5 Things to know about Hardy Mums

Posted on September 15, 2016

We love mums! They are big beautiful balls of flowers. They also remind us that soon the leaves will change colors and we can order our favorite pumpkin beverage from the coffee shop.  Learn a little bit more about hardy mums with these 5 hardy mum facts:

1. Garden Mums are Hardy Mums

 

Garden Mums and Hardy Mums are the same
A Garden Mum is a Hardy Mum

 

Garden mums are the same thing as hardy mums. Nurseries and garden centers have stopped calling them hardy mums overtime. Mums need special care to over make it through the winter.  Mum overwintering is dependent on placement, pruning and conditions.

 

 

2. Purchase Mums When the Temperature Cools Down to Get  Longer Lasting Flowers

 

 

This mum has suffered from high temperatures
This mum has suffered from high temperatures

Mums are available in Michigan starting in mid August.  Unfortunately, the temperatures in mid August are often too warm.  Warm temperatures cause  existing blooms to become discolored or to not open.  It is better to purchase mums for long lasting fall color starting mid September.

 

 

3. Mums have Multiple Sets of Flowers

Mums have multiple sets of flowers
Mums buds under the flowers

Mums have continuous blooms. Behind every set of flowers is a set of buds ready to take its place. To enjoy flowers all fall, dead head any spent flowers.

 

 

4. Water Large Mums at Base to Prevent Splitting

Water Plant From Side
This mum has split

Large mum containers are made of multiple plants. When watered from the top, the individual mum plants will eventually split apart. Watering mums at the side of the pot will prevent the container from splitting.

 

5. Overwinter Mums can be difficult

Prune mums in the spring
Prune mums in the spring

Mum stems are hollow. This can cause a problem for climates with single digit winter temperatures.  Prune mum plants in the spring when new growth starts to ensure that you protect the roots. Mulching the roots of the plant in the fall also helps keep the roots warm during the winter.