Many gardeners mistakenly believe that mums are annuals that need to be replanted each year. However, with the right care, these beautiful plants can be perennial and provide stunning blooms year after year.
Overwintering mums in pots can be a bit tricky but it is entirely doable and well worth the effort.
| Scientific name | Chrysanthemum |
| Common name | Mums, Chrysanthemums |
| Plant type | Perennial |
| Height | 1 to 3 feet |
| Sunlight | Full sun to partial shade |
| Soil type | Well-draining soil |
| Watering requirement | Moderate |
| Temperature | 62-72°F |
| Hardiness Zones | 5-9 |
Yes, mums can survive the winter in pots with proper care.
Mums are perennials that can endure cold weather if given the right conditions. According to the University of Minnesota Extension, hardy mum varieties can survive in USDA hardiness zones 5 through 9, which means they can handle temperatures as low as -20°F (-29°C).
Moreover, mums own a robust root system and dense to absorb nutrients and moisture efficiently, so they can withstand cold temperatures.
Not all varieties of mums are good for saving. There are two distinct types of mums: hardy and floral. You should choose the hardy type, often called garden mums because they can be successfully overwintered.
While floral mums have very shallow roots freezing quickly and leading to the plant's death in the winter hardy mums have much deeper root systems and endure temperatures down to -20°F, so they can survive more easily.
Typically, hardy mums have larger stems, foliage, and blooms compared to floral mums. When buying, you should check labels or note that floral mums are usually in smaller pots with compact foliage.
In my experience, hardy varieties like ‘Sheffield Pink’ and ‘Mammoth Red Daisy’ are particularly resilient in colder climates. These hardy mums not only endure harsh winters but also come back strong and vibrant in the spring.
To protect mums from wind and freezing temperatures you should place pots against a house wall, especially a south-facing one. The wall absorbs heat during the day and releases it at night providing a more stable and warmer microclimate for the plants.
In addition, remember that before changing the place of your mums, remove all spent blooms and any remaining flowers. Therefore, you can prevent a mess indoors and help the plant conserve energy for the next growing season.
Wrapping pots with insulating materials like bubble wrap or burlap helps maintain a more consistent temperature around the roots and prevents them from freezing when temperatures drop below 32°F.
In addition, you can try double-potting. Place the pot containing the mum inside a larger container, filling the gap between the pots with insulating materials such as straw, leaves, or even more bubble wrap. This extra layer provides additional protection from the cold and helps retain heat.
For extreme cold conditions, consider placing the insulated pots in a sheltered location like an unheated garage or shed where temperatures stay above freezing but below 50°F. Elevate the pots off the ground using bricks or pot feet to prevent cold from seeping up from the ground.
You should add a layer of gravel or broken pottery at the bottom to help excess water escape and prevent root rot.
If your mums have outgrown their current pot, it's best to wait until spring to repot them. As the soil warms and the threat of a hard freeze passes, it's safe to move your mums outdoors.
Replanting with fresh soil in a larger pot accommodates new root growth and prevents the plant from becoming root-bound. Keeping mums in their old pot with depleted soil will result in poor performance, as the soil likely lost its nutrients during the previous year’s growth.
You can consider some types of mulch include straw, leaves, and shredded bark. Each of these materials helps insulate the roots and maintain a stable temperature around the root zone.
Firstly, spread a thick layer, about 2-3 inches deep around the base of the plant. Ensure the mulch covers the entire surface of the soil in the pot extending slightly over the edge to provide maximum insulation.
This layer acts as a blanket protecting the roots from extreme temperature fluctuations and frost. It also keeps moisture in the soil and suppresses weed growth reducing competition for nutrients.
Typically, mums need less water when they’re dormant. Check the soil moisture weekly by inserting your finger about an inch deep into the soil. If it feels dry, it’s time to water. Water sparingly, just enough to keep the soil slightly moist, but not soggy.
While overwatered mums will have yellowing leaves and may lead to root rot or mildew, underwatered mums will have dry, brittle leaves and stems. It’s best to water in the morning allowing excess moisture to evaporate during the day and reducing the risk of fungal diseases.
Cut back the stems to about 4-6 inches above the soil to help the plant focus its energy on root survival rather than maintaining foliage. Reducing the foliage minimizes the risk of diseases and pests, as there’s less plant material for them to thrive on during the winter months.
Fertilizing during the dormant period is unnecessary because mums' nutrient needs drastically decrease. During winter, mums enter a state of dormancy, focusing on conserving energy and maintaining root health rather than promoting new growth.
Moreover, adding fertilizer can lead to root burn due to the accumulation of unused nutrients in the soil. It can also stimulate unwanted growth which can be detrimental as the new, tender shoots are vulnerable to cold damage and disease.
The best time to resume fertilizing is in the spring. At this stage, a balanced, slow-release fertilizer can provide the necessary nutrients to support healthy development and robust blooming.
Overwintering mums in pots can be vulnerable to pests like aphids, spider mites, and fungal diseases. Besides, fungal diseases such as powdery mildew can also become a problem due to increased humidity and reduced airflow in confined spaces.
Before bringing mums indoors, thoroughly inspect them and treat any visible pests with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Ensure proper airflow around your pots to reduce the risk of fungal infections. Keeping the area clean and free of fallen leaves or debris also helps prevent pest infestations and disease.
Can I leave my mums outdoors during winter?
If you live in a milder climate, you can leave your mums outdoors with proper insulation and protection. In areas with severe winters, it’s best to move the pots to a sheltered location, such as an unheated garage or shed.
How long can mums survive the winter in pots?
With proper care, mums can survive the entire winter in pots and come back strong in the spring. They can continue to thrive for many years if overwintered correctly each season.
Do potted mums come back every year?
Yes, if they are hardy varieties and are cared for properly, potted mums can come back every year. Ensuring they are well-protected during winter is key to their perennial return.
Can mums survive the winter in the ground?
Yes, hardy mums can survive the winter in the ground if planted in a well-drained location and mulched properly. They are typically more resilient in the ground than in pots, provided they are in a suitable climate zone.
When nighttime temperatures consistently stay above 50°F, you can move your mums back outdoors. Gradually reintroduce them by increasing outdoor exposure over a week. Then replant in fresh, well-draining soil with compost. Trim stems back to encourage healthy growth and vibrant blooms in the new season.
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