i've had the old Sheffield pink&, Will's wonderful for years and they have not changed color. Could it be that these old mums' are just more stable. It seems to me if you grow a named variety that have been around for years it should be stable in all regards. OTOH the unnamed mass produced ones are generally grown for one season to be discarded after they are through. So, in theory, they don't have to have the same consistent color or habit the next season. because, in theory, they aren't going live that long. Maybe whatever treatment they are sujected to only lasts one bloom cycle. When we sucessfully grow those anonymous mums another year, we're defying the growers' odds and premsise about the longevity But I think we have to take what we get! As I said, I am wondering, not stating fact.

Woody, very interesting how that photo from October looks like a different plant all together. It has an open center? I love those for pollinators...a single, not a double? Very pretty! I've posted these photos before, so my apologies for those who have already seen them. I enjoy Mums. I have bought locally and been surprised that some of them have come back year after year. Those local Mums though are never named. This one is my favorite and I bought it at Bluestone Perennials. It's called 'Amber Morning' Here are two that were bought locally and are NOID. And that's more of the NOID Tangerine Mum with a white that I bought at Bluestone called 'Starlight'. It's still offered I believe.

I would like hardy mums in my front bed but can't find any for sale in Canada despite the fact I know some have been developed in the west. I am in zone 6b and have some success with the decorative mums sold everywhere but I would really like some reliable hardy ones.

the issue of planting ANYTHING in july.. is heat and the ability to water deeply and properly .. so that a new transplant can get established ... one of the reasons we plant big transplants in dormancy .. or early spring.. is so the roots have 6 to 8 weeks to settle down so be able to cope with mid summer heat.. especially in the midwest ... i had near 100 last week ... and im sure you getting close to it now ... one thing is how cold it get at night.. and whether there is an overnight recovery period.. and thats what usually runs out about this time of year ... im talking low 50s .. or even into the high 40s at night ... soooooooo ... just about your only option by this time.. is to pot them up .. in some good media... and grow the transplants in pots.. in bright shade ... and then plant them in fall.. like the plants you would be buying from big box in fall ... in other words.. that what those growers are doing right now also ... ken