analysis: landscaping (perennial flowers) –      Getting Ready for Fall (and Halloween)

Using mums for fall decorating –

Notes:

• About fall perennials (chrysanthemums):

  we usually refer to these hardy plants as mums (something we discussed in an earlier post as an annual planting). But technically chrysanthemums are perennial plants – and in many climates they can winter and come back year after year.

• You can jump over to our earlier post to review more planting information regarding chrysanthemums. In this post we will focus on using mums as a fall decorating piece for the upcoming fall season.
• Chrysanthemums are native to East Asia and northeastern Europe. Most species originate from East Asia where you will find countless horticultural varieties and cultivars. They can thrive both as outside and inside plantings – chrysanthemum plants have been shown to reduce indoor air pollution by the NASA Clean Air Study.
• REFERENCE: picked up from wikipedia
  INFO: National Chrysanthemum Society, USA
• INFO: 29 best air purifying plants from NASA clean air study
  INFO: caring for mums indoors
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• Garden fall planning:

  mums are available now in garden centers and greenhouses for fall planting (as annual plants) – mid August is mum planting season for fall colors. However, if you want your mum to become a perennial, it’s best to plant them in the spring to give them time to build up their root structure for winter hypernation.

• But as an annual planting, now is the time to use them to replace summer flowers that have faded or have died out. Intersperse them throughout your garden area to get maximum color to compliment the changing colors of fall.
• IMAGES: planting chrysanthemums in garden
  IMAGES: garden planning with mums
• INFO: Late Season Bloomers: How to Take Care of Fall Mums!
  INFO: when to plant mums
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• For Display:

  chrysanthemums are the perfect flower for autumn displays. The flower signals the opening of the fall season with colors that match nicely with the fall harvest and changing tree leaf color.

• Mums display nicely on porches – side entrances – patios and curb displays. Use them to celebrate the seasons of Halloween and Thanksgiving.
• You can find countless creative ways to display mums celebrating the fall harvest with pumpkins – corn stalks – apples – gourds and more. Display them for Halloween with a scare crow or other Halloween ghoul – and display them again for Thanksgiving as a table setting.
• Mums are very hardy plants and can survive a light freeze. But if you have a hard freeze coming up, it’s best to bring the mums indoors to keep them going through the holiday season.
• IMAGES: using chrysanthemums as fall decor
  IMAGES: using chrysanthemums with pumpkins
• INFO: 6 Plants to Grow With Your Autumn Mums
  INFO: mums 101
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• Replanting:

  after your holiday display, you can replant your potted mums or bring them inside. In warmer regions, chrysanthemums can be transferred to the garden for overwintering and returning in the spring. In colder climates, it’s best to keep the potted plant inside for replanting in the spring after the last hard frost.

• Chrysanthemums are very hardy plants that can grow in many regions. They require full sun – it best to plant or display them where they get 6+ hours of sunlight. Mums like plenty of water but in well drained soil.
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• INFO: Overwintering Mums – How To Winterize Mums
  INFO: How to Transplant Garden Mums From Pots Into the Ground
  YOUTUBE: how to divide and plant fall mums
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• Summary:

  Light:  full sun, part sun
  Soil:  loamy (fertile soil of clay and sand containing humus)
  Height:  1-3 feet
  Width:  1-3 feet
  Flower:  green, purple, red, orange, white, pink, yellow
  Foliage:  blue/green
  Season:  summer/ fall blooms
  Features:  attracts butteflies
  Benefits:  low maintenance, good for containers
  Propagation:  division, stem cuttings
  Zones:  4,5,6,7,8,9
  INFO: view growing zones
• What comments can you share?