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Chrysanthemums should be planted where they will receive as much sun as possible. Mature plants set in a shady situation will give nice color that fall, but do very poorly the following year. While mums require a lot of water, they should still be planted in soil that is well drained. some type of organic matter, such as peat in sandy soils and maybe some sand in heavier soil situations. Mulching will help retain soil moisture, control weeds, and improve overall appearance.  Mums can withstand very cool temperatures and even light frosts. The first hard frost usually marks the end of the season for hardy mums. Once the plants are dormant, the tops should be removed, clean up old leaves and debris and re-mulch the area. New shoots will appear early the following spring.

Mum tidbits: Chrysanthemum-gets its' name from the Greek chrysos (gold) and anthos (flower). 
 Chrysanthemums had been cultivated in Chinese gardens for more than 2,500 years before they were first exhibited in England in 1795.  Chrysanthemums were considered the flower of the Chinese noble class, along with Bamboo, the Plum, and the Orchid, therefore they were prohibited in a lower-class person's garden. The Chinese believe that a chrysanthemum given to one's beloved, after its being used to wipe one's mouth after drinking wine, will ensure undying love and fidelity. 
Visiting Buddhist monks brought the chrysanthemum to Japan in 400 AD. The Japanese still hold the chrysanthemum as a symbol of the sun, and they consider the orderly unfolding of the mum's petals to be a symbol of perfection. They also presume that a single chrysanthemum petal placed in the bottom of a wine glass encourages a long and healthy life. (Sounds good to me!)

Pictures courtesy of Yoder Brothers Inc.