Fall in Iowa means crisp air, colorful leaves, and beautiful mums brightening up porches and gardens everywhere. But buying the perfect mums isn’t always as easy as it looks.
Many shoppers make simple mistakes that lead to wilted flowers, wasted money, or plants that don’t last through the season.
1. Choosing Fully Bloomed Plants
Grabbing the prettiest, fullest plant on the shelf seems like a smart choice, but you’re actually shortening your enjoyment time. Mums with every flower already open have reached their peak and will fade quickly once you get them home.
Look for plants with plenty of tight buds mixed in with just a few open blooms instead. Those buds will open gradually over several weeks, giving you a much longer display. You’ll get way more value and beauty from your purchase when you pick plants still ready to show off.
2. Ignoring Root Health
Most people never peek at the roots before buying, but that’s a big oversight. Healthy roots mean a healthy plant that will thrive in your garden or pots.
Gently tip the container and check if roots are circling tightly or poking out drainage holes excessively. Root-bound mums struggle to absorb water and nutrients properly. Pick plants with firm, white roots that aren’t overcrowded. Strong roots establish faster and help your mums survive Iowa’s unpredictable fall weather much better than stressed, tangled root systems can.
3. Buying Too Early In The Season
Spotting mums at the store in late August gets everyone excited for fall, but purchasing too early often backfires. Iowa’s summer heat can linger well into September, stressing out cool-weather-loving mums.
Hot temperatures cause rapid wilting and increased watering demands. Wait until early to mid-September when temperatures start cooling down consistently. Your mums will adjust better, stay healthier, and put on a spectacular show throughout October. Patience really pays off when timing your mum purchases with Iowa’s actual autumn weather patterns.
4. Skipping The Hardiness Check
Not all mums are created equal when it comes to surviving Iowa winters. Many shoppers assume every mum can be planted in the ground and return next year, but that’s simply not true.
Garden mums are bred for perennial growth, while florist mums are meant as temporary decorations. Check plant tags carefully for hardiness information. If you want mums that might survive Iowa’s Zone 5 winters, buy labeled garden mums and plant them at least six weeks before the first hard freeze to establish roots properly.
5. Forgetting About Size And Space
Falling in love with massive, impressive mums is easy, but consider where they’re actually going before you buy. Huge plants might overwhelm small spaces or make arrangements look crowded and messy.
Measure your porch, planter, or garden spot beforehand. Visualize how multiple plants will fit together. Smaller mums often work better for tight areas and can be grouped creatively. Balance is key—you want eye-catching color without creating a jumbled jungle. Think about proportion and placement to create displays that look intentional rather than randomly stuffed together.
6. Overlooking Foliage Condition
Colorful blooms steal all the attention, but smart shoppers examine leaves carefully too. Yellowing, spotted, or browning foliage signals disease, pests, or poor care that will only worsen after purchase.
Healthy mums should have vibrant green leaves all the way down to the soil line. Avoid plants with bare lower stems or wilted leaves. Good foliage supports better blooming and indicates overall plant vigor. Don’t let pretty flowers distract you from unhealthy leaves underneath. A strong, well-leafed plant will give you better performance throughout the entire fall season in Iowa.
7. Not Considering Color Combinations
Impulse buying whatever catches your eye first can result in color clashes that look chaotic rather than charming. Random reds, purples, yellows, and oranges don’t always play nicely together in arrangements.
Plan your color scheme before shopping. Decide if you want warm tones like rust and gold, cool shades like burgundy and purple, or a classic monochromatic look. Bring a photo of your home’s exterior to match colors better. Coordinated mums create polished, professional-looking displays that enhance curb appeal instead of overwhelming it with mismatched hues.
8. Failing To Ask About Care Requirements
Many buyers assume all mums need identical care and never bother asking questions. Different varieties actually have varying sun, water, and maintenance needs that affect their performance.
Chat with nursery staff about specific care requirements for the mums you’re considering. Some tolerate partial shade while others demand full sun. Watering frequency varies too. Understanding proper care from the start prevents disappointment later. Garden center employees usually love sharing tips that help your plants thrive. A few minutes of conversation can save weeks of frustration and help your Iowa mums look gorgeous all season long.
9. Choosing Price Over Quality
Bargain mums seem like great deals until they die within days of getting home. Deeply discounted plants are often stressed, rootbound, or past their prime, making them poor investments despite low prices.
Quality mums from reputable nurseries cost more upfront but deliver better value through longer bloom times and healthier growth. They’re properly cared for, well-watered, and disease-free. Spending a few extra dollars gets you plants that actually last through October and beyond. In Iowa’s variable fall weather, sturdy, healthy mums are worth every penny compared to cheap disappointments.