How & When To Shop For MUMS! And Other Plant Options For Fall Containers!

Not sure when or how to shop for mums this fall? Don’t worry, it can be confusing at times! Mums are a great choice for autumn, but finding the right plants and timing does make a difference.

This post will share tips on when to buy them, how to pick healthy ones, and even suggest other lovely plants for your containers. Let’s get your fall garden looking amazing!

When to Shop for Mums

Cooler days make mums thrive. Early fall offers the best time to find healthy plants.

Late summer to early fall

Late August to mid-September is the perfect time for shopping for garden mums. I always notice the widest selection of colors like orange, yellow, pink, and burgundy in early fall.

Visiting local nurseries during this period gives me a chance to pick healthy plants before they sell out.

Shopping too late means fewer options or blooms that may not last as long. In warmer areas, waiting until late September or October might still work since heat extends their season.

At big box stores like Lowe’s Labor Day Sale from 8/25–9/7, I find great deals on potted mums and other hardy perennials too!

Cooler weather is ideal

Cooler weather makes mums bloom better. These hardy plants thrive when night temperatures drop, usually starting mid-September. The blooms last longer in cooler conditions, especially if the buds are just opening.

I’ve noticed vibrant colors like burgundy mums pop more during these months.

Mums grow well in part to full sun with consistent moisture and well-draining soil. Cool air also keeps issues like root rot or powdery mildew away. In zone 6b areas, this weather gives potted mums a chance to shine before a hard frost hits.

Next, let’s learn how to pick healthy plants!

How to Shop for Mums

Pick healthy mums with strong stems and green leaves. Check that the soil isn’t too wet to avoid root rot.

Look for tight, unopened buds

I always choose garden mums with tight, green buds. These unopened buds last longer and keep the blooms fresh in my fall containers. Fully opened flowers fade fast, often blooming out in just a week.

Tags on pots help me know what color the flowers will be, since closed buds don’t show their true shade yet. Burgundy mums or yellow mums look stunning once they bloom and bring vibrant life to any fall garden.

Inspect for health

Healthy mums make all the difference in fall garden containers. I check for deep green leaves free from yellowing or wilting. Stems should feel sturdy, not spindly or broken. Drooping plants signal stress, so I skip those.

Roots tell a big story too. Overcrowded roots mean trouble when replanting potted mums later. If roots circle the pot tightly, I move on to another plant option. Healthy choices lead to thriving blooms through cooler temperatures!

Choose between annual and perennial mums

Annual mums, like florist mums, look pretty in pots but only last a season. They usually show up at floral shops and need frequent watering. These are not winter hardy and can’t handle cold weather or freeze-thaw cycles.

Perennial mums, also called garden mums, are tougher. They survive winters if planted early enough, like in spring. I grab these from nurseries since they bloom late summer to fall for up to eight weeks.

Both types brighten any fall garden with burgundy moms or yellow ones!

– Where to Shop for Mums

Where to Shop for Mums

You can find mums in lots of places, both big and small. Each spot offers unique choices for your fall garden needs.

Big box stores

I like shopping for fall mums at big box stores like Lowe’s and Home Depot. They have a wide selection of garden mums in different colors, such as burgundy, orange, yellow, and pink.

These stores often run sales too. For example, Lowe’s had three-quart mums priced at two for twelve dollars from August 25 to September 7.

Home Depot even has a mobile app that helps find gardening supplies quickly. I often check it to locate potted plants or tools while planning my fall container garden. Their chrysanthemums are affordable and perfect for gardeners looking to fill their spaces with vibrant colors!

Local nurseries also offer beautiful options; they pair well with the selections from bigger retailers.

Local nurseries

Big box stores offer convenience, but local nurseries provide expert help. Staff can guide me to the right garden mums or perennial plants for my space. They often stock hardy mums and show me how to check for healthy roots or leaf spot issues.

I love their extra services too. Some guarantee trees and shrubs for life. Heuchera plants are a great deal right now at $9.99 each, down from $16.99! Many nurseries even let me shop online with curbside pickup or delivery options, which saves time during busy days in fall gardening.

Hardware stores

I find hardware stores great for buying fall plants like mums. They often carry garden mums, potted mums, and hardy varieties perfect for cool weather. I also see tools and potting soil there, which help with planting.

Many stores have well-draining soil bags too.

The Home Depot Mobile App makes shopping easy by locating supplies quickly. Some stores stock balanced fertilizers or slow-release options that are ideal for chrysanthemums. Orange mums, burgundy ones, and yellow blooms are usually available in good condition during fall.

Other Plant Options for Fall Containers

Add charm to your fall garden with unique plants that thrive in cool weather—explore vibrant, hardy options for your containers!

Montauk daisies

Montauk daisies grow tall, reaching up to three feet. Their white petals with yellow centers bloom from late summer through fall. They thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, making them easy to care for in most gardens.

Once established, they handle drought well and need little attention.

