Chrysanthemums—or “mums” as we love to call them—are the absolute stars of the fall garden. They come in so many amazing colors and shapes, and most varieties will keep your yard looking bright for weeks. The best part? These bushy beauties aren’t just for garden beds; they do great in containers and pots on your patio or balcony. And yes, you can actually keep them alive through the winter!
Overwintering on the Balcony
Perennial mums can handle the winter on a balcony without much fuss. Usually, you’ll want them in larger pots, as a standard window box is often too cramped for their vigorous root systems. When prepping for the cold, the most important thing is knowing which type of mum you have. Some varieties are tough as nails in freezing temps, while others need a little extra TLC to make it through.
Hardy Varieties
For the tough guys, wait until late fall after the blooms have faded, then cut them back to just above the soil line. Move the pot to a spot protected from the wind—tucking it right up against a warm house wall is perfect. Place the pot on a wooden board or a piece of Styrofoam to insulate it from the cold ground. Wrap the pot itself in burlap or garden fleece, and give the plant a loose “blanket” of brushwood or pine branches. This keeps the root ball from freezing solid.
Sensitive Varieties
If your mums are a bit more delicate, they can still survive with a little help. Cut them back just like the hardy ones, but bring them indoors to “cold house” conditions. This basically means a cool, dim spot where temperatures stay around 50°F (10°C). Great winter homes include:
- An unheated sunroom or conservatory
- An unheated greenhouse
- A bright garage
- A cool hallway or mudroom
Don’t forget to give them a drink! Even in winter storage, mums need a little water. Water them regularly but sparingly—you definitely want to avoid soggy roots or standing water.
Some Frost-Resistant Varieties
There are so many winter-hardy mums out there that it can be hard to choose! They vary wildly in bloom shape, color, and timing. If you’re looking for something frost-proof, check out these favorites:
- Goldmarianne: Features brownish-yellow blooms from September to October.
- Kleiner Bernstein: Offers gorgeous amber to bronze-yellow flowers in early fall.
- Mei-kyo: A lovely violet-pink variety that blooms September through October.
- Brockenfeuer: Stunning dark red petals with a bright yellow center, blooming from September all the way into November.
- Tante Heti: A classic yellow bloomer starting in late September.
- Vrenli & Nebelrose: For late-season color, Vrenli (copper red) and Nebelrose (silvery pink) start their show in November.
