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

Unlike annual decorative chrysanthemums, the 'Sunny' Igloo Mum is a true perennial designed to return faithfully each year. It naturally forms a perfect, uniform dome—without any pinching—which becomes covered in a multitude of bright, sunny yellow daisy-like flowers. It's the promise of a reliable and effortless explosion of fall colour, brightening up flower beds from late summer until the first frosts.

Characteristics

• Foliage: Healthy, lobed, dark green foliage that forms a dense, attractive mound all season.
• Flowering: A profusion of cheerful, bright yellow, single daisy-type flowers with a golden centre. The bloom is so abundant that it nearly hides the foliage at its peak.
• 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, spring planting and a good winter mulch are highly recommended.
• 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 containers (ensuring it is planted in the ground by early summer at the latest so it can establish for winter).
• Decorative Advantages: Provides a vibrant and reliable 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, as this can compromise its flowering. Cut the stems back to the ground in late fall after a frost or 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