The plant commonly referred to as a “daisy mum” is a type of chrysanthemum, a genus known for its diverse and colorful fall blooms. Determining if this plant is a perennial is not a simple yes or no answer. The perennial status of your mum depends entirely on the specific variety you purchased and the climate where you plan to grow it. Many chrysanthemums sold today are treated as annuals, but true hardy varieties are bred to survive the winter and return with consistent autumn color. Understanding the differences between the types and providing the correct care determines whether you enjoy a single season of color or a perennial display.
The Critical Distinction: Garden Mums Versus Florist Mums
The confusion over whether a mum is a perennial stems from the difference between the two main categories sold: garden mums and florist mums. Florist mums, often found in grocery stores and big-box retailers, are typically bred for maximum flower production and compact shape, not for cold tolerance. These plants are grown to be beautiful, disposable autumn decorations, and they often lack the genetic hardiness to survive a cold winter.
Florist varieties are less likely to overwinter successfully because they are often root-bound and grown to expend all their energy on blooming. This focus on immediate floral display comes at the expense of developing a robust root system capable of anchoring the plant and sustaining it through freezing temperatures. They have shallow roots that are ill-equipped to survive the cold, even in milder climates.
In contrast, garden mums are specifically bred for winter survival and are generally hardy in USDA Zones 5 to 9. These varieties possess a more open growth habit and develop underground shoots called stolons, which are necessary for perennial return. When planted in the ground, these hardy cultivars dedicate energy to establishing a deep, sprawling root mass, which allows them to enter dormancy and survive the winter. Selecting a garden mum over a florist mum is the first step toward ensuring a perennial return.
Hardiness Zones and Environmental Requirements for Survival
Even the hardiest garden mums are ultimately limited by the environment, specifically the minimum winter temperatures of their location. The USDA Hardiness Zone system outlines the typical range for perennial mums, which is generally Zone 5 through Zone 9. Survival within this range is conditional, depending on factors beyond just the air temperature, though some newer varieties can survive as far north as Zone 3.
Excellent soil drainage is important for overwintering success, as wet, soggy soil during the winter is a common cause of root rot and plant death. When water pools around the roots and freezes, it can cause significant damage, making a raised bed or sloped area a better choice than a low-lying spot. Mums also require a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight each day during the growing season to build up energy reserves for dormancy.
The timing of planting dictates survival. Planting a mum in the late fall, when it is already in full bloom, does not give the plant adequate time to establish its root system before the ground freezes. For reliable perennial performance, the plant needs to be in the ground by late summer or early fall, ideally six weeks before the first hard frost, to allow for root growth rather than just flowering.
Strategies for Ensuring Perennial Return
For garden mums planted in the ground, several practices can maximize the chances of a successful perennial return. The application of heavy mulch in late fall, after the ground has frozen, acts as an insulating blanket. A layer of straw, chopped leaves, or wood chips four to six inches deep helps maintain a consistent, cold soil temperature, preventing the damaging cycle of freezing and thawing.
The timing of cutting back the spent foliage is important; leaving the stems intact until spring is often recommended. The dead stems can help trap insulating snow and leaves around the crown, offering protection from harsh winter conditions. Once new growth appears in the spring, the old, brown stems can be cut back to about two to three inches above the soil line.
To further encourage root establishment, hardy mums should be planted in the spring or early summer, allowing the entire growing season for the plant to mature its root system. Purchasing plants with tight buds, rather than those already in full bloom, ensures the plant’s energy is directed toward root development before the onset of cold weather. This preparation gives the plant the best possible chance to survive dormancy and return with fresh growth the following spring.