As summer flowers fade, don’t you wish the colors would stick around a bit longer? And the pollinators feel it, too – they show up less when blooms are few.
That’s why I love adding Chrysanthemums (aka mums) to my fall garden!
These wonderful blooms not only bring color but also attract hummingbirds and butterflies looking for a last taste of nectar before winter arrives.
If you haven’t tried mums yet, they’re a great way to keep your garden lively while giving pollinators a much-needed pit stop during their migration.
Not convinced yet?
Here’s Why Pollinators Are Absolutely Crazy About Mums
All gardeners love mums because they are pretty and easy to grow.
You can plant them in pots if you’re short on space or want to brighten up your patio. And if you plant them in pots, you can move them around wherever you’d like.
Another option is to add them to your garden beds, where they’ll stay hidden until fall when they’re ready to show off their pretty blooms.
However, gardeners are not the only ones who love mums – hummingbirds and butterflies are also crazy about them!
Mums attract these precious pollinators which help keep your garden healthy and blooming. They can even help to keep pests away!
I would suggest pairing them with other fall blooms like Amaranth if you’d like even more color in your garden.
You see, planting mums gives you a beautiful fall garden while supporting local wildlife.
Also read: Is Planting Store-Bought Mums In The Ground This Fall The Wrong Move Or A Good Idea?
Keep Your Mums Happy Through Fall
While mums are hardy, they’ll thrive best with some extra care during colder months.
I would recommend planting them in well-draining soil and full sun exposure (they can handle some shade, but they’ll bloom better in a sunny place).
If you’re growing them in pots, keep an eye on moisture levels as container plants can dry out quickly.
You should also consider a light layer of mulch around the base for protection. This helps maintain moisture and protects the roots when the temperatures drop.
Related: Chrysanthemums Might Last Longer Than You Think (Here’s How To Extend Their Blooms)
Consider Adding Other Plants That Attract Pollinators
If you have enough room for more flowers that attract pollinators, there are some great options that will make your garden more cheerful and also provide food for butterflies and hummingbirds.
Try planting asters and goldenrod – they bloom late into the season and attract plenty of pollinators. These flowers help sustain migrating butterflies and hummingbirds as they prepare for winter.
Another great choice is sedum with its bright, star-shaped flowers. Sedum is easy to care for and loved by bees and butterflies.
You can also go with salvia – its purple and blue flowers are like magnets to hummingbirds and they also deter pests.
So, if you want your fall garden to be filled with lovely blooms, cheerful hummingbirds, and magnificent butterflies, go ahead and get yourself some mums.
Plant them alone or pair them with other fall blooms; and remember, take good care of them!
Also read: Grow These 7 Native Plants To Attract Pollinators During Fall