera jamesonii
Shallow, very clean water and a fresh cut keep the stems straight.
Read the guide →Carnations
Dianthus caryophyllus
One of the longest-lasting cut flowers. Cut between the joints and keep the water fresh.
Read the guide →Mums
Chrysanthemum
Never let it dry out. Cool temperatures make the blooms last.
Read the guide →About pets and plants: The pet notes in this guide are general plant knowledge from our florists, not veterinary or medical advice. If a pet chews or swallows any part of a plant, contact a licensed veterinarian right away, or call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435. If a person swallows any part of a plant, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.
“So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.”1 Corinthians 3:7
Questions about your plant?
Call or text us. We are always glad to help, whether you bought it from us or not.
Call or text (984) 250-7771 Clayton Florist · 11440 Clayton Blvd, Clayton, NC 27520claytonncflorist.com