Red mums, also known as chrysanthemums, can be classified as perennials, meaning they have the potential to come back year after year. However, in many cases, they are grown as annuals, especially in regions where winter temperatures can be extremely cold.
If you live in an area with USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 3 through 6, where winters can be frigid, it is recommended to choose early-blooming varieties of mums. These varieties have a better chance of surviving the winter and returning in subsequent years.
Many gardeners opt to treat mums as annuals in colder regions due to the challenges they may face in overwintering them successfully. While some varieties of mums can survive the winter, it can be a bit more unpredictable in colder climates.
To improve the chances of mums surviving the winter and returning in the following years, there are a few steps you can take. First, choose hardy mum varieties that are specifically bred for colder climates. These varieties are more likely to have the necessary cold tolerance to withstand harsh winter conditions.
Secondly, it is important to plant mums in well-draining soil. Excess moisture around the roots during the winter can lead to rot and damage the plant’s chances of survival.
Additionally, providing a layer of mulch around the base of the mums can help insulate the roots and protect them from freezing temperatures. This can be done in late fall or early winter, once the ground has started to freeze.
In areas with particularly harsh winters, you may also consider adding a layer of protective covering, such as burlap, over the plants to shield them from wind and extreme cold. This can be especially useful for newly planted mums or those that are not yet fully established.
It’s worth noting that even with these precautions, there is still a chance that mums may not survive the winter in colder regions. Factors such as the severity of the winter, the specific variety of mum, and individual garden conditions can all play a role in their survival.
In my personal experience, I have had mixed results with overwintering mums in a USDA Zone 5 garden. While some varieties have returned reliably year after year, others have struggled to survive the winter, even with protective measures in place.
While red mums can technically be considered perennials, their ability to survive the winter and return in subsequent years can be uncertain in colder regions. Choosing early-blooming varieties and implementing protective measures can improve their chances of overwintering successfully, but it’s important to be prepared for the possibility that they may not come back reliably.
