Plant of the Week! - 10/29/26 - Hardy Mums! (Chrysanthemums)
When we think of Chrysanthemums, or "Mums," we often picture the colorful potted flowers sold at grocery stores every fall. But did you know that there are also varieties that can survive our cold Utah winters? (Yes, that means that you don't need to buy new mums for your porch every single year!)
Hardy Chrysanthemums (Chrysanthemum spp.) are beautiful, fall-blooming perennials that return year after year! Unlike many of the seasonal florist mums, these varieties are bred or selected for their cold hardiness, making them a wonderful (and colorful) addition to your perennial garden.
📈Quick facts:
Sun: Full sun, at least 6 hours daily.
Water: Moderate, regular watering with good drainage.
Hardiness: USDA Zones 3–9 or 4–9 (for the varieties we carry)
Height: Generally 1–2 feet, depending on variety.
Bloom Time: Late summer through fall. (usually mid of Sept. through mid Oct. in our area)
Flowers: A wide variety of colors, shapes, and sizes.
Plant Type: Hardy, herbaceous perennial.
Appearance & Flowering -
Hardy Chrysanthemums grow into beautiful, bushy perennials covered in colorful flowers. Their blooms come in a variety of types, from simple daisy-like flowers to large, rounded blossoms with dozens of petals! We also think that they add stunning coloring in the fall, and can even be a little spooky leading up to Halloween!
Here at the Garden Center, we carry 13 different varieties!*
(*at the time of this blog post creation. If the link no longer works, please search our catalog instead)
Click on each variety to see what it looks like or to learn more!
Care Instructions -
Hardy Chrysanthemums are super easy to take care of! They prefer full sun and well-drained soil, and grow best when planted in the spring or early summer. We find that they make great front yard plants, in a flower bed!
Make sure to give the plants regular deep watering during the hot summer, but avoid letting the roots sit in constantly wet soil, particularly during winter. However, as with any perennials, trees or shrubs, if we have a dry(snowless) winter, make sure you water them at 2-3 times during the winter months! (this can be confusing, so feel free to call us with any questions!)
PRO TIP! - Pinching back/trimming the new growth in late spring and early summer encourages fuller, bushier plants with more flowers. Stop pinching around early July so the plants have time to develop their fall blooms.
Once winter arrives, leave the dead stems standing until spring. It can also be helpful apply a layer of mulch to help protect the roots from freezing and thawing, though this is not required.
Propogation -
Another perk to Hardy mums? They are one of the EASIEST perennials to propagate!
To do so, simply divide the established plants. Carefully dig up a section of the plant and separate its roots into smaller sections. Make sure each section has healthy roots and growth.
Replant the divisions in a sunny location, water them well, and before your know it you'll have more chrysanthemums to enjoy throughout your garden! (or some gifts for your gardening friends and family!)
Aditional Information -
What's the difference between Hardy Mums and Grocery Store Mums?
Many mums sold at grocery stores are grown primarily for their color and to give temporary fall decorations. While they are beautiful, they will not live over winter in our area.
Hardy Chrysanthemums, on the other hand, are selected for their ability to survive colder temperatures and return as perennials! That is why we only carry the hardy types!
A Little History: Many of our varieties were developed by the University of Minnesota, which has spent decades breeding chrysanthemums that can survive northern winters. Varieties like 'Burnt Copper', 'Grape Glow', and 'Mellow Moon' are examples of their beautiful cold-hardy introductions!
Great for Pollinators: 🐝Chrysanthemums can provide valuable late-season nectar and pollen for bees and butterflies when many other flowers have finished blooming.
If you're looking for a way to add some cheerful color to your garden when summer flowers begin to fade, give Hardy Chrysanthemums a try!
To add Hardy Chrysanthemum(s) to your list or read more information about them, please browse our products and search for 'Chrysanthemum'. You can also click on the links above for the specific varieties!
Until next week, happy planting!🌺
- Split Mountain Garden Center
Assorted Hardy Mums (photos)