Is it true that Hardy Mums come up year after year, verses regular mum

yes hardy mums are perennials

Yes. But you can take cuttings..........

Hardy Mums are perennial - depending on where you live. But I find the same thing with "regular" mums. Sometimes I lose one over the winter - some I can't get rid of. Check a few plant sites to find a comparable plant and check your "plant zone" by your zip code.

In mid-Michigan my Mums return each year. On July 4th I cut the growth back by at least half (it's hard to do but be ruthless). This will keep the plants full and promote lots of blossoms. Letting them go encourages leggy, falling over plants.

Protected plant areas (next to the house, on the south side or out of the wind) will help your Mums survive.