Your Letters 2 Report post Posted November 16, 2012 Hi, I have never been able to overwinter mums. Last year I was told to plant them in spring so they have a good root system before winter. It's not easy to find mums in the spring, but I found a nice hardy yellow at Tellys in May and a dark purple locally in July. The yellow is very large now and the dark purple is double it's original size. I need advice to help them through the winter. I usually shred leaves and place 3 inches on the beds. Do I need to prune or cut ? Thank you for all your input. AS Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Margaret Thele 16 Report post Posted December 4, 2012 I will usually cut the stems back to about an inch off the ground before the snow flies since they look so ratty. No need however as the stems will catch fallen leaves and snow. Best way to overwinter mums as you were told is to get them early by June or July so they can get rooted in before the fall show. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
georgejean 1 Report post Posted December 8, 2012 I've pruned my mums in late fall and I've not touched them until spring when new growth is evident. They grew better and had more blooms the years I did not prune until spring. Now, I mulch them with shredded leaves in the fall and prune in spring. This works for me in my climate. I believe it's mostly trial and error. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites