Chrysanthemums Are Perennial Plants That Reappear In The Winter?

Mums are frost-tender perennials that provide a boost of rich color and can be overwintered. They are hardy perennial plants that can be treated as annuals or perennials depending on the right conditions. There are two types of mums: florist and garden perennial mums, both members of the genus Chrysanthemum. The best time to plant chrysanthemums is in late spring after the last estimated frost, allowing seedlings or transplants to establish well before blooming in the Fall and before freezing.

The return of a mum depends on whether it has stolons, runners near the surface of the ground that put out new roots and shoots. Garden mums have stolons and are perennial, while florist mums have few or no stolons and generally will not survive the winter. With some fall preparation and winter care, mums can come back blooming year after year.

In certain situations, mums can actually be perennials, meaning they will bloom again in spring. Cut mums down to about 1″ – 2″ above the soil for easy mulch pile. Florist mums are annuals, meaning they germinate, flower, and set seed in a single year and cannot survive a hard freeze. Mums, like geraniums, are perennial but cannot survive a hard freeze, so they are commonly kept.

Mums may be trimmed back in the fall, but wait until the foliage has turned brown and leave about six inches of plant standing.

Will chrysanthemums rebloom?

Mums are a versatile genus of plants that can be enjoyed for a single season or over an extended period of time. They are resilient and produce flowers annually from late summer to late fall. They may be maintained in containers or incorporated into an existing garden. In the event that one is unwilling or unable to care for them beyond their initial bloom, an alternative would be to give them away to another party or to compost them. The fall Chrysanthemum floral display is a particularly splendid phenomenon, and the mums are an excellent means of appreciating it.

How to keep mums alive all year?

To care for indoor mums, ensure they receive at least four hours of direct sunlight a day, with a window that allows plenty of sun. Keep the soil moist, but don’t over-water. If the pot gets too dry, place it in a container or bucket with 2 or 3 inches of water that the plant can absorb. Deadhead the plant often to prevent wilted flowers and dead stems from competing for water and nutrients. Once the mums stop blooming, place them in the ground outdoors once the weather starts to warm.

Caring for outdoor mums requires abundant sunlight, well-draining soil, and ample space. Plant them 18 inches from other plants to allow their roots to expand. Water them but not too much, ensuring they get at least an inch of water per week after the first week. Deadhead the plant by removing wilted blooms and dead stems or leaves. In colder climates, mulch them with leaves, wood chips, or straw, about 3 or 4 inches deep and surrounding the entire base. If frost hits, prune them back to only about an inch of stems above the ground and leave the mulch around the plant. In spring, the mums will regenerate with warmer weather.

What is the lifespan of a chrysanthemum flower?

Over 140 cultivars of chrysanthemum have been awarded the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit. In Japan, a bonsai chrysanthemum form has been developed over centuries, with a lifespan of about 5 years. The flower can be kept miniature or grown over dead wood to create an illusion of a tree blooming. Chrysanthemum flowers are boiled to make chrysanthemum tea in some parts of East Asia, and in Korea, a rice wine flavored with chrysanthemum flowers is called gukhwaju.

Chrysanthemum leaves are used as greens in Chinese cuisine, and the flowers can be added to dishes like mixian in broth or thick snakemeat soup. Japanese cuisine sashimi uses small chrysanthemums as a garnish.

What is the lifespan of a Chrysanthemum?

With appropriate care, mums can flourish for approximately three to four years. To ensure optimal growth, they require a soil that is rich in nutrients, well-drained, moist, and cool.

How can you tell if a chrysanthemum is annual or perennial?

Perennial chrysanthemums, native to China, have broad, deeply toothed leaves and grow to 1 to 3 feet tall and wide. They provide a second bloom in spring in frost-free zones. Plant mums in well-draining soil as early as possible, but not at the garden center. If temperatures dip below freezing within six to eight weeks of planting, enjoy the show until the plants go dormant and store them in an unheated garage or cellar over winter.

Water them occasionally, and plant them in spring after the danger of frost has passed. Consider using them alongside sedums, asters, and goldenrods for a colorful seasonal display in your garden bed.

Will potted mums come back?

Mums fall into two main camps: florist mums and garden mums. Florist mums are the compact, potted superstars you see at nurseries and generally do not return each year. Garden mums grow in a looser habit and reliably return year after year.

Both types are part of the same species, Chrysanthemum morifolium. Whether a mum will return each year depends mostly on whether it has stolons, which are runners near the surface of the ground that put out new roots and shoots. Garden mums have stolons and are perennial. Florist mums have few or no stolons and generally will not survive the winter.

Mums have different flower forms (including daisy-like singles, pompoms, and more), so shop around to find your favorite.

What type of chrysanthemum is a perennial?

Mums are a confusing plant group with multiple botanical names and variations. Some potted florist mums, which resemble garden mums and share the same name (Chrysanthemum x morifolium), are perennials, while cut-flower chrysanthemums, like spider mums or football mums, are perennials in Zones 5 to 9, and are becoming more accessible online. Annual mums, yellow daisy (Chrysanthemum multicaule), and painted daisy (Chrysanthemum carinatum or Chrysanthemum tricolor) are annual mums.

The hardy group of mums, also known as garden mums and hardy mums, are hybrids of Korean chrysanthemums (Chrysanthemum indicum), which are usually hardy in Zones 4 to 8. The majority of garden mums (Chrysanthemum x morifolium) are hardy in Zones 5 to 9, but their survival depends on the location and timing of acquisition. Overwintering these beautiful fall bloomers can be challenging, but they are a common sight in garden centers.

Can you leave mums in pots over winter?

To overwinter potted mums, cut them back after the first frost and cover them with 3″ of mulch. Cover the pot with an old sheet and move it into a cool garage. Once the weather warms again in spring, remove the sheet and mulch layers and move the pot outside. If mums are growing in the landscape, cut them down and cover them with 3″-4″ of mulch. Keep them moist throughout the winter and remove the mulch layers once the frost threat has passed. If growing mums in the landscape, divide them every other year to allow them to grow to their full potential.

After the frost threat has passed, dig up clumps, separate plants, and replant them, offering 18″ of space between new transplants. Plant mums in well-prepared garden soil and an area with full to part sun.

Do chrysanthemums need full sun?

Chrysanthemums flourish in soil with good drainage and full sunlight. For optimal growth and flowering, they require six or more hours of sunlight per day during the summer months. Plants that receive less light tend to exhibit stunted growth and produce fewer flowers.

Do Chrysanthemums like sun or shade?

Chrysanthemums flourish in soil with good drainage and full sunlight, requiring a minimum of six hours of sunlight per day during the summer months. Plants that receive insufficient light will exhibit stunted growth, reduced vigor, and a diminished capacity to produce flowers.

Are potted chrysanthemums perennials?

Mums can be classified as either perennials or annuals. Perennials are hardy perennial plants found at garden nurseries, while annuals are decorative annuals found in grocery stores and flower shops. The type of mum depends on the type of plant. Perennials are hardy plants that grow year after year, while annuals are more easily adapted to the environment and can be found in various locations. To ensure your mums continue to grow, it’s essential to choose the type that thrives in your climate and environment.