When autumn rolls around, I can’t resist filling my porch and garden with those gorgeous, vibrant mums (or chrysanthemums, if we’re being formal). Their deep oranges, reds, and purples just bring that perfect autumn warmth to the place. But if you’re anything like I was a few years back, you probably find yourself tossing them out once the blooms fade, thinking that’s it for the season.
Well, let me tell you – mums don’t have to be a one-season wonder! It turns out there’s a way to keep them going year after year, making them a beautiful, lasting addition to the garden. With a bit of care and planning, you can turn those fall mums into perennials that come back fuller and brighter each year.
Here’s what I’ve learned about making mums last forever, so you can get more out of these autumn beauties, too.
1. Start with Hardy Mums
The first thing I learned is that not all mums are created equal. There are garden mums (also called hardy mums) and florist mums. Hardy mums are the ones you want – they’re built to withstand the colder weather and can actually survive winter. Florist mums, however, are grown just for show and are a bit too delicate to make it through the frost.
So, if you want your mums to last, start by picking up hardy mums from a garden centre, not the florist section. Trust me, it makes all the difference when you’re trying to keep them going year after year.
2. Get Them in the Ground Early
This was a big “aha” moment for me. The earlier you plant your mums, the better chance they have to establish strong roots before the ground gets too cold. If you can, try planting them in late summer or early autumn, so they have time to settle in.
One year, I waited until the last minute, and I noticed those mums didn’t fare as well. It’s like they need that little extra head start to feel at home and handle the chill.
3. Choose the Right Spot
Mums are sun-lovers, and they’ll bloom best in a spot that gets plenty of sunlight. I made the mistake of tucking mine away in a shaded corner the first year, and they ended up looking a bit sparse. Once I moved them to a sunnier spot, they were practically bursting with colour.
Also, make sure the soil drains well. Mums don’t like sitting in waterlogged soil – it can lead to root rot. I add a bit of compost to enrich the soil and improve drainage, and it works wonders.
4. Water Deeply, but Don’t Overdo It
Here’s the balance I’ve found with mums: they do need consistent moisture, but they also don’t like being soggy. During their first year in the ground, I make sure to water them deeply about once a week, or more often if it’s particularly dry.
After they’re established, I cut back a bit on the watering. I learned that deep, less frequent watering helps their roots grow down deeper, making them stronger and more resilient.
5. Trim Them Back Before Winter
Now, here’s the part that made me feel a bit squeamish at first – cutting them back. It felt odd, chopping down those lovely mums, but it’s essential if you want them to come back stronger next season. Around late autumn, once they’ve finished blooming, I cut the stems down to about 6-8 inches from the ground.
Leaving them a little short “stubble” seems to protect the plants over winter. And trust me, they’ll come back even more full and lush the following year.
6. Mulch for Winter Protection
Winter mulching has been a game-changer for my mums. I spread a good layer of mulch – about 3-4 inches of straw or shredded leaves – around the base of the plants. This keeps the ground temperature steady and insulates the roots from the cold.
When I skipped this step, I found that some mums struggled to return in spring, especially after a particularly harsh winter. With a bit of extra warmth from the mulch, though, they’ve bounced back without a hitch.
7. Give Them a Spring Trim
Here’s the last trick to making mums truly thrive: a spring trim. Once the new green growth starts poking through in spring, I trim back the tips to encourage bushier growth. I usually pinch them back about a third, up until around early July.
This little “haircut” does wonders! Instead of growing tall and leggy, the mums stay compact and produce loads more flowers. It’s as if each pinch makes them say, “Challenge accepted – I’ll bloom even more!”
Bringing Mums Back Every Year
Seeing my mums come back each year, fuller and more beautiful, has turned into one of my favourite parts of gardening. There’s something so rewarding about nurturing these plants and watching them repay you with those spectacular autumn displays, year after year.
So, if you’ve been tossing out your mums after the season ends, give these steps a try instead. They’ll bring that splash of colour back to your garden every autumn, and you’ll never look at these plants the same way again. With just a bit of planning and care, mums can be a lasting part of your garden family – and trust me, they’re worth every bit of effort.