Mums and dahlias are indeed related. Both belong to the Asteraceae family, which is also known as the aster, daisy, or sunflower family. This family is one of the largest plant families, consisting of over 23,000 species spread across various genera.
The dahlia plant, known for its stunning blooms, is a member of the Dahlia genus within the Asteraceae family. Mums, on the other hand, belong to the Chrysanthemum genus within the same family. While they may have different common names, both mums and dahlias share a close botanical relationship.
Mums and dahlias have some similarities in terms of their growth habit and flower structure. Both plants are herbaceous perennials, meaning they die back to the ground in winter and regrow from their roots each spring. They both produce showy flowers with multiple layers of petals, creating a beautiful and eye-catching display.
However, there are also some differences between mums and dahlias. Mums typically have smaller, daisy-like flowers with a central disc surrounded by ray petals. They come in a wide range of colors and forms, including single, semi-double, and fully double flowers. Mums are popular as fall-blooming plants, adding vibrant colors to gardens and landscapes when other plants may be fading.
Dahlias, on the other hand, are known for their larger and more intricate blooms. They come in a wide variety of flower forms, including cactus, ball, pompon, waterlily, and dinnerplate types. Dahlias are often prized for their vibrant colors, ranging from soft pastels to bold and dramatic hues. They are popular as summer-blooming plants and are often used in cut flower arrangements.
In my personal experience as a gardening enthusiast, I have grown both mums and dahlias in my garden. I have always found it fascinating to observe the similarities and differences between these two related plants. Their striking blooms have always been a highlight of my garden, attracting bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
To summarize, mums and dahlias are related as they both belong to the Asteraceae family. While they share some similarities in terms of growth habit and flower structure, they also have distinct characteristics that make each of them unique. Whether you choose to grow mums or dahlias, both plants can add beauty and color to your garden or landscape.
