7 Flowers That Look Like Chrysanthemums

Chrysanthemums are beloved for their lush, full blooms, but many other flowers share this beautiful characteristic. From the vibrant dahlia to the classic aster, there are numerous alternatives perfect for adding variety to your garden or floral arrangements. 

This guide explores the best chrysanthemum lookalikes, detailing their unique features and how to care for them, especially within the context of Singapore’s climate. Discover a new favourite flower that captures the charm of the classic mum.

1. Asters

Asters are perhaps the closest and most well-known relatives to chrysanthemums. Their name means "star" in Greek, a fitting description for their starburst-like flower heads. They share that classic daisy-like structure with many single-form mums, featuring a bright central disc surrounded by delicate, radiating petals. They are a quintessential autumn flower in cooler climates, but in Singapore, they can be encouraged to bloom with the right care.

While they look similar, the centre of an aster is usually more pronounced and yellow compared to the often-hidden centre of a dense chrysanthemum. To grow asters successfully in Singapore, provide them with plenty of morning sun and some protection from the harsh afternoon glare. 

They thrive in well-draining soil and need consistent moisture, but be careful not to let their roots sit in water, as this can lead to root rot in our humid environment.

2. Shasta Daisies

For a look of pure, simple elegance, the Shasta daisy is a wonderful choice. Its resemblance to the single-petal form of a chrysanthemum is undeniable: crisp white petals encircle a bright yellow centre, creating a cheerful and timeless flower. While chrysanthemums come in a rainbow of colours, the Shasta daisy’s classic white and yellow combination offers a clean, sophisticated aesthetic.

They are perfect for creating a serene feel in a garden. Unlike the complex pompom mums, their beauty is in their simplicity. Shasta daisies are sun-lovers and will perform best in a spot that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. Good drainage is crucial. In Singapore, planting them in raised beds or pots with plenty of coarse sand or perlite mixed into the soil will help prevent waterlogging during our rainy seasons.

3. Coreopsis

Coreopsis, often called tickseed, brings a burst of sunshine to any garden space. Many varieties feature bright yellow and gold petals, some with fringed or serrated edges that give them a textured appearance similar to certain spider or quill chrysanthemums. Their cheerful and airy nature makes them a less dense but equally charming alternative.

One of the biggest advantages of Coreopsis for Singaporean gardeners is its hardiness. This is a plant that truly thrives in the sun and can tolerate periods of dryness better than many other flowering plants. This makes it an excellent, low-maintenance choice for sunny balconies or HDB corridor gardens where consistent watering can be a challenge. 

Annual Flowers With a Mum-Like Appearance

Annuals, which differ from perennial flowers, complete their entire life cycle in a single growing season, making them perfect for those who love to change up their garden’s look each year. They offer a burst of intense colour and are often easier to grow from seed, providing quick and satisfying results. In Singapore’s year-round growing season, many annuals can be planted at any time.

4. Dahlias

If you want a flower that truly rivals the complexity and form of a chrysanthemum, look no further than the dahlia. The sheer variety is breathtaking, with specific types that are almost indistinguishable from mums. The 'ball' and 'pompom' dahlia varieties produce perfectly spherical, dense flower heads with inwardly curved petals, mirroring the look of a pompom chrysanthemum exactly.

Dahlias grow from tubers, which are underground storage organs. In Singapore, it's important to plant them in rich, well-draining soil. Because their flower heads can be quite large and heavy, many dahlia varieties require staking to support their stems and prevent them from snapping. They are thirsty plants that need consistent moisture to produce their magnificent blooms, but good drainage is key to preventing the tubers from rotting in our humid weather.

5. Zinnias

Zinnias are a fantastic choice for both beginner and expert gardeners in Singapore. They are incredibly easy to grow from seed, love the heat, and bloom profusely. Certain varieties, like the 'dahlia-flowered' or 'cactus-flowered' types, produce large, multi-layered blooms that have the same full, rounded appearance as a chrysanthemum. They come in almost every colour imaginable, from soft pastels to vibrant, fiery reds and oranges.

Their love for hot weather makes them perfectly suited to our climate. Plant them in a sunny spot, provide regular water, and they will reward you with a continuous display of colour. Zinnias are one of the most reliable annuals for achieving that 'mum' look without the fuss. They are also excellent for attracting butterflies to your garden, adding another layer of life and beauty.

6. Marigolds

When thinking of marigolds, many picture the small French varieties. However, it is the large African marigolds (Tagetes erecta) that serve as a brilliant chrysanthemum substitute. These marigolds produce big, globe-like flower heads that can be several inches across. Their densely packed, ruffled petals create a perfect pompom shape that strongly resembles a ball chrysanthemum.

Beyond their beauty, marigolds are famous for their distinct, pungent scent, which is known to deter common garden pests. This makes them a wonderful companion plant. In Singapore's high humidity, ensure they have good air circulation to prevent fungal issues like powdery mildew. They are sun-loving and relatively drought-tolerant once established, making them a hardy and practical choice.

7. Gerbera Daisies

Gerbera daisies are the picture of floral perfection. Their large, perfectly formed flower heads feature concentric rings of radiating petals, giving them a clean, graphic look similar to single-form chrysanthemums. While they have a more open structure than a pompom mum, their bold size and flawless symmetry make them a popular alternative, especially as cut flowers.

Gerberas are a mainstay in flower shops for a reason: they are stunning in a vase. When growing them in Singapore, the key is excellent air circulation. They are prone to crown rot if water settles at the base of the plant. Planting them in pots with very porous soil and watering the soil directly, rather than overhead, will help them thrive. They bring a dose of vibrant, cheerful colour to any space.

