Mums
During the Autumn season you will find many different varieties of mums (Chrysanthemums). During a recent visit to a local garden center someone asked me ‘how do you know if these will come back next year’.
I have to admit, I was hesitant to answer because there are a few factors that play into the success of wintering over in our hardiness zone. One thing to keep in mind there are 2 different types of mums that are commonly found locally:
- Hardy Mum: Garden mums (Chrysanthemum spp.) can be hardy perennial flowers if you start them early. Hardy mums can thrive in hardiness zones 3-9.
- Florist Mum: large flowered plants used for cutting. Some of the bloom forms include the pompom, quilled and spider. They are grown in greenhouses and are used as indoor plants. These varieties lack enough underground runners that are necessary to survive in the cold.
Over the years I have shared many images of Fall Mums on my website and social media. This plant just maybe my favorite to grow because they provide green from early spring through winter. The different colors and shapes of the mums are super exciting to discover every year.
How To Care For Fall Mums
There are a few simple tips you will want to remember when adding a fall mum to your home and garden. If you can follow these steps, you are will most likely succeed in winter the plant over from year to year. Here are my fool proof tips on caring for the plant:
- Be sure to plant gets plenty of water especially during the dry Autumn season.
- Cover the plants roots (base of the plant) with a good natural mulch.
- Pick a Chrysanthemums at the garden center that has young buds so you can enjoy the buds as they bloom.
- Deadheading each bloom when it starts to dry will encourage new growth and new blooms as the season allows.
Best Location To Grow Fall Mums
Most commonly found in containers this time of year, the fall mum can actually be grown in various locations. I would encourage you to not be shy and grow the plant where you want to best enjoy it.
- Containers
- Landscape
- Indoors
More Fall Gardening with Mums
Over the years I have grown Fall Mums in many different locations. Please be sure to click over and check out my other post featuring this amazing plant and Autumn color ideas.
Let’s Connect
As always, I invite you to connect with me by sharing what you think of the Fall Mums or Chrysanthemums. If you have any tips or other ideas to share with me please don’t be shy and comment below. You can also reach out to me on my website. I look forward to connecting with you soon.
Happy Autumn Gardening,
