Virginia: Mums are perennials but unlikely to make it through winter if planted too late

While many people buy mums to decorate their front porch in the fall, they often miss out on the opportunity to plant them in the ground to bring color every year.

Garden mums, or Chrysanthemum x morifolium, are known for their vibrant blooms and resilience and are a popular choice for adding color to gardens and landscapes in cooler months.

Although they are considered a perennial in Virginia, mums planted in-ground after flowering in fall are unlikely to make it through the winter and come back next year.

To ensure these perennials thrive and come back strong each year, proper winter care is essential, said Ashley Appling, Extension agent in Culpeper County.

“An alternative to planting this fall is to keep the plant protected while still in its original container,” said Ed Olsen, consumer horticulture specialist and Extension Master Gardener program director. “You can move the plant to a cold frame or greenhouse structure. You can also keep the plant in the corner of an unheated basement or insulated garage where it will not freeze.”

With a little preparation and care, your mums will reward you with their stunning displays of color every fall.

Tips for planting mums in the fall

• Plant as early as possible, ideally, in late August or early September, to ensure good root development for your garden mums. The later the mums are planted, the lower the survival rate.
• Choose smaller plants — for example, those in 1-quart containers — that aren’t quite flowering yet. Once plants are in full bloom, they are focused on sending energy to their flowers not on making roots.
• Mulch well. Freezing and thawing of the soil during the winter can cause the plant to heave, exposing its roots to drying winds and increasing the chance of death. Add 3 to 4 inches of light, airy mulch over the crown of the plant to help prevent winter heaving.
• Leave existing foliage and stems on the plant until after the first hard frost. The material helps provide insulation against harsh winter conditions.
• Keep watering until the first hard frost. Gradually reduce watering as winter approaches.
• Plant mums in an area that receives six or more hours of direct sunlight. Remember that a sunny spot in fall might not receive enough light in summer when trees have leaves.