Understanding the Appeal of Chrysanthemum-Like Flowers

The charm of a chrysanthemum, or "mum," lies in its wonderfully complex structure. Each flower head is actually a composite of many tiny individual flowers, creating a dense, layered appearance. This ranges from the classic daisy-like shape to the full, rounded pompom that is so iconic. Their rich texture and symmetrical form make them a favourite for bouquets and garden beds alike.

So, why would anyone look for an alternative? Sometimes, it is about variety. You might love the full-bodied look of a mum but wish for a different colour palette or size. In a tropical climate like Singapore, another key reason is practicality. 

While chrysanthemums are a staple during Chinese New Year, since they are among the flowers that signify new beginnings, they can be particular about their growing conditions. Seeking a flower that looks like a chrysanthemum often means finding a hardier, more heat-tolerant plant that offers a similar visual reward with less fuss.

How to Tell the Difference Between Mums and Their Lookalikes

While these flowers share a similar look, a closer inspection reveals their unique identities. Knowing what to look for, from the leaves to the bloom time, can help you become a more discerning gardener and flower lover.

A Closer Look at Foliage and Stems

One of the easiest ways to distinguish a true chrysanthemum is by its leaves. Chrysanthemum leaves are deeply lobed, with several points along each edge, and they often have a distinct, slightly herbaceous fragrance when crushed. In contrast, aster leaves are typically simpler and lance-shaped. Dahlia foliage is more complex, often described as pinnate, meaning it consists of multiple leaflets attached to a central stem. Marigold leaves are perhaps the most recognisable, with a fine, fern-like appearance and a very strong, pungent scent that is hard to mistake.

Comparing Bloom Time and Seasonality in Singapore

In temperate countries, mums are the undisputed queens of autumn. However, in tropical Singapore where we don't have distinct seasons, the concept of bloom time changes. Here, it is more about a plant's preference for heat and light. Many chrysanthemum varieties are 'short-day' plants, meaning they need long nights to trigger blooming, which can make flowering inconsistent here.

In contrast, lookalikes like zinnias and marigolds are true heat-lovers that will bloom happily year-round in our sunny climate. Dahlias and gerberas also perform well throughout the year, provided they get enough sun and the right care. This makes these alternatives a more reliable choice for continuous colour in a Singaporean garden.

Choosing the Right Flower for Your Arrangement

When creating a bouquet or floral arrangement, the characteristics of each flower matter. Chrysanthemums are prized for their exceptional vase life, often lasting for two weeks or more. Zinnias and gerbera daisies are also excellent cut flowers with a good vase life. Dahlias are stunning but can be more delicate, sometimes lasting less than a week.

The structure also plays a part. The strong, woody stems of chrysanthemums make them easy to work with. The stems of gerbera daisies can be softer and may need to be wired for support in certain designs. The heavy heads of some dahlia varieties require careful placement to ensure they don't droop. Understanding these small differences will help you choose the perfect bloom for your purpose.

Conclusion On Flowers That Look Like Chrysanthemums

While chrysanthemums hold a special place in the floral world, it is clear that many wonderful alternatives are available. The world of flowers is rich with options that capture the same full-petalled beauty you love. Flowers like dahlias, zinnias, and asters offer a similar visual appeal, each with its own unique charm and character. 

They also provide a range of growing habits, allowing you to find a perfect 'mum-like' flower that is well-suited to your garden in Singapore. We encourage you to experiment with these beautiful varieties and discover a new favourite. 

Show your special someone you're thinking of them with a beautiful bouquet; a flower delivery in Singapore is the perfect and convenient way to send your heartfelt wishes.

Contact us to know more flowers you can avail if mums are not in season. We’ll be glad to recommend the best selections.

Frequently Asked Questions About Flowers That Look Like Chrysanthemums

What Flower Is Mistaken for Chrysanthemum?

Asters are the flowers most commonly mistaken for chrysanthemums, especially the daisy-like varieties. They share a similar petal shape, a central disc, and bloom in similar colours. Pompom dahlias are also frequently confused with pompom chrysanthemums due to their nearly identical dense, spherical shape.

What Is a Flower That Looks Like a Mum but Isn't?

A great example is the zinnia. Many zinnia varieties grow dense, multi-layered petals in a rounded shape that strongly resembles a chrysanthemum. However, they are a distinct plant that belongs to a different genus. Zinnias are annuals that thrive in warm weather, making them a popular mum-like choice.

Are Marigolds Related to Chrysanthemums?

Yes, in a broad sense. Both marigolds and chrysanthemums belong to the very large Asteraceae family, which is also known as the daisy or composite family. This family relationship is why they share some structural similarities, such as having a composite flower head. However, they are in different genera and are not closely related.

Is Zinnia a Good Alternative to Chrysanthemum?

Absolutely. Zinnias are a fantastic alternative, especially in warmer climates like Singapore. They are easier to grow from seed, thrive in heat and sun, and come in a vast range of vibrant colours. Many zinnia varieties have been specifically bred to mimic the full, rounded look of a chrysanthemum.

How Should You Care for Chrysanthemums?

Chrysanthemums require specific care to flourish. They need at least six hours of direct sunlight per day and prefer rich, well-draining soil. Water them consistently, aiming to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. To encourage the classic bushy shape and abundant blooms, it is important to 'pinch' back the growing tips of the stems early in their growth cycle.

Are Chrysanthemums Hardy in Tropical Climates?

Chrysanthemums can be grown in tropical climates like Singapore, but they often present a challenge for gardeners. They can struggle with the intense heat and high humidity. Success often requires careful management of watering, ensuring excellent soil drainage, and providing some protection from the harshest midday sun. Many gardeners in Singapore find that annual alternatives like zinnias or marigolds perform more reliably.