Whether Anemone, Button, or Pompon mums, these unique flowers are a staple for any garden and “the stars of the fall perennial garden.” Though one of the hardier specimens in flower gardens, they can be tricky to keep alive during cold months. When it comes to protecting mums from winter weather, there are a couple of options.
Of course, bringing the plants indoors is a popular practice. These flowers will appreciate a mild climate between 32 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit, so an unheated greenhouse or garage will do nicely as a temporary home. The key here is keeping them in a place where the temperature is above the freezing point of water, as it is usually ice on the roots, not just cold temperatures, that harms mums.
When planting mums, be sure the soil drains properly. According to Acreage Life—Nebraska, “Chrysanthemums are adaptable to many soil types, but the soil must be well-drained due to their relatively shallow root systems. In poorly drained soils, soil- borne diseases may injure plants during wet summer periods resulting in root rot, while winter injury is likely if water stands around the crowns of plants during winter thaws.” Many gardeners will also recommend cutting back the plants in the spring rather than the fall, as well as discontinuing fertilization by the end of July as tactics to help mums survive the winter.
If you prefer not to uproot your mums from the ground, mulch may provide a good solution. Applying 3-4 inches of mulch around the plant’s crown will provide some protection from snow and frost by moderating the soil temperature. When Spring time rolls around—about early April—remove half the mulch and loosen the rest. In May, remove the rest of the excess, leaving an inch or so for summer to suppress weed growth and conserve moisture.
To learn more, visit acreagenebraska.org.
This article originally appeared in the September 2024 issue of Omaha Home Magazine. To receive the magazine, click here to subscribe.
