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Introducing Igloo Mums: Extra Hardy Chrysanthemums for Overwintering
While many people think of Chrysanthemums as annuals, it's possible to enjoy them as perennial garden plants with a little forethought and TLC.
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Along with our summer annuals, we're stocking the Igloo series of hardy Mums. "Igloo" refers to both their domed shape and to their zone 4 hardiness rating. You can enjoy them as annual mums like any other type, but if you want to learn how to establish them as perennials, read on!
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Step 1: Plant early and water regularly
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Mums need as much time in the ground as you can give them before winter hits. While there are tricks you can use to try to keep decorative fall mums over winter, you'll get the best results from planting now, and keeping your mums well-watered so they can establish themselves through summer.
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Step 2: Create good drainage
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Soil that stays soggy will do in even the hardiest of mums during the winter. To ensure that the permanent home of your new perennial mums has good drainage, take the time to dig a larger hole than the pot, and amend the soil that you fill in around the plant with using compost. If you don't have compost of your own, pick up some of our mushroom (pictured) or Better Earth compost.
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Step 3: Select a Sunny Spot
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Mums grown in too much shade have a disappointing tendency to flop, and they produce fewer flowers. Pick a spot in the sun with plenty of elbow room, so that the plant gets good air circulation. Igloo mums can spread up to 2 1/2 feet wide.
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Step 4: Use a phosphorous fertilizer
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Phosporous is the nutrient plants need to promote root growth. Strong roots are key to winter survival for perennial plants, so give your mums a phosphorous fertilizer when you plant. Once your plant has weathered its first winter, switch to a 5-10-10 fertilizer, applied each year as the new leaves emerge.
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Your plants will benefit from a 2" layer of mulch year round, but pile on a deeper layer after the first killing frost. This will keep them snug for the winter, protecting the roots from winter freeze-thaw stress. Once they show signs of spring growth, return the mulch to its original depth.
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That's it! Stop by to pick up some Igloo mums of your own, and enjoy these showy perennials in your own garden year after year.
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Are you a fan of Greg and Dan? On Saturday, July 11th, pop over to Hoerr Nursery at 9am to say hello as they broadcast a special remote live from our perennial yard. Alternatively, you can listen to the whole show from the comfort of your own home. Green Thumb will be on at 7am, followed by Greg and Dan from 8am-10am, on 1470 WMBD!
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On Sale July 2nd-July 8th
Pottery – 25% off
Shrub Hydrangeas – 25% off
Single Stem Birches, 15 gallon – 25% off
Slender Silhouette Sweetgum, 15 gallon – 25% off
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In honor of Independence Day, Hoerr Nursery will be closed July 4th.
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Join Ethan Wise and Dan Diorio of the Greg and Dan Show for a weekly discussion about all things gardening! Tune in Saturdays at 7am on 1470 WMBD.
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