The Big Question Answered: Do Mums Grow Back Every Year?

Every fall, my front porch comes alive with bursts of color from chrysanthemums, or as we lovingly call them, mums. Their vibrant blooms make them popular in American gardens. But one question I hear all the time is, “Do mums grow back every year?” 

As someone who’s spent years tending to these beauties, I’m here to answer that question and share everything you need to know about growing chrysanthemums in your home garden.

Let’s dive into the world of mums and uncover their magic!

Are Mums Perennial or Annual?

The short answer? Most mums are perennials, meaning they can grow back every year under the right conditions. However, whether they return depends on the type of mum, your climate, and how you care for them. 

In the U.S., mums are often sold as “fall annuals” at garden centers, but don’t let that fool you. With proper care, many varieties can survive winter and bloom again. I learned this the hard way. My first year gardening, I treated my mums like annuals, tossing them after their fall blooms faded. 

Imagine my surprise when I discovered that with a little effort, I could have enjoyed those same plants for years! Let’s break down what makes mums perennial and how you can help them thrive.

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Types of Mums: Garden vs. Florist Mums

There are two main types of chrysanthemums: garden mums and florist mums. This distinction is key to understanding their growth habits.

• Garden mums: These are hardy perennials bred for outdoor conditions. They’re designed to withstand colder temperatures and can return year after year in USDA zones 5-9. I’ve had garden mums in my backyard survive snowy winters and bloom vibrantly each fall.
• Florist mums: These are typically grown as annuals. You’ll find them in pots at grocery stores or florists, meant for short-term indoor or outdoor displays. They’re less likely to survive winter, especially in colder regions.

If you want mums that come back every year, choose garden mums. Check the plant tag when buying—it’ll often say “hardy” or list a USDA zone. I always look for varieties like ‘Sheffield Pink’ or ‘Mammoth Red Daisy’ for their resilience.

Why Mums Might Not Grow Back Every Year

Even though garden mums are perennials, they don’t always return. Here’s why:

1. Climate challenges: Mums thrive in USDA zones 5-9, but harsh winters in zones 3-4 can kill them without protection. I’ve seen this in my friend’s Minnesota garden, where unprotected mums didn’t survive a brutal winter.
2. Poor soil drainage: Mums hate soggy roots. If your soil stays wet, especially in winter, their roots can rot. I learned to plant my mums in raised beds to avoid this.
3. Improper care: Neglecting to prune, fertilize, or mulch can weaken mums, making them less likely to return.
4. Planting late: Mums planted late in the fall don’t have time to establish roots before winter. I always plant mine by early September to give them a head start.

Understanding these factors helped me turn my one-season mums into perennials that bloom year after year.

How to Ensure Your Mums Grow Back Every Year

Now that we know mums can be perennials, let’s talk about how to make it happen. 

1. Choose the Right Mums

Start with hardy garden mums suited to your USDA zone. Popular varieties include:

• ‘Clara Curtis’: A pink daisy-like mum that’s tough as nails.
• ‘Mammoth Coral’: Produces huge coral blooms and thrives in zones 5-9.
• ‘Autumn Moon’: A creamy yellow mum with excellent cold tolerance.

I always check local nurseries or online retailers like Burpee or Proven Winners for hardy varieties. Avoid florist mums if you want perennials.

2. Plant at the Right Time

Timing is everything. Plant mums in spring or early fall (by mid-September) so their roots can establish before winter. I made the mistake of planting in late October once, and those mums didn’t survive. Spring planting gives them a full season to grow strong.

3. Pick the Perfect Spot

Mums love sunlight. Choose a spot with at least 6 hours of direct sun daily. They also need well-drained soil. I test my soil by digging a hole and filling it with water—if it drains within a few hours, it’s good to go. If not, I mix in compost or sand to improve drainage.

4. Water Wisely

Mums need consistent moisture but hate being waterlogged. Water deeply once or twice a week, depending on rainfall. I use a soaker hose to keep the soil evenly moist without soaking the foliage, which can lead to disease.

5. Fertilize for Strength

Feed your mums with a balanced fertilizer (like 10-10-10) every 4-6 weeks during the growing season (spring to summer). I stop fertilizing in late summer to let them focus on blooming. Too much nitrogen in fall can weaken their winter hardiness.

6. Prune for Bushy Growth

Pinching back mums in spring and early summer encourages bushy growth and more blooms. I snip the top 1-2 inches of new growth every few weeks until mid-July. This keeps my mums compact and loaded with flowers.

