Chrysanthemums, or mums, are a staple of late-season color, but when the vibrant blooms fade, many gardeners are left wondering how to get mums to come back the following year. The process requires understanding the plant's natural cycle, as most commercially grown varieties are not reliably perennial in colder climates. Getting them to return involves a combination of strategic pruning, protective care, and attentive maintenance that bridges the gap between one season's spectacle and the next.
Understanding the Mums' Growth Cycle
The key to revival starts with recognizing that mums initiate their bloom cycle based on daylight hours. Once the plant finishes flowering, its energy shifts to the roots and crown, preparing for dormancy. To get mums to come back successfully, you must support this transition rather than fight it. Attempting to force growth in late fall or winter is counterproductive, as the plant needs this resting period to rebuild its energy reserves for the spring surge.
Pruning for Energy Conservation
After the first hard frost blackens the foliage, it is time to prune. Using clean, sharp shears, cut the stems down to approximately 4 to 6 inches above the ground. While it may seem drastic, this act is crucial for the plant's health. Removing the dead material prevents diseases from taking hold over the winter and directs the plant's energy down into the root ball. This foundational step is often the deciding factor in whether you can get mums to come back with vigor.
Protecting the Crown
The shallow root system of mums is vulnerable to freezing and thawing cycles, which can heave the plant out of the soil or cause rot. To ensure you get mums to come back, you must insulate the crown. Once the ground freezes, apply a layer of mulch—such as straw, shredded leaves, or bark—around the base. The goal is not to keep the plant warm, but to keep it consistently cold and stable, preventing temperature fluctuations that trigger premature growth or frost damage.
Watering and Drainage Management
Before the ground freezes, provide a deep watering if rainfall is scarce. Hydrated roots survive winter stress better than dry ones. However, ensuring proper drainage is equally important to get mums to come back. Soggy soil around the crown is a common killer, leading to root rot. If your garden tends to pool water, consider planting the mums in a raised mound or amending the soil with sand and organic matter to encourage water runoff.
Spring Revival and Replanting
As the danger of frost passes in spring, it is time to assess the plant. Remove the winter mulch gradually as new growth appears. If the crown is still healthy and firm, you will see new shoots emerging from the center. To encourage bushier growth and more flowers, pinch back the new growth once it reaches about 6 inches tall. If the center of the plant looks woody or sparse, you may need to divide the clump to get mums to come back strong, replanting the healthy outer sections.
Ongoing Care for Perennial Success
Treating mums as perennials requires a commitment to soil health. In early spring, apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to support fresh growth. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers late in the season, as they can encourage tender growth that will be damaged by frost. Regular deadheading throughout the blooming period can also help the plant focus its energy on root development, making it more likely that you will get mums to come back year after year in suitable hardiness zones.
