Mums the Word!

This has become my favorite time of year and with it comes an expectancy of colorful displays of Chrysanthemums that can be seen everywhere. I’m reminiscent of the many road trips that I’d take with my sister as we would search out the most unique and quaint garden shops to purchase just the right color, size and shape for our décor. Plant breeders have created numerous mums that are more compact, blooming more heavily, and have longer-lasting flowers than their predecessors. Many bloom quite early, stretching the season from midsummer to late fall.

Mums are usually found for sale in full bloom in early September, ready to be planted for instant color in flowerbeds and pots that will surely enhance your landscape. Be creative by mixing them with existing plants, such as, Autumn Joy sedum, purple aster or a Mexican bush sage. Plant them alongside the Silver King Artemisia, bright yellow goldenrod or blend them with the narrow-leaf zinnia, lamb’s ear, or marigolds.

Ideally mums can brighten dim areas of the garden which add color to attract attention. Place them in front of a dark background, such as evergreens or a stone wall, to increase the visibility of the blooms. With the many attractive containers available, place them along a sidewalk, at your entry, front or back door (remember the old saying, ‘back door guests are always welcome’). The cheerful blossom will last for weeks.

Whatever Chrysanthemums you choose to buy, you will find, many bloom much earlier or later in years following the season you plant them. This is because hybrid mums produced in a greenhouse are often timed to bloom at a specific time, in order to appear attractive to shoppers. Make sure the plants are not root bound when you buy them in the fall. The best way to select your mums would be when the bud is not fully opened, assuring flowering that will last!.

Mums require full sun, with light, well drained soil, that grow to heights from 1 to 3 feet. Check the soil frequently for watering. You can keep many mums blooming longer by pinching the old blooms as soon as they fade, especially in this area where the fall is very long and mild. If you choose to keep them in pots, you may plant them in the garden after they have bloomed. After a hard freeze, cut the top growth back to the ground and cover plants with a 2 to 3 inch layer of pine straw, shredded bark, or mulch.

Till next time, Grace and Peace be multiplied to you during this Holiday Season! Pamela.