Why do my mums die back in winter?

They are herbaceous perennials that naturally go dormant when temperatures drop.

Should I pinch my mums?

Pinching the tips in early summer encourages bushier growth and more flowers.

Plant guide

Chrysanthemum.

Chrysanthemum × morifolium

Pronounced kris-AN-the-mum mor-i-FO-lee-um

Also known as Chrysanthemum × morifolium

Chrysanthemums are classic garden favorites that bring a burst of color to the landscape in autumn. These plants are widely loved for their dense, daisy like blooms and sturdy stems. They're perfect for adding seasonal interest to your porch or flower beds.

At a glance

Care level: Moderate
Plant type: Perennial herbaceous plant
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Indoor light: Bright indirect
Water: Every 3 to 7 days
Mature size: 2 to 3 feet
Growth rate: Medium
Hardiness: USDA 5 to 9
Bloom time: Late summer to late autumn

Care

Keep the soil consistently moist but never soggy to prevent root issues. Watch for wilting leaves as a sign that the plant needs a drink, and deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms. Ensure good air circulation to keep fungal problems at bay.

Watering: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Feeding: Use a balanced liquid fertilizer during the active growing season.
Pruning: Pinch back stems in early summer to promote a bushier shape.
Repotting: Repot in the spring if the plant becomes root bound.
Soil: Well draining, fertile potting mix
Soil pH: 6.0 to 6.5
Temperature: -10 to 35°C
Humidity: 40 to 60%
Drought tolerance: Moderate
Lifespan: Perennial, typically 3 to 5 years
Fragrance: Light
Deer and rabbits: Moderate

Signs it needs repotting

Roots circling the bottom of the pot
Water draining through too quickly
Plant growth stalling during the season slows significantly

Safety

People: The plant contains pyrethrins which can cause mild skin irritation or digestive upset if ingested in large quantities.
Pets: This plant is toxic to cats and dogs if ingested, potentially causing vomiting or skin irritation.
Children: Keep away from small children as ingestion of leaves or flowers may cause stomach discomfort.
Contact allergens: Handling the foliage can cause contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals due to sesquiterpene lactones.
Airborne allergens: The pollen can trigger allergic reactions in those sensitive to Asteraceae family plants.
Edibility: While some varieties are used in teas, do not consume garden center plants as they are often treated with systemic pesticides.

How to identify it

Deeply lobed, aromatic green leaves
Dense clusters of ray florets
Sturdy, upright branching stems
Varied bloom colors and shapes

Height: 0.3 to 1.2m
Spread: 0.3 to 0.9m
Leaves: dark green, gray green, deciduous
Flowers: white, yellow, orange, red, pink, purple, bronze, 3 to 15cm

Problems to watch for

AphidsCommon
Powdery MildewCommon
Botrytis BlightUncommon
ChlorosisUncommon
Leaf SpotUncommon
Spider MitesUncommon
ThripsUncommon
White RustUncommon

By symptom

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Growing it

Propagation: cuttings, division
When to plant: spring, early autumn
Overwintering: Cut back dead stems to a few centimeters above the soil after the first hard frost. Apply a layer of mulch to protect the crown from extreme temperature fluctuations.
In containers: They grow very well in containers, requiring a pot at least 25 centimeters in diameter for good root development.

Stem Cuttings

Take 10 centimeter cuttings from healthy shoots in spring.
Remove lower leaves and dip the base in rooting hormone.
Insert into moist potting mix and keep in bright indirect light.

Plant with other late season bloomers to create a vibrant autumn display that supports pollinators.

Grows well with

Aster — They share similar bloom times and cultural needs.
Ornamental Grass — The textures contrast beautifully in the autumn garden.

Similar species

Shasta Daisy — They share the same family and similar flower structure.

Science

Family: Asteraceae
Genus: Chrysanthemum
Order: Asterales
Class: Magnoliopsida
Native range: East Asia
Conservation: Not of conservation concern as it is a widely cultivated hybrid.

It evolved to bloom as days shorten, ensuring pollination before the onset of winter frost.

Value to wildlife: late season nectar source
Pollinators: bees, butterflies
Uses: autumn borders, cut flowers, container displays, pollinator gardens

Through the year

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Salinity: 2/9
Soil reaction: 6/9
Moisture: 5/9
Nutrients: 6/9
Light: 7/9
Temperature: 5/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Why do my mums die back in winter?: They are herbaceous perennials that naturally go dormant when temperatures drop.
Should I pinch my mums?: Pinching the tips in early summer encourages bushier growth and more flowers.

Where the name comes from

The name Chrysanthemum translates to golden flower, reflecting the original wild species colors.

Good to know

In Japan, the chrysanthemum is the symbol of the Imperial family.
They are one of the most popular cut flowers in the world.
The name comes from the Greek words chrysos meaning gold and anthemon meaning flower.

Also in

Plants toxic to cats and dogs

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This guide was generated with AI and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.