Fall mums light up Virginia gardens just as summer flowers begin to fade. Their bold colors add a cheerful touch to chilly autumn days. But picking the right ones isn’t as simple as grabbing the prettiest pot at the store. A quick choice can lead to blooms that fizzle out or plants that don’t last past October.
I’ve found that knowing what to look for—like healthy roots and tight buds—makes all the difference. With a little care, your mums can stay vibrant well into the season.
1. Buying Mums That Are Already In Full Bloom
Those gorgeous mums covered in flowers might look irresistible, but they’re actually past their prime. Plants already showing all their blooms will fade quickly once you get them home.
Virginia’s unpredictable fall weather means you want mums with plenty of unopened buds still waiting to flower. Look for plants where only about a quarter of the buds have opened.
This way, you’ll enjoy weeks of continuous color instead of watching everything wilt within days of planting.
2. Ignoring The Root System Before Purchase
Many gardeners forget to peek beneath the surface before making their selection. Gently tip the pot and check if roots are circling tightly or poking through drainage holes.
Root-bound mums struggle to establish themselves in Virginia soil, especially as temperatures drop. Plants with healthy, white roots that haven’t completely filled the container will transplant much better.
Avoid mums with brown, mushy roots or those so tangled they’ve formed a solid mass at the bottom of the pot.
3. Choosing Florist Mums Instead Of Garden Varieties
Not all mums are created equal, and this mistake catches countless shoppers off guard. Florist mums are bred for indoor display and won’t survive a Virginia winter outdoors.
Garden mums, also called hardy mums, have been developed to withstand cold temperatures and can return year after year. The labels often don’t make this distinction clear, so ask nursery staff directly.
If you’re planning to plant them in your garden beds rather than just using them as temporary porch decorations, garden varieties are your only real option.
4. Selecting Mums Without Considering Your Hardiness Zone
Virginia spans zones 5 through 8, and mum hardiness varies dramatically across these regions. What survives winters in Richmond might not make it through a Roanoke frost.
Always check the plant tag for cold hardiness information before buying. Mums rated for your specific zone have a fighting chance of returning next fall.
Garden centers sometimes stock varieties better suited for warmer climates, especially early in the season. Taking five seconds to verify zone compatibility saves disappointment when spring arrives and nothing comes back.
5. Purchasing Mums Too Late In The Season
Waiting for clearance sales might save money, but it costs you something more valuable—time. Mums need at least six weeks in the ground before Virginia’s first hard freeze to develop strong roots.
Shopping in late October or November means your plants won’t establish properly before winter hits. They’ll likely die regardless of how well you care for them.
Early September purchases give mums the best chance of survival. Yes, you’ll pay full price, but you’re investing in plants that actually have a future in your garden.
6. Overlooking Signs Of Disease Or Pest Damage
Excitement over pretty blooms can blind you to serious problems lurking below. Yellowing lower leaves, spotted foliage, or sticky residue often indicate disease or insect infestations.
Bringing home compromised plants introduces problems to your entire Virginia garden. Aphids, spider mites, and fungal diseases spread quickly, especially in our humid climate.
Inspect leaves thoroughly, checking both top and bottom surfaces. Healthy mums have consistently green foliage without discoloration, holes, or webbing. If something looks off, it probably is—choose a different plant.
7. Buying Based Only On Flower Color
Color matters, but it shouldn’t be your only consideration when selecting mums. Plant size, bud count, and overall health determine whether you’ll actually enjoy those gorgeous blooms.
A stunning burgundy mum with sparse foliage and few buds will disappoint compared to a healthier plant in a less exciting shade. Virginia gardeners get better results focusing on plant vigor first.
Choose compact, bushy mums with dense branching and plenty of buds. You can always find your preferred color among the healthiest specimens if you prioritize quality over aesthetics.
8. Failing To Ask About Care Requirements
Assuming all mums need identical care leads to unnecessary plant deaths. Different varieties have varying water needs, sun preferences, and winter preparation requirements.
Garden center staff can provide specific guidance for the varieties they’re selling. They know which mums perform best in Virginia conditions and can share local tips.
Don’t walk out without understanding watering frequency, ideal planting depth, and whether your selection needs special winter protection. Five minutes of conversation prevents weeks of frustration watching your investment struggle or fail completely in your garden.