Chrysanthemums, often called mums, are a staple of fall gardens with their vibrant blooms adding a pop of color to the cooling landscape. Many people mistakenly treat them as disposable plants, tossing them out once the blooms fade. However, chrysanthemums are perennials that can return year after year with just a little effort. Here’s a detailed guide to wintering over your mums and enjoying them for seasons to come.
Why Chrysanthemums Are Worth Saving
Chrysanthemums are hardy perennials that can thrive for years when properly cared for. They:
- Are cost-effective, as they eliminate the need to purchase new plants annually.
- Provide vibrant blooms that last through late summer and fall.
- Are excellent pollinator plants, attracting bees and butterflies.
With some preparation before winter, mums can be one of the easiest and most rewarding plants in your garden.
Steps to Winter Over Your Chrysanthemums
1. Choose Hardy Varieties
Not all chrysanthemums are created equal. Before you start, check if your mums are hardy varieties, suitable for your region. Hardy mums are better suited for overwintering outdoors, while florist mums often struggle to survive cold winters.
2. Prepare the Plant in Fall
Timing is critical when preparing your mums for winter. Follow these steps:
- Deadhead Blooms: Once the flowers begin to fade, snip off the spent blooms to redirect energy into the roots.
- Leave the Foliage: Avoid cutting back the foliage entirely. The leaves help protect the plant’s crown and roots during cold weather.
- Water Deeply: As the weather cools, water your mums deeply to ensure the roots are hydrated before the ground freezes.
3. Add Mulch for Insulation
Mulching is a key step in protecting your mums through winter.
- What to Use: Apply 2–4 inches of organic mulch, such as straw, shredded leaves, or wood chips, around the base of the plant.
- When to Apply: Wait until the ground has frozen to prevent rodents from burrowing beneath the mulch and feeding on the plant.
- Why It Works: Mulch acts as a blanket, stabilizing soil temperature and moisture levels.
4. Decide: Leave Outdoors or Bring Indoors?
Depending on your climate, you can either leave your mums in the ground or move them indoors.
- For Mild Climates:
- Leave mums in the ground. The mulch and foliage will protect them.
- Avoid cutting them back until spring.
- For Harsh Climates:
- Dig up the plants and transfer them to pots.
- Keep them in a cool, dark place like a basement or garage, where the temperature stays between 32°F and 50°F.
- Water sparingly—just enough to keep the soil from drying out completely.
5. Revive in Spring
As the weather warms, it’s time to bring your mums back to life:
- Remove Mulch: In early spring, gradually remove mulch to allow new growth to emerge.
- Prune: Cut back the old stems to about 2–3 inches above the soil to make way for fresh growth.
- Fertilize: Apply a balanced fertilizer to encourage strong, healthy growth.
- Divide, if Needed: Every 2–3 years, divide large clumps to prevent overcrowding and promote blooming.
Additional Tips for Healthy Mums
- Pinch for Bushier Growth: In early summer, pinch off the tips of the stems to encourage bushier plants with more blooms.
- Provide Sunlight: Mums thrive in full sun, so plant them where they’ll receive at least 6 hours of sunlight daily.
- Water Consistently: Water deeply and regularly, as mums have shallow roots that can dry out quickly.
Benefits of Overwintering Chrysanthemums
By taking the time to winter over your mums, you’ll enjoy:
- A more sustainable garden with less waste.
- Larger, healthier plants that produce even more blooms in subsequent years.
- A sense of accomplishment knowing you’ve nurtured a living plant through the changing seasons.
Conclusion
Chrysanthemums are far from disposable. With minimal effort, you can help these hardy perennials survive winter and reward you with beautiful blooms year after year. Whether left in the garden or brought indoors, your mums will continue to thrive, proving they’re one of the most resilient and rewarding plants you can grow. Start wintering your mums today, and enjoy their beauty for many seasons to come!
