Chrysanthemum -- Winter Protection

Chrysanthemums can withstand severe freezing temperatures, provided the plants aren't in a flooded area or a soil with high moisture content.

Cut plants off an inch above ground after death by frost. Allow foliage to lay on top of the plants as a mulch until spring when it can be composted. Mulches limited the heaving action of the soil by winter's freezing and thawing.

Hardy chrysanthemums should not die if no foliage removal occurs in the fall. Leaving plants may ADD winter interest to the landscape.