Your mum is probably a florist Chrysanthemum and will probably not survive the winter in areas colder than Zones 6 or 7.  Even if it survives it will probably not flower again, as florist chrysanthemums are late-flowering plants. Even hardy mums grown in pots for outdoor display may not live through the winter unless they have developed a strong root system first.

If you decide to try planting your mum outdoors, keep it well watered (check daily ) until the first frost, and mulch with 4-6 inches of straw or other mulching material after the ground freezes.

Hardy mums can de distinguished from florist mums by their thick underground shoots, or stolons. If you want to grow these beautiful plants outdoors, choose some of the many hardy mum species and varieties that are readily available in nurseries.

For tips on a variety of gardening topics, see our Plant Information Guides.
- Courtesy of NYBG Plant Information Service