When it comes to the question of whether mums come back every year if planted in the ground, the answer largely depends on the type of mum you are dealing with. As previously mentioned, mums can be categorized into two main groups: florist mums and garden mums.
Florist Mums: The Potted Superstars
Florist mums, those compact and vibrant mums you often see in pots at nurseries and grocery stores, are typically not meant to be long-term outdoor plants. While they can certainly add a burst of color to your home or garden, they are generally grown as annuals, meaning they are intended for a single season of growth and bloom.
Garden Mums: The Reliable Perennials
On the other hand, garden mums, with their more relaxed growth habit and wide array of colors and varieties, are the mums that are known for reliably coming back year after year. These mums are considered perennial plants, meaning they have the ability to live for multiple growing seasons, given the right conditions.
Understanding Perennials and Annuals
It’s important to grasp the distinction between perennials and annuals when considering the longevity of mums. Perennials are plants that can survive and bloom for several years, whereas annuals typically complete their life cycle in a single season.
Factors Influencing Mum Return
Several factors can influence whether mums planted in the ground will come back every year. These factors include the specific variety of mum, your climate and growing zone, the care and maintenance provided to the plants, and the overall health of the mums.
The Role of Growing Zones
Your USDA plant hardiness zone plays a significant role in determining the success of perennial mums in returning each year. Different mum varieties have varying cold hardiness levels, so selecting mums that are suitable for your zone can increase their chances of surviving winter and regrowing in the spring.
Tips for Overwintering Mums
If you want to ensure that your garden mums return each year, it’s essential to provide proper care, especially during the winter months. Mulching around the base of the plants, cutting back faded foliage, and protecting the mums from harsh winter conditions can all contribute to their survival.
Regular Maintenance for Mum Health
Regular watering, fertilizing, and deadheading can help maintain the health and vigor of your mums throughout the growing season, increasing their likelihood of returning in full glory the following year. Healthy mums are more resilient and better equipped to withstand environmental stressors.
Reseeding and Naturalization
In some cases, garden mums have the ability to self-seed and naturalize in your garden, leading to new plants sprouting up in subsequent years. While this can be a delightful surprise, it’s important to monitor the spread of mums to prevent overcrowding and maintain the overall aesthetic of your garden.
In Conclusion
Ultimately, whether mums come back every year if planted in the ground hinges on various factors, including the mum type, growing conditions, care provided, and winter protection. While florist mums may be best enjoyed as seasonal splashes of color, garden mums have the potential to grace your garden with their blooms year after year, adding beauty and charm to your outdoor space.
