Mums, or chrysanthemums, are a great addition to any garden or landscape in fall and winter. They add color and life to an area that might be otherwise dreary. However, mums require some special care in order to keep them looking their best throughout the colder months. In this blog post, we’ll go over how to care for mums in the fall and winter so you can enjoy their beauty throughout both seasons.
How to Take Care of Mums in Fall and Winter
Chrysanthemums are a cheerful pop of color to any fall garden. There are different types:
Florist or Cutting mums
Florist mums, also known as cutting mums, are a type of chrysanthemum that is grown specifically for its cut flowers. The blooms of florist mums are large and showy, making them a popular choice for bouquets and arrangements. In addition, the stems of florist mums are relatively long and strong, which helps to keep the flowers looking fresh for longer periods of time. Florist mums are typically grown in greenhouses. This allows for more controlled growing conditions, which results in larger, healthier blooms. These flowers are also often seen indoors in containers during the fall season. Once they die off, they can be used as compost.
Hardy or Garden mums
Hardy mums, also known as garden mums, are a type of perennial flower that is typically used in landscaping. These mums are generally easier to care for than other types of perennials, and they produce long-lasting blooms that can brighten up any garden. Garden mums come in a wide range of colors, including white, pink, purple, and red. They are typically planted in the spring or summer, and they will bloom from late summer into fall, sometimes blooming into early winter, weather permitting.
Hardy mums are relatively low-maintenance plants, but they do require regular watering and fertilizing to thrive. With proper care, hardy mums can provide years of beautiful color for your garden. Hardy mums are also the mums that you see outdoors in containers. Hardy flowers come in a wide range of shapes and sizes, making them perfect for both small gardens and large landscapes.
Are mums annuals or perennials?
The answer is tricky. Garden mums are perennials and they will grow back. They are hardy plants that can survive for several years with the right care. Gardeners prefer using florist mums as annuals because they typically only bloom for one season.
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Caring for mums in fall
Here are a few tips to help you keep your mums looking their best:
- First, place mums in a sunny spot. Mums need at least six hours of sunlight each day.
- Second, water your mums regularly. Also, water deeply and allow to dry out somewhat between watering. Mums are susceptible to root rot, so it’s important not to overwater them.
- Third, fertilize your mums every two weeks with a balanced fertilizer. This will help them to produce more flowers.
Caring for mums in winter
There are a few things you can do to help your mums stay healthy during the winter months.
- When temperatures drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, bring potted plants into a shed or garage.
- Insulate your pots or place small pots inside larger pots
- If plants are in-ground, add an extra layer of mulch before the first freeze. Contact Ryno Lawn Care today to get your mulch installation service scheduled.
- Cut off any brown leaves or flowers.
- Leave stems alone. It is best to prune mum stems in spring.
- Water less often
What do all mums need?
All chrysanthemums need well-drained soil, full sun, and regular watering. For best results, choose a location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. You need to use amended soil. This will help to improve drainage and prevent the roots from becoming waterlogged. Once the flowers begin to fade, cut back the stems to encourage new growth.
If you have bought a mum in a container from the store, you will need to remove it and repot it. Store bought containers have compacted root balls. Break up the balls of the roots and water thoroughly.
Mums and other annuals are a great way to add color to your landscape. Check out this guide for taking care of annuals, published by Texas A&M University.
When is the best time to plant mums?
Mums are a popular fall flower, known for their cheerful blooms in shades of yellow, orange, and red. You can purchase mums year-round from florists and grocery stores. Although, many gardeners often prefer planting their own. For the best results, mums plant in late summer or early fall. This gives the plants plenty of time to develop a strong root system before the cold weather sets in.
Wrapping Up Caring for Mums in Fall and Winter
If you’re looking for a flower that is low-maintenance but still looks beautiful, mums are the way to go. Fall is the perfect time to add some color to your porch or yard with a beautiful planter of hardy mums.
Now you know how to care for mums in fall and winter. These flowers are relatively easy to care for and come in a variety of colors, so you can find the perfect ones to match your home décor.
