When fall arrives on Long Island, nothing brightens up porches and gardens quite like mums. Their vibrant blooms in shades of yellow, orange, purple, and red are a seasonal staple. But customers often ask us at Zaino’s Nursery in Westbury: Are hardy mums really hardy? Will they survive the winter? The answer depends on the type of mum you buy and how you plant it.
🌱 Florist Mums vs. Garden (Hardy) Mums
Not all mums are created equal:
- Florist Mums
- Grown mainly for decorative use in pots or gift arrangements.
- Usually sold in grocery stores or floral shops.
- Beautiful but not bred to withstand cold Long Island winters.
- Garden or Hardy Mums
- Specifically cultivated to be more resilient outdoors.
- Better root systems and stronger stems.
- Sold in nurseries (like ours) for planting in beds, borders, and containers.
👉 If you want your mums to come back next year, make sure you’re buying garden mums.
🌿 Tips for Overwintering Mums on Long Island
Even hardy mums need some care to survive the winter. Here’s how to improve their chances:
- Plant Early – Give mums time to establish roots before the ground freezes. Planting by mid-September in Westbury gives them a head start.
- Choose a Sunny Spot – Mums thrive in full sun, which helps them store energy for the winter.
- Water Consistently – Keep soil evenly moist until frost sets in.
- Mulch Generously – Add a thick layer of mulch or straw after the first frost to insulate roots.
- Leave the Tops – Resist cutting mums back after flowering. The dead stems provide natural protection until spring.
🌸 The Reality: Will They Come Back?
On Long Island, hardy mums can survive the winter if planted early and protected, but they aren’t guaranteed perennials. Think of them as “tender perennials” — some years they’ll return strong, other years the cold may be too much. Even when treated as annuals, they’re worth the burst of fall color.
💡 Best Varieties for Our Area
Some hardy mum varieties that perform especially well in Westbury and across Long Island include:
- Chrysanthemum ‘Sheffield Pink’
- Clara Curtis mums
- Decorative cushion mums in gold, bronze, and burgundy tones
At Zaino’s, we select mums bred for local hardiness and color impact.
✅ The Bottom Line
Hardy mums can be true garden stars if planted right and cared for through winter. Whether they return next year or not, they’ll deliver brilliant color this fall season.
Visit Zaino’s Nursery & Garden Center in Westbury, NY to shop our full selection of hardy mums. Our staff can help you pick the best varieties and give you tips to keep them thriving in your garden.