i used to collect local grown plants from around the neighborhood ... the ones that had been there for decades ... the real proven winners. ...

with bigboxstore shipping plants in from all over the country.. you really cant be sure .. that what you buy ... is actually zone appropriate.. many are basically sold as large annuals ...

back in the day.. i ordered $1 cuttings .. fifty of them ... lost about 50% the first winter.. 25% more the second.. and within 3 years.. was back to the old standards ... many are borderline z5 ... and i agree.. they are usually the more foo foo ones ...

the further you get form the old standards of yellow.. red ... maroon ... they were less likely to survive ...

they are extremely easy to root and grow out to a nice plant from spring to fall ... you could probably generate your own supply .. from those that survive in your area ...

IMHO ... its more of a supply issue.. than an environmental issue ....

ken

Ken,thanks for your reply. How are you propagating them? Barb

Ken, can I protect them under the lights in a heated garage but with the danger of an overhead door. Barb

https://www.google.com/search?q=propagation+of+mums&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8

Barb, the knowledgeable Perennial Forum people may be able to help.