Are Chrysanthemums Winter-Hardy In The Uk?

Chrysanthemums are perennial flowers that can survive winter in northern climates, blooming late in the season and not being affected by cold temperatures as much as other plants. They can be grown in borders and containers, with flowers from September to November. They thrive in sun and fertile, well-drained soil, and may need winter protection. To grow Chrysanthemums in your garden, make a clean cut on the bottom and insert each cutting around the edge of a pot of good quality potting medium.

Overwintering Chrysanthemums is easy: dig up the plants, cut back all stems to about 6in (150mm), and place the chrysanthemums in. Early-flowering chrysanthemums can be planted in ornamental borders and will flower from late summer to autumn. Late-flowering chrysanthemums flower in winter and are grown as house plants.

Most hardy chrysanthemums can survive temperatures down to at least -5˚C (23˚F). However, in much of the UK, temperatures can fall below this, so it may be safer to lift and store plants over winter in light, frost-free conditions, such as a frost-free greenhouse, a cool conservatory, or porch.

In sheltered gardens, half-hardy, early-flowering chrysanthemums can be cut back to the ground in autumn and left to overwinter in the garden. Although different varieties vary, many chrysanthemums can survive winter temperatures of minus 10C/14F or even much colder.

Overwintering mums is possible, as they are grown under specific greenhouse conditions and do not last long indoors. In mild areas and with well-drained soil, most Chrysanthemums should survive outdoors if covered with a mulch of organic material.