7. Protect Them in Winter

Winter care is critical for perennial mums. After the first frost, cut the stems back to 3-4 inches above the ground. Then, cover the plants with 4-6 inches of mulch, like straw or shredded bark. I pile leaves around my mums and it works like a charm. 

In colder zones (3-4), consider digging up the roots and storing them in a cool, dry place until spring.

8. Divide Every Few Years

Every 2-3 years, divide your mums in spring to keep them healthy. I dig up my clumps, separate them into smaller sections, and replant. This prevents overcrowding and boosts blooming.

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Regional Tips for Growing Mums in the U.S.

The U.S. spans diverse climates, so let’s look at how to grow mums in different regions.

Northeast (Zones 4-7)

In places like New York or Pennsylvania, winters can be harsh. Choose hardy varieties like ‘Sheffield Pink’ and mulch heavily. I visited a friend in Vermont who wraps her mums in burlap for extra protection—her garden is a fall masterpiece!

South (Zones 7-9)

In warmer states like Georgia or Texas, mums thrive but can suffer from heat stress. Plant in partial shade if summers are scorching. I’ve seen stunning mum displays in Atlanta gardens, where gardeners water consistently to combat heat.

Midwest (Zones 4-6)

Midwestern winters, like those in Ohio or Michigan, demand good mulching. Plant your mums in raised beds to ensure drainage during heavy spring rains.

West (Zones 6-9)

In California or Oregon, mums enjoy mild winters but need well-drained soil. Coastal gardeners should watch for fungal issues due to humidity. My cousin in Oregon swears by ‘Clara Curtis’ for its resilience.

Mountain Regions (Zones 3-6)

In Colorado or Utah, cold winters require extra mulch or indoor storage. A neighbor in Denver digs up her mums and replants them in spring with great success.

Common Problems and Solutions

Even with the best care, mums can face challenges. Here’s how I tackle common issues:

• Yellowing Leaves: Often caused by overwatering or poor drainage. Check your soil and reduce watering if it’s soggy.
• No Blooms: This can happen if you don’t pinch back in summer or if the plant gets too little sun. Move it to a sunnier spot and prune next season.
• Pests: Aphids and spider mites love mums. I spray them with neem oil or insecticidal soap, which works wonders.
• Diseases: Powdery mildew is common in humid areas. Improve air circulation by spacing plants 18-24 inches apart and avoid overhead watering.

Creative Ways to Use Mums in Your Garden

When I started gardening, I thought mums were a one-and-done deal. But after learning their perennial potential, I’ve turned my yard into a mum haven. Each fall, I’m greeted by blooms that remind me of crisp autumn days and cozy evenings. 

Here are some ideas to make them shine:

• Porch displays: I fill pots with mums in complementary colors like orange and purple for a stunning porch look.
• Garden borders: Plant mums along walkways for a colorful edge. I mix them with asters for a vibrant fall show.
• Mixed beds: Pair mums with ornamental grasses or sedum for texture. My backyard bed with ‘Mammoth Coral’ and switchgrass is a neighborhood favorite.
• Cut flowers: Mums make gorgeous bouquets. I cut stems early in the morning and arrange them in vases for indoor color.

FAQs About Mums

Do mums come back every year in pots?

Potted mums can return if they’re hardy varieties and protected from freezing. I bring my potted mums into an unheated garage in winter and mulch around the pot.

How long do mums bloom?

Mums typically bloom for 4-8 weeks in fall, depending on the variety and weather. Pinching back in summer can extend the bloom time.

Can I grow mums indoors?

Florist mums can thrive indoors temporarily, but garden mums need outdoor conditions to return as perennials. I keep florist mums indoors for fall decor, then plant them outside in spring.

What’s the best fertilizer for mums?

A balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer works well. I apply it every 4-6 weeks from spring to mid-summer.

Final thoughts

Chrysanthemums are more than just a fall fling—they can be a lasting part of your garden. With the right variety, proper planting, and a little care, your mums can grow back every year, bringing color and joy to your home. I’ve loved watching my mums return stronger each season, and I hope you’ll experience the same thrill.

References

1. The Old Farmer’s Almanac. “Growing Chrysanthemums.” https://www.almanac.com/plant/chrysanthemums
2. University of Minnesota Extension. “Chrysanthemums for the Home Garden.” https://extension.umn.edu/flowers/chrysanthemums
3. Missouri Botanical Garden. “Chrysanthemum Care.” http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/plantfinder/plantfindersearch.aspx
4. Proven Winners. “Hardy Mums for Your Garden.” https://www.provenwinners.com
5. Burpee. “Chrysanthemum Varieties.” https://www.burpee.com