With over 5,000 different varieties out there, chrysanthemums—or “mums” as we usually call them—are easily one of the most iconic plants for our gardens and balconies. These beautiful fall bloomers are part of the daisy family and have a huge history, having been cultivated in China for over 2,000 years. One thing to keep in mind, though: not every mum you see at the garden center is built to survive a cold winter.
Frost-Sensitive Mums
Every fall, you’ll see an explosion of potted mums in every color imaginable at local shops. Most of these are actually frost-sensitive varieties intended for floral arrangements or as temporary decor for your porch or patio. Generally, these are treated as annuals, meaning they won’t survive a hard freeze and usually head to the compost bin once the blooms fade. However, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can try to overwinter them by following these steps:
- Give them a quick trim after the flowers fade.
- Move the pot to a cool, bright spot indoors.
- Keep the soil slightly moist with regular, light watering.
Hardy Garden Mums
If you want something that returns year after year, you’re looking for hardy garden varieties. These are grown outdoors and are tough enough to handle bad weather without skipping a beat. They also boast a super long blooming season (pro tip: pink and purple varieties usually stay in bloom the longest!). These grow as perennials in your garden beds but do just fine in large containers, too. To make sure your garden mums make it through the winter, keep these tips in mind:
- Plant them in the spring rather than the fall. This gives the root system plenty of time to get established before the ground freezes.
- Pick a spot that is dry and sheltered from harsh winds.
- Don’t prune them back after the flowers fade in the fall. That dead foliage actually acts as a natural insulation against the frost.
- Cover the root area with brushwood or evergreen branches. If a deep freeze is coming, go the extra mile with some garden fleece or burlap sacks for protection.
- In the spring, cut the plant back to about 4 inches above the ground. This clears the way for fresh, strong new growth.
- Remember, mums are thirsty! To get those gorgeous, full blooms, make sure they get plenty of water.
Great Hardy Varieties to Try
Out of the thousands of options, a few varieties have really earned their reputation for being reliable and beautiful:
- ‘Brennpunkt’: Features stunning reddish-brown double blooms in November.
- ‘Citronella’: Brightens up the garden with lemon-yellow flowers.
- ‘Schweizerland’: Starts blooming in October with violet-pink flowers and can reach up to three feet tall.
- ‘White Bouquet’: Known for its charming, cream-colored pompon-style blooms.
- ‘Poesie’: Probably the toughest of the bunch when it comes to frost; it’s very hardy and grows up to three feet tall.
