There is one new family of mums identified as European mums. This group is considered very winter hardy with lots of blooms of various colors on stems that are not brittle like other mum types. This family also goes by the name ‘Belgian” mums. The newest member to the European family is the Mammoth mum. Mammoth mums have been specially bred by the University of Minnesota to withstand very cold winter temperatures, down to -30° F., these are truly a winter hardy mum and these are true perennial mums.

These mums are bred for use in the landscape and you’ll find by their second and third years that each mum will produce hundreds of flowers and attain an eventual width of over three to four feet across. They can be planted as individual plants or used in mass plantings. Mammoth mums can even be grown as a seasonal hedge that blooms each fall. They require minimal care in the landscape: no pinching or deadheading required. There are currently 7 varieties available in limited quantities. Shop early to secure yours.

All mums want a lot of sun at least half a day. Water only when they are dry and make sure their roots are not kept wet. Try planting your mums in a location where you can enjoy their color from both inside and outside your home. They help brighten your day indoors when the fall weather is cool and wet. Prune all mums that you hope to over winter in late fall. Cut all the stems back to 4 inches from the ground and place 4 inches of mulch on top of each plant. Remove mulch when you see new growth appear in the spring.