Are Mums Perennials ? Chrysanthemums and Everything you need to know

Everything You Need to Know About Mums in Colorado

One of the most common fall questions we hear at Hosanna Floral is, are mums perennials? If you are decorating your porch in Montrose or refreshing your home in Ridgway or Ouray, you have probably picked up a pot of bright, cheerful mums and wondered if they will come back next year.

The answer is not always simple. Some mums are perennials, and some are not. It depends on the type of mum and how you care for it. Let’s break it down in a way that makes sense for homes across Montrose, Telluride, Gunnison, Crested Butte, and surrounding areas.

What Are Mums?

Mums are short for chrysanthemums. They are one of the most popular fall flowers in the United States. You see them everywhere in autumn, from porch planters to wedding centerpieces.

They come in rich fall colors like burgundy, deep orange, golden yellow, white, and purple. They are full and round, which makes them perfect for adding texture and color to any space.

At Hosanna Floral, we use mums in both outdoor fall décor and fresh floral arrangements. They are affordable, long lasting, and versatile.

Are Mums Perennials or Annuals?

The Short Answer

Yes, some mums are perennials. However, not all mums are created equal.

Garden Mums vs Florist Mums

There are two main types you will see.

Garden mums are bred to survive outdoors. These are the ones you typically see in outdoor nursery pots in early fall. If planted correctly, they can return year after year.

Florist mums are usually grown for indoor arrangements. They are not always hardy enough to survive Colorado winters, especially in higher elevations like Crested Butte or Gunnison.

A Montrose customer once told us she planted her florist mums in late October and hoped they would return in spring. Unfortunately, they did not survive the winter freeze. Timing makes a big difference.

Growing Mums in Western Colorado

Colorado weather can be unpredictable. Elevation, early frost, and temperature swings all affect whether mums come back.

Hardiness in Montrose and Surrounding Areas

Montrose and Ridgway generally fall into USDA hardiness zones that can support hardy garden mums if they are planted early enough. Telluride, Gunnison, and Crested Butte sit at higher elevations, so winters are harsher and success rates may vary.

When to Plant for Perennial Success

If you want mums to return next year, plant them in spring, not fall. This gives their root systems time to establish before winter.

When planted in fall, mums focus on blooming rather than root development. Once a hard freeze hits, shallow roots struggle to survive.

Proper Drainage Matters

Mums do not like wet roots. Choose well draining soil and avoid low spots in your yard where water collects.

Adding mulch before winter can also protect the roots from freezing temperatures.

Why Mums Are So Popular for Fall

Even if they do not come back every year, mums are still a fall favorite for good reason.

Long Lasting Color

Mums bloom for weeks. Compared to many other fall flowers, they hold their shape and color for a long time.

Perfect for Porch Styling

Pair mums with pumpkins, hay bales, and ornamental grasses for an easy fall look. Many of our Montrose customers create beautiful front porch displays using layered pots of mums in different colors.

Beautiful in Fall Floral Arrangements

Mums are also fantastic in fresh floral arrangements. They add fullness and structure without overpowering the design.

At Hosanna Floral, we often combine mums with roses, greenery, and seasonal accents for fall bouquets and centerpieces. They hold up well during flower delivery and maintain their shape in the vase.

How to Care for Mums in a Vase

If you are ordering fresh floral arrangements with mums, proper care will help them last.

Trim the Stems

Cut about half an inch off the stems at an angle before placing them in water.

Fresh Water Every Few Days

Change the water every two days and keep the vase clean. This prevents bacteria buildup.

Keep Them Cool

Avoid placing your arrangement in direct sunlight or near heaters. Cooler areas help flowers last longer.

Mums typically last longer than many other cut flowers, which makes them a great value for flower delivery today or seasonal gifts.

Can You Replant Florist Mums?

You can try, but success is not guaranteed. If you choose to replant florist mums outdoors, do it as soon as possible. Water them well and add mulch before winter.

In lower elevation areas like Montrose, you may have moderate success. In higher elevations like Gunnison or Crested Butte, winter conditions are more challenging.

Mums for Weddings and Events

Fall weddings across Telluride and Ridgway often feature mums in warm tones. They pair beautifully with roses and greenery for rustic mountain ceremonies.

They also work well in budget conscious weddings because they provide fullness without requiring large quantities of more expensive blooms.

A bride from Ouray once chose deep burgundy mums mixed with soft cream roses for her October wedding. The result felt warm, romantic, and perfect for the season.

When to Treat Mums as Annuals

Sometimes it is okay to simply enjoy mums for the season. Many homeowners treat fall mums as annual décor.

They bring joy and color during cooler months when most other flowers have faded. Even if they do not return next year, they have already done their job by brightening your space.

Order Fresh Fall Mums from Hosanna Floral

Whether you are searching for fresh flowers near me, fall floral arrangements, or flower delivery in Montrose and surrounding mountain towns, Hosanna Floral is here to help.

We design custom fall arrangements featuring mums and other seasonal blooms. We also offer local flower delivery across Montrose, Ridgway, Ouray, Telluride, Gunnison, and Crested Butte.

If you are wondering whether mums will return next year or simply want to refresh your porch or dining table, we are happy to guide you.

Stop by our shop or call to order today. Fall flowers bring warmth and color to any home, even as the temperatures drop.