Question
I just received a Canadian pot mum and am wondering if it can be planted outside and will it come back next year.  I live in Maryland.  The tag in the pot doesn't say anything around it being a perennial but does give room temperature so I wonder if it is suppose to be kept inside.  Do you know?

Answer
Hi Pat,
The chrysanthemum is hardy from zones 5-9.  You should have no problem with growing it in Maryland outdoors, unless it is a florist mum that you received as a potted plant.  These mums are less hardy, usually no lower than zone 7.  Some of Maryland is in Zone 7.  If you're in the mountainous areas in the West it's going to be tougher to keep it alive.  Mulch it with several inches of cypress bark or other mulches to help prevent heaving.  Heaving is the process of the ground thawing and freezing and causing the plant to come up out of the soil.  Water it once a week when no regular rain and fertilize with a 12-12-12 balanced fertilizer.  Do not fertilize in the winter.  If keeping indoors, it's going to be tough to keep it alive.  It really needs to be outside.  Don't over water in the winter and don't fertilize it.  Put it outdoors as soon as temperatures stay above 40 degrees on a regular basis.  Acclimatize it before putting it outdoors by placing it in the shade for 10 days.  Then put it in a place where it will get 6-8 hours of sun per day.  I hope this helps.
Tom