As summer draws to a close and the cooler days of fall approach, gardeners everywhere begin to seek plants that will keep their landscapes looking vibrant well into the season. Enter chrysanthemums, often called mums—one of the best perennials you can choose for your fall garden. With their striking colors and ability to thrive in autumn’s crisp weather, mums are the ultimate fall-flowering plant that brings life to your garden when most other blooms have faded.

Why Chrysanthemums Are a Fall Favorite

Mums are adored for their rich, jewel-toned colors, which come in an array of reds, yellows, oranges, purples, and pinks. These hues make them the perfect complement to the changing fall foliage, adding a vibrant burst of color to your garden beds, borders, or containers.

One of the key advantages of chrysanthemums is their resilience. As the summer flowers fade and cooler temperatures arrive, mums step into the spotlight, thriving in the crisp autumn air. Their ability to withstand cooler nights and even light frosts makes them ideal for extending your garden’s beauty deep into the fall season.

Easy to Grow and Maintain

Not only are mums beautiful, but they are also easy to grow, making them perfect for both novice and experienced gardeners. These perennials prefer nutrient-rich soil, so preparing the planting area with compost or organic matter is important for optimal growth. Plant your mums in an area that receives full to partial sun and give them enough space—about 12 inches apart—so they can grow without becoming overcrowded.

Watering mums regularly, especially during their first week in the garden, helps them establish strong roots. Once they are settled in, they are quite low maintenance, only needing water when the soil starts to dry out. Adding mulch around the plants will also help retain moisture and keep their roots insulated during cooler nights.

Versatile for Both Gardens and Containers

Chrysanthemums aren’t just for garden beds—they also look stunning in fall planters and containers. Pair them with other autumn favorites like ornamental grasses, sedum, or kale to create eye-catching displays for your patio, deck, or entryway. While mums are perennial, they won’t survive the winter in containers, so if you want them to return next year, be sure to transplant them into your garden beds before the first frost.

The Gift That Keeps on Giving

Mums are a perennial, which means they will come back year after year, giving you beautiful blooms every fall. After the first frost, when their leaves start to wilt, you can cut them back to the ground and cover them with mulch to protect the roots from harsh winter conditions. With proper care, your mums will return each autumn, bigger and more vibrant than the year before.

A Fall Garden Staple

Chrysanthemums have earned their place as a fall garden staple. With their wide range of colors, ease of care, and ability to brighten up the garden when most plants are fading, mums are a must-have for anyone looking to extend their garden’s beauty into the autumn months.

So, as you plan your fall garden, don’t forget to add chrysanthemums to the mix. Their vibrant blooms will give your landscape a much-needed pop of color as you say goodbye to summer and welcome the cool, cozy days of fall.

Enjoy the season, and happy gardening!