Marianne's Response

jydm427’s Question

Hi Marianne:
I live in Chicago, IL. Last year I purchased some Chrysanthemum Hardy Mum Perennials. They were very green throughout most of the summer, and began to bloom in September. It is now almost the end of May in Chicago, and only one has the green leaves, the rest are bare. Since last year was the first time I planted them, my questions are is this normal? When should they start budding the green leaves? Should I replace the others? Thanks!!!

Posted by Jacqueline McCray on May 15, 2017

Marianne's Response

So sorry but my best guess is that winter took a toll on your mums and only the plant with the green leaves survived the cold. Some are hardier than others and location, wind exposure and drainage all contributes to chrysanthemums surviving the cold. Try to determine if the one that survived was planted on a mound or had better drainage for some reason or if is was in a more protected location. Then you can replicate these same conditions for your hardy mums in the future. Keep growing, Marianne Binetti