do mums come back every year

2 min read 15-04-2025

Do Mums Come Back Every Year? A Gardener's Guide to Perennial Chrysanthemums

Meta Description: Discover if mums (chrysanthemums) return annually! Learn about perennial vs. annual mums, planting tips for vibrant blooms year after year, and how to overwinter your plants successfully. Get ready for a stunning mum display every fall!

Title Tag: Do Mums Come Back Every Year? Perennial Chrysanthemum Guide

Understanding the Mystery: Annual vs. Perennial Mums

The question of whether mums return every year hinges on a crucial distinction: annual vs. perennial. Many people mistakenly believe all mums are annuals, destined to die after one season. This isn't entirely true.

Annual Mums (Chrysanthemum indicum)

These are the mums commonly sold in garden centers in the fall.
They boast a profusion of blooms but typically don't survive winter's cold.
They are treated as a seasonal plant, offering beautiful fall color before they expire.

Perennial Mums (Chrysanthemum × morifolium)

These are the mums that will indeed return year after year, providing a reliable display of fall color.
They require proper care and winter protection to thrive.
They offer a longer-term investment in your garden's beauty.

Therefore, the answer to "Do mums come back every year?" is: It depends on the type of mum you have.

Identifying Your Mum Type

To know if your mums will return, examine the plant tag or check with the retailer where you purchased it. Look for “perennial” clearly stated. If unsure, observing its growth habit can provide clues:

Annual mums: tend to be bushier and more compact, with a shorter lifespan.
Perennial mums: often have a more robust growth habit, developing woody stems over time.

Ensuring Your Perennial Mums Return Each Year

If you're growing perennial mums and want to enjoy their beauty year after year, follow these steps:

1. Proper Planting:

Choose a location with at least 6 hours of sunlight daily.
Ensure well-draining soil to prevent root rot.
Plant at the appropriate depth – the top of the root ball should be level with the ground.

2. Regular Watering and Fertilizing:

Water deeply and regularly, especially during dry spells.
Feed your mums with a balanced fertilizer in spring and summer to promote strong growth.

3. Deadheading:

Remove spent flowers regularly to encourage more blooms and prevent the plant from putting energy into seed production.

4. Winter Protection:

This is the crucial step to ensure your perennial mums survive the winter.

Mulching: Apply a thick layer (3-4 inches) of mulch around the base of the plant in late autumn to insulate the roots and protect them from freezing temperatures.
Protection from harsh winds: In areas with strong winds, consider placing a windbreak around the plants.
Covering: In very cold climates, you may also need to cover the plants with burlap or other frost-protective material.

5. Spring Care:

Once the danger of frost has passed, remove the mulch and prune back any dead or damaged stems.
You can also divide overcrowded plants in spring to rejuvenate them and propagate new mums.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: My mums died after the first year. Why? They were likely annual mums, not perennials.

Q: My perennial mums look leggy. What should I do? Prune them back in spring to encourage bushier growth.

Q: Can I bring my mums inside for the winter? It's possible, but they often don't thrive indoors due to lack of light and changes in humidity.

With proper care and understanding of the different types of chrysanthemums, you can enjoy the vibrant beauty of mums year after year! Their stunning autumn blooms will be a welcome sight in your garden for seasons to come.

do mums come back every year