These perennials attract bees and butterflies, bringing life to any fall garden. Regular deadheading helps more flowers grow. I’ve found them perfect for adding height and beauty to my containers or flower beds.

At $10.98 each, they are affordable too!

Prairie Sun Black-Eyed Susan

Prairie Sun Black-Eyed Susan shines in any fall garden. Its five-inch daisy-like flowers have bright orange petals with yellow tips. These blooms last from mid-summer to early fall, drawing butterflies while resisting deer.

I love it in full sun or partial shade for the best color.

It grows 24–36 inches tall and spreads about 18–24 inches wide. Hardy in USDA zones 2-6, it can handle heat and drought well but needs enough water to bloom fully. This plant even reseeds itself, making it great for cottage gardens or meadows.

Neon Sedum pairs well with this beauty for a vibrant look!

Neon Sedum

Neon Sedum is a hardy perennial that thrives in full sun. It can survive freezing cold temperatures, as low as -30 to -40°F, and is perfect for zones 3 and higher. This plant grows up to 24 inches tall and wide, making it an excellent choice for potted arrangements or larger fall containers.

Its large, vibrant foliage attracts pollinators like bees. Over time, the plant transforms its appearance with the seasons, adding visual interest year-round. I appreciate how this $14.98 option for a 1.5–2 gallon container blooms beautifully in spring while also enduring winter in well-draining soil with ease!

Purple Fountain Grass

Purple Fountain Grass adds height and movement to fall containers. It thrives in full sun and grows 4–5 feet tall and wide. Hardy in zones eight and above, it works as an annual for colder areas like zone 6b.

I saw lovely planters of this grass at Lowe’s for $18.98, but BJ’s Wholesale had a similar one for just $9.99. Splitting the plants can save even more money.

This grass pairs well with bright mums or other colorful blooms for a striking contrast. It prefers well-draining soil to avoid root rot and looks great in potted displays on patios or porches during cooler temperatures.

Using slow-release fertilizer helps keep its deep purple tones vibrant all season long!

Hamlin ornamental grass

Hamlin ornamental grass works great for fall containers. Its dense green blades and arching shape create height and texture. I like how it thrives in full sun with little care. This makes it perfect for busy gardeners like me.

This perennial stands out as a top “thriller” plant in planters. Once the season ends, I can move it to my garden. It comes back each year, adding long-term beauty to my landscape.

Caramel Coral Bell

Caramel Coral Bell is a hardy perennial that thrives in both sun and shade. It grows up to 14 inches tall and spreads about 16 inches wide, making it perfect for fall containers or borders.

I recommend giving it just 1–3 hours of morning sunlight for the best results.

This plant handles cold well, surviving temperatures down to -30°F. Its deer-resistant nature keeps your garden safe from nibblers. Priced at $13.98, it offers value with blooms lasting from spring through summer.

Well-draining soil with organic matter helps protect against root rot while keeping this beauty healthy all season long!

Coral Bells Carnival Watermelon

Perfect for fall containers, Coral Bells Carnival Watermelon adds bold color with its unique foliage. I love how this plant shines in cooler temperatures, showing off shades of red and pink.

It grows about 10–12 inches tall and can handle part sun well. Its cold hardiness amazes me since it survives down to -30°F.

This Vigoro product from Home Depot costs only $10.98, making it an affordable option for autumn displays. After the season ends, I move mine from pots into the ground where they thrive as perennials.

Early to late spring blooms make this plant a joy beyond just fall gardens!

Conclusion

Mums make fall containers pop with color. Shopping for them in cool weather keeps blooms fresh longer. Pair mums with grasses or other flowers to create a lively display. I always check for strong, healthy plants at local nurseries or stores.

Get planting and enjoy your autumn garden!

FAQs

1. When is the best time to shop for garden mums?

The best time to shop for garden mums is in cooler temperatures, ideally during early fall when they thrive in cool weather and start blooming.

2. How can I choose healthy potted mums at a garden center?

Look for plants with tight buds instead of open flowers, as these will last longer. Check that the soil is well-draining and avoid any signs of root rot.

3. What are some good plant options for fall containers besides chrysanthemums?

Besides hardy mums like burgundy, orange, yellow, or pink varieties, you can add herbaceous perennials or other seasonal plants suited for cool weather.

4. How do I care for my fall mums after planting them?

Plant your fall mums in full sun with acidic soil enriched by organic matter or composted material. Use a balanced fertilizer or slow-release fertilizer to help them grow strong.

5. Can florist shops’ chrysanthemum morifolium be planted outside?

Florist mums are usually grown indoors and may not survive outdoors like hardy garden varieties. For outdoor use in a fall garden, pick hardy types from a local garden center.

6. How do I prevent root rot when growing chrysanthemums?

Use well-draining soil and avoid overwatering your plants to keep roots healthy while encouraging proper rooting growth through regular care steps like adding composted materials.