Will moms be able to withstand the cold? Expert advice to help save your life

Mums, or chrysanthemums to give them their full name, are a favorite among gardeners, especially in the fall when their colorful flowers bring life to your outdoor spaces. But when temperatures drop and frost becomes a problem, you may wonder if moms can handle the cold, or if the cold signals the end of their beauty?

Although mums are known for their ability to tolerate cool weather, and some varieties can survive even light frosts, they are not completely frost-hardy. Their cold tolerance depends on a number of factors, including the variety, how well the plant has established itself, and whether it is protected.

We consulted with gardening experts who explained chrysanthemum resistance to temperature, what affects their resistance and how protect plants from frost – including advice on preparing moms for winter – helps extend their life in cold weather.

What is the temperature tolerance of mothers?

pink and orange chrysanthemums

(Image credit: Brent Waltermire/Alamy Stock Photo)

Various severe frosts and cold affect the mother differently, depending on the temperature, the type of chrysanthemum and how rooted the plant is.

In the event of a light frost, when temperatures are between 30°F and 32°F, the upper parts of the plant, such as flowers and leaves, may show signs of minor damage such as wilting or slight discoloration. However, the plant itself will usually cope, especially if it is well established and planted in the ground.

When temperatures drop below 28°F, moms are at serious risk of injury, especially if the extreme cold continues. Flowers, foliage and even stems may turn black and die as a result. The buds may freeze, preventing future flowering, and the plant may go dormant or even die if the roots are not protected.

Hardy perennial mothers have a better chance of surviving severe frosts, but even these need to be properly prepared, especially if the plant is still young or recently planted. Joe GerriorGardening expert and owner of Gerryor Masonry & Landscape warns, “When temperatures threaten to drop below 28°F, protective measures become necessary.”

Factors influencing cold tolerance of mothers

Green and white chrysanthemum flowers

(Image credit: Alamy Stock Photos/thrillerfillerspiller)

Determining how well chrysanthemums tolerate cold weather will help you better prepare and protect your plants. Their stability is influenced by a number of characteristics, including the variety of the mother and the degree of rooting of the roots in the ground.

Mom type: Some varieties of mums are hardier and how long do chrysanthemums live? will depend on the variety and growing conditions.

Perennial mummies, as their name suggests, are bred to survive several seasons, including winter, especially in USDA Hardiness Zones 5 to 9. These hardy mums have stronger root systems and, if planted early enough in the season, can develop the hardiness needed to withstand frost. Although they are more hardy than other varieties, they still require special conditions to withstand frost.

Annual mums, often sold as ornamentals, are more sensitive to cold. They usually only last one season and may not survive frost unless carefully protected.

Root institution: Mothers that were in the ground for an extended period were able to develop strong and deep root systems, making them more resilient to cold weather.

In contrast, newly planted chrysanthemums are more vulnerable to frost damage because their roots are shallow and therefore do not have sufficient insulation.

If you’re planting mums in the fall, it’s important to give them plenty of time to get established—ideally at least six weeks before the first frost—so they’re better prepared to handle the cold.

How to protect mothers during cold snaps

Chrysanthemums

(Image credit: GettyImages)

Proper preparation of chrysanthemums for cold weather can extend their life. Consider the following care strategies to help them withstand frost and ensure they are vibrant and ready to bloom in the spring.

1. Plant or move mums strategically

Strategic placement of chrysanthemums can greatly increase the plant’s resistance to frost. If you have time to transplant them to favorable locations before frost sets in, allowing the roots to take root can greatly improve their chances of survival.

In general, mums planted in the ground or in beds will be a little hardier since their roots can absorb heat from the ground, compared to plants planted in pots. Joe Gerrior notes, “In zones 6 through 9, mums planted in the ground are more likely to survive because the soil keeps their roots isolated. They can usually withstand temperatures up to 20°F.”

“Potted mums are more vulnerable to frost damage because their roots are more vulnerable,” warns Tom Monsonowner of Monson Lawn and Landscaping. “If frost is coming, bring them indoors on colder nights to make sure they are intact so you can enjoy them blooming for as long as possible before winter sets in.”

