This season, I planted nursery-grown gallon-size container
chrysanthemums in August and September. With our warm fall, they bloomed
beautifully right up until the first light frost in November. That frost
caused the blooms to die back, but the foliage remained green and healthy.
Now comes the gardener’s question: Should chrysanthemums be cut back
in late fall, or should you wait until spring? In cold-winter zones where
snow, ice, and bitter cold are part of the season, the answer is clear:
patience and proper garden maintenance will ensure your mums return stronger
next year.
Late Fall Chrysanthemum Care:
Deadheading and Mulching
Once your chrysanthemums finish blooming in late fall, it’s important to deadhead
the spent flowers to keep the plant tidy. However, resist the urge to cut
back the stems entirely. Leaving the foliage and stems intact provides natural
protection for the crown of the plant during freezing temperatures.
Mulching is the next critical step in fall chrysanthemum maintenance.
Apply a 2–4 inch layer of protective mulch around the base of the plant
once the ground begins to freeze. The mulch acts as insulation, shielding the
roots from harsh winter conditions. Choose materials that breathe and break
down evenly, such as shredded bark, pine needles, straw, or shredded non-oak
leaves. Avoid heavy oak leaves, which can mat together, trap moisture, and
harbor mold or insects. By selecting the right mulch, you create a healthier
environment for your mums to survive the winter.
Fall Prep for Winter Snow
In cold-winter zones, chrysanthemums face more than just freezing
temperatures they can also be damaged by snow piles from walkways or foot
traffic across the garden bed. One simple solution is to rope off the
garden with tall stakes and a string line before winter sets in.
This is something I do myself, because my husband doesn’t care about
gardens. Without a clear boundary, he might pile snow from the walkway directly
onto the flower bed or trample the crowns while crossing the yard. By roping
off the garden in late fall while temperatures are still mild you create a
visible reminder that protects your plants from accidental damage all season
long.
Compacted snow and repeated trampling can crush stems, damage crowns, and
compact the soil, making it harder for mums to regrow in spring. A simple rope
barrier ensures your chrysanthemums remain safe under their mulch blanket,
undisturbed by winter activity.
Winter Chrysanthemum Maintenance:
Protecting Plants Through Snow and Ice
During the winter months, chrysanthemums benefit from being left alone. Keep
stems and foliage standing throughout the season, as they act as a natural
shield against snow, ice, and fluctuating temperatures. This protective layer
reduces the risk of crown damage and helps the plant conserve energy until
spring.
Check your mulch periodically after storms. Wind, snow, or ice can
displace it, leaving roots exposed. Replenish mulch as needed to maintain
consistent coverage. Watering is generally unnecessary during winter dormancy,
but in rare cases of prolonged drought, a light watering may help prevent the
soil from becoming bone dry.
By practicing consistent winter garden maintenance, you ensure that your
chrysanthemums remain insulated and ready to regrow when warmer weather
arrives.
Key Takeaway for Fall and Winter Chrysanthemum
Care
The secret to abundant blooms next year lies in seasonal garden
maintenance. Deadhead flowers in late fall, apply breathable mulch, rope
off your garden to prevent snow damage, and leave stems standing through
winter. With patience and proper care, your chrysanthemums will reward you with
a spectacular autumn display year after year.
