When it comes to late-season color, few flowers can rival the beauty and brightness of chrysanthemums. Known affectionately as “mums”, these versatile blooms are a staple in gardens, patios, and fall décor. Available in an array of shapes, sizes, and colors — from sunny yellows to deep purples and rich reds — chrysanthemums thrive in both flower beds and containers. If you’re looking to infuse your garden with fresh, bold hues, here are 6 gorgeous chrysanthemum varieties worth planting.
1. Garden Cushion Mums
Garden Cushion Mums are one of the most popular and widely grown chrysanthemum types for home gardens. Known for their compact, mounded shape and abundance of medium-sized blooms, these mums typically grow 12 to 24 inches tall and spread 18 to 36 inches wide. They bloom prolifically in late summer through fall, with colors ranging from white and yellow to orange, lavender, and burgundy. Cushion Mums are perfect for borders, mixed flower beds, and containers, creating a vibrant, rounded burst of color wherever they’re planted.
2. Spider Mums
For something bold and exotic, Spider Mums (a type of Chrysanthemum morifolium) stand out with their long, thread-like petals that curve and twist gracefully. These unique blooms resemble fireworks and come in shades of white, pink, yellow, bronze, and lavender. Blooming in mid to late fall, Spider Mums grow 18 to 36 inches tall and make excellent cut flowers thanks to their large, striking heads. They add drama and texture to garden beds and floral arrangements, especially when paired with rounder, softer blooms.
3. Single or Daisy Mums
Resembling classic daisies, Single Mums feature a simple ring of petals surrounding a golden-yellow center. Their neat, cheerful appearance makes them a favorite for informal gardens and mixed borders. These hardy perennials bloom in late summer and fall in shades of white, pink, purple, and orange. Single Mums grow 18 to 30 inches tall and offer a light, airy presence in the garden. They’re excellent pollinator plants, attracting bees and butterflies while brightening up garden corners or pathways.
4. Quill Mums
Quill Mums are a dazzling chrysanthemum variety with thin, tubular petals that resemble quills or delicate straws. The petals radiate outward, giving the blooms a starburst effect. Available in hues of white, pink, yellow, and lavender, these flowers add unique texture and sophistication to any garden display. Blooming from mid to late fall, Quill Mums grow 18 to 36 inches tall and work beautifully in cutting gardens, mixed beds, and fall arrangements. Their unusual form makes them conversation starters wherever they’re planted.
5. Anemone Mums
Known for their distinctive, raised centers, Anemone Mums feature one or more rings of flat petals around a cushion-like center disk. These elegant blooms come in shades of pink, red, purple, yellow, and white and appear in early to mid-fall. Growing 18 to 30 inches tall, Anemone Mums are ideal for adding depth and dimension to flower beds, mixed borders, and patio pots. They combine beautifully with asters, ornamental grasses, and pumpkins in seasonal fall displays, offering charm and structure to your autumn garden.
6. Pompon Mums
Pompon Mums are compact, globe-shaped chrysanthemums with small, rounded blooms that look like tiny pompoms. Available in a wide range of colors — from soft pastels to bright oranges and deep purples — these mums bloom in mid to late fall and grow up to 24 inches tall. Pompon Mums are a favorite for container displays, edging, and floral arrangements due to their tidy shape and long-lasting blooms. They hold up well in cool weather and continue to provide cheerful color right up until frost.
Final Thoughts
Chrysanthemums are not only beautiful and diverse, but also reliable bloomers that extend garden color well into autumn. Whether you prefer the rounded charm of Garden Cushion Mums, the dramatic flair of Spider Mums, or the quirky elegance of Pompon Mums, these 6 stunning varieties offer something for every garden style. Plant a mix of them together for a vibrant, textured display that will keep your landscape lively even as the cooler months approach.
Would you like a fall chrysanthemum planting plan or a color-themed mum border layout as well? I’d be happy to help create one for you!
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