Hundreds of hardy cultivars of mums can provide an array of colors and bloom shapes in the Fall garden. The blooms last for weeks, not days, and the sheer number of flowers per plant will convince anyone that this flower really likes to show off. Add the mum's impressionistic abilities to its longevity, and you have a perennial plant that pulls its weight in the garden year after year.

Because of their tight, mounded habit and stunning bloom cover, Fall garden mums are perfect for mass plantings that will have all passerby's rubbernecking. To get the maximum effect from far away, stick to only one or two colors. Another possibility is to arrange a gradual transition of related colors. When the planting will be viewed from up close plant every color you can find for a very wild but interesting effect. Look around your yard to see what colors would best complement the existing landscape. If you decorate for fall with pumpkins and gourds, choose orange, bronze, yellow, and creamy white mums. If you have a lot of evergreen plants that provide a backdrop of varying shades of green foliage, try bright pinks, lavenders, pure whites, or reds. With such bold colors, a large grouping of mums can excite even the most drab of fall landscapes.

Garden mums are also great for planting in containers and window boxes. You can plant them as stand alone's in a container or mix them with other fall blooming plants. When they finish blooming at the end of the Fall season remove them from their container and plant them in the garden if you like.

Among all the hundreds of varieties (cultivars) available you can extend the mum show in your garden by choosing according to their bloom times. Some are early season bloomers while others will wait until mid or late season to start flowering. Most well-stocked nursery and garden center will offer many varieties to choose from. Most garden mums will withstand a light fall frost, but finding the right cultivars will provide the longest possible amount of pleasure.

Height: 1' 6" to 2' 6" Landscape Usages: Containers / Planters, Landscape Beds, Garden Pond, Outdoor Living Areas, Woodland Border, Border / Edger, Mass Planting, Small Groups Sun Exposure: Full Sun, Mostly Sun, Partial Shade, Morning Sun Foliage Color: Green Soil Needs: Average, Ammended Clay, Well-Drained, Humusy, Loamy Water Needs: Average

Spread: 2' to 3' Attracts: Butterflies, Visual Attention Characteristics: Flower Fragrances: None Growth Rate: Fast Colors: White, Yellow, Red, Purple, Pink, Orange, Fuchsia, Burgundy Resistant To: Deer Resistant, Disease, Insect, Heat, Drought Seasons of Bloom: Fall Blooms Type: Deciduous, Perennial Theme Gardens: Butterfly, Cottage, Perennial USDA Zones: 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Chrysanthemums - Hardy Garden Mums Feeding Instructions

Feed in Spring and then on an as needed basis through late Summer. We generally recommend a slow-release granular flower food, higher in the middle number: this is phospherous, which helps to promote strong root systems, strong stems and plenty of flowers. Alternatively, you may use a natural or organic, non-burning plant food. Refer to product label for application rates and instruction.

Chrysanthemums - Hardy Garden Mums Pruning Instructions

Spent flowers and/or stems can be deadheaded or sheared throughout the season to encourage new growth and/or flower buds. Dead foliage can be cut back to ground after plant goes dormant in winter.

Chrysanthemums - Hardy Garden Mums Pest Instructions

This plant typically encounters very few pest or disease problems. If a pest or disease problem is identified, treat with an insecticide product, preferably one containing "Neem oil". Neem oil is a safe, triple-action product that can be used to control insects, mites and diseases. If your plant appears seriously stressed or diseased, consult with your local nurseryman, arborist, professional landscaper or local extension agent.