Mums (Chrysanthemums) can be either perennial or annual, depending on the type you plant and how you care for them. While garden mums are typically perennial and return year after year, florist mums are often treated as annuals. Learn the difference between the two and how to ensure your mums come back each year.
Understanding the Difference: Perennial vs. Annual Mums
Mums can be either perennial (coming back each year) or annual (lasting for just one season). The key difference lies in the variety of mum you choose and how it’s cared for.
- Garden mums (hardy mums) are perennial in regions like Cleveland, Ohio, where they can survive cold winters with the proper care. These mums are bred to withstand frost and can bloom year after year if planted in the ground.
- Florist mums (sometimes called pot mums) are usually sold as decorative plants and are bred for indoor use or short-term outdoor display. These are typically treated as annuals, as they are not as cold-hardy and rarely survive winter outdoors.
Tip: If you want your mums to last beyond a single season, always check the label or ask your garden center whether you are purchasing perennial garden mums or florist mums.
How to Care for Perennial Mums
To get your mums to come back year after year, it’s important to plant and care for them properly. Perennial mums are hardy but need the right conditions to thrive long-term.
- Planting location: Plant your perennial mums in a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Mums require at least six hours of sunlight each day to bloom well.
- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, especially during the growing season. Mulching around the base helps retain moisture and prevent weeds.
- Fertilizing: Feed perennial mums with a balanced fertilizer in the spring and early summer to promote healthy growth. Stop fertilizing by midsummer to allow the plant to focus on flower production.
- Pinching and pruning: To promote bushier plants and more blooms, pinch off the top few inches of growth from the stems in early summer. This will encourage the plant to branch out.
Tip: Avoid pruning after mid-July, as this can delay blooming. Late pruning will prevent mums from setting buds for fall.
Overwintering Perennial Mums
Even though perennial mums are hardy, Cleveland winters can still be harsh. Proper winter care is crucial for ensuring your mums return in the spring.
- Leave the foliage: After the first frost, resist the urge to cut back the dead foliage. The stems and leaves provide natural protection for the root system.
- Mulching: Once the ground freezes, apply a thick layer (4-6 inches) of mulch, such as straw or leaves, around the base of the plant. This helps insulate the roots and prevent freeze-thaw cycles that can heave the plant out of the soil.
- Spring cleanup: In early spring, remove the mulch and cut back the dead stems once new growth begins to appear.
Tip: For extra protection, cover your mums with a breathable garden cloth or burlap during particularly cold winters, especially if they are planted in exposed areas.
Florist Mums: Beautiful but Temporary
Florist mums are designed to bloom indoors or be used in decorative displays during the fall season. These mums are often forced to bloom out of season and are not cold-hardy, making them more suited for short-term use.
- Indoor care: If you purchase florist mums for indoor decoration, place them in a bright, sunny spot and water regularly. These mums will bloom for several weeks but typically die back after that.
- Outdoor care: If planted outdoors in fall, florist mums generally don’t survive past the first frost unless brought indoors or protected from the cold.
Tip: If you love the look of florist mums but want a longer-lasting alternative, consider using them as short-term decorations and then transitioning to hardy perennial mums for your garden.
How to Tell if Your Mums are Perennial
Not sure whether your mums are perennial or annual? Here are a few tips to help you figure it out:
- Check the label: Look for plant tags that specify whether the mum is hardy (perennial) or a florist variety (annual).
- Plant in spring: If you plant mums in spring, they are more likely to be perennial garden mums, as this is the ideal time to plant hardy varieties. Fall-planted mums can still be perennial, but spring planting gives them a better chance to establish strong roots before winter.
- Outdoor survivability: If your mums were sold as outdoor bedding plants, they’re probably perennial. If they were sold as indoor or potted plants for temporary display, they’re more likely to be annuals.
Tip: If you’re unsure, treat your mums like perennials and follow the care tips above. With a little extra care, even questionable varieties might surprise you by surviving the winter.
Reviving Struggling Mums: Can You Save Them?
Sometimes, mums that are sold as annuals (like florist mums) can be overwintered if given the right conditions. If you’re determined to save your mums, follow these steps:
- Bring them indoors: Before the first frost, bring potted mums indoors to a cool, dark place like a basement or garage. Keep the soil slightly moist during the winter but avoid overwatering.
- Replant in spring: In early spring, once the danger of frost has passed, move the mums back outdoors or transplant them into the garden. Water them well and give them a dose of fertilizer to help them recover.
Tip: While it’s not guaranteed, this method sometimes works to extend the life of mums that were intended to be annuals.