Another useful tactic is to use natural features for protection.

Placing mums closer to the walls or using natural windbreakers can make a big difference. “Placing moms near structures or areas that retain heat can provide a microclimate that moderates temperature fluctuations,” explains Josh Payneowner of Classic Landscapes.

For example, the surfaces of south-facing walls and large stones absorb sunlight during the day and emit it at night. Placing mums near them allows them to retain heat, helping to protect the plants from cold night temperatures.

Tom Monson

Tom Monson founded his lawn care company in 2009 at the age of 16, and Monson Lawn and Landscaping now serves hundreds of residential and commercial properties in the Twin Cities area.

2. Use mulching to insulate roots.

“A few inches of mulch around the base of the mother helps protect the roots from freezing temperatures because the layer of mulch or branches acts as a natural frost blanket,” says Pete Marshgardening expert and founder of Blue Oak Patio and Landscape.

“The mulch, along with the plant foliage, creates a microclimate around the plant that is several degrees warmer than the air.”

The best mulch for moms is airy and light, such as clean, weed-free straw, pine needles or shredded hardwood. Choose organic mulch like this one. Organic Mechanics Hardwood Bark Mulch from Walmartensuring you create a layer at least two to three inches deep to create a buffer against temperature changes.

3. Cover the mummies to protect them from frost.

“To protect mums from frost, we recommend covering them with frost protection fabric, also known as a row cover,” says Pete Marsh. We recommend this frost cover, from the Amazon. “This lightweight, breathable fabric can protect plants in temperatures down to 25°F.

Pete continues, “For lower temperatures, you can use a heavier material, such as burlap.” Alternatively, place bales of straw around the plants to create a frost barrier.

“The cover should be placed on the plants in the evening, before frost is expected, and removed the next morning when the temperature rises above zero.

4. Ensure proper drainage.

The type of soil your mums are planted in can greatly affect their vulnerability to frost. Poor drainage can increase the effects of frost because excess water in the soil can freeze around the roots when temperatures drop, increasing the risk of frost damage and root rot.

To avoid this, plant mums in soil with good drainage. Loose, aerated soil promotes more efficient removal of excess moisture, preventing roots from sitting in water during cold spells. This Miracle-Gro potting mix is a best seller at Walmart..

If your mums are planted in a bed, consider raising the bed slightly to improve drainage. Joe Doughertyowner of D&G Landscaping suggests, “During the colder months, I recommend raising potted plants on wooden boards. This helps improve drainage and protects the roots from frost, allowing flowering to continue into late autumn.”

We recommend using soil moisture meter like this one from Amazonmonitor the effectiveness of soil drainage and make adjustments if necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

What care after frost can keep mothers healthy?

Once frost sets in, proper aftercare is critical to help your chrysanthemums recover and thrive.

One of the key questions gardeners often ask is: Should I cut chrysanthemums? after frost damage? The answer is yes: removing damaged areas prevents the plant from wasting energy repairing dying tissue, allowing it to focus on healthy parts instead.

Use clean, sharp pruning shears like these.Deli Garden Scissors from Walmartremove frost-damaged parts of the plant. This includes dried flowers, blackened leaves, and any stems that have become soft or brittle. Trim healthy parts of the plant to encourage new growth.

However, it is important not to prune too aggressively immediately after frost damage. For perennial plant mothers, resist the urge to cut the plant off entirely, as new shoots may still emerge from the base or roots.

Remember that mums can sometimes look more damaged than after a frost, but as long as the roots and base of the plant remain healthy, they can bounce back with some care and time.

What are the ideal growing conditions for moms?

Mums do well in cool weather, so they are often chosen for fall gardens. However, like most plants, they have certain temperature ranges in which they thrive best.

They prefer sunny days and cool nights, which stimulate flowering and help blooms last longer. Ideal temperature for grow chrysanthemums is between 60°F and 70°F.

“With proper precautions, most mother varieties can continue to flower well into late fall, even with light frosts,” explains Pete Marsh. “However, for best results, choose varieties bred specifically for cold hardiness in your region.

“For example, our favorites for central Ohio are Hardy Red and Clara Curtis.”