Chrysanthemum (Dendranthemum) Igloo 'Firedance' – Hardy Mum 'Firedance'

Unlike annual decorative chrysanthemums, the 'Firedance' Igloo Mum is a true, robust perennial designed to return faithfully each year. It naturally forms a perfect, uniform dome—without any pinching—that ignites in the fall with a multitude of fiery orange-red flowers. It's the promise of a long-lasting and effortless explosion of warm colours to heat up the late-season garden, from the end of summer until the first frosts.

Characteristics

• Foliage: Healthy, dark green, lobed foliage that forms a dense mound and serves as a backdrop for the flamboyant blooms.
• Flowering: A profusion of single, daisy-type flowers in a warm and intense shade of orange-red or coppery-bronze, highlighted by a golden centre.
• Light: Full sun is essential for optimal performance, a compact habit, and maximum flowering.
• Habit: Adopts a naturally rounded and very uniform dome shape. The great quality of the Igloo series is that it requires no pruning (pinching) to achieve this perfect form.
• Growth: With moderate growth, it forms a well-established cushion of 45 to 60 cm (18-24 in) in height and width.
• Soil: Requires very well-drained soil, especially during the winter. It does not tolerate stagnant moisture, which can cause its roots to rot.
• Temperature: A reliable and hardy perennial in Zone 4. To maximize its chances of survival, proper planting and protection in the fall are crucial.
• Resistance: Good general resistance to common chrysanthemum diseases.

Use

• Types of Use: Ideal for the front of a border, in a mass planting for a colourful effect, or in fall containers before being planted in the ground for the winter.
• Decorative Advantages: Provides a warm and flamboyant fall colour that returns year after year. Its perfect cushion shape adds wonderful structure to the late-season garden.

Care

• Watering: Water regularly during the growing season, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Avoid overwatering.
• Fertilization: Fertilize lightly in the spring with a balanced fertilizer or compost.
• Pruning: Do not pinch the plant during the summer. It is best to leave the foliage in place for the winter and cut the stems back to the ground in early spring.
• Planting: To give your perennial mum the best chance to establish before winter, plant it in the ground as soon as possible after purchase. Choose a location in full sun where the soil offers impeccable drainage, as chrysanthemums hate having their roots in stagnant water during the winter.
• Winter Protection: This is the most important step for its survival. After the first hard frosts, leave the foliage in place to protect the crown. Then, apply a mulch of shredded leaves or straw (10-15 cm) over the base to insulate it from freeze-thaw cycles.

For ideas and advice, read our blog:

Chrysanthemums, for a colourful autumn