When the days grow shorter and summer blooms fade, mums and asters step into the spotlight. These hardy fall favorites bring vibrant color and charm to gardens, porches, and patios across the Midwest. Whether you’re looking to freshen up your fall containers or add long-lasting color to your landscape, mums and asters are the perfect choice.
Color Varieties
Mums (Chrysanthemums):
Mums are available in nearly every autumn shade imaginable—sunny yellows, fiery oranges, deep burgundies, bright purples, and classic whites. Some varieties even blend two tones for extra depth. They come in cushion, daisy, and decorative flower forms, making them versatile for any display.
Asters:
Asters add a softer, daisy-like look with blooms in shades of purple, blue, pink, and white. Their cheerful flowers are pollinator magnets, offering nectar to bees and butterflies late in the season when food sources are scarce.
Together, mums and asters create a dynamic mix of warm and cool tones, perfect for brightening up your outdoor spaces as the leaves begin to fall.
Care Tips
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Sunlight: Both mums and asters love full sun for the best blooms, though asters will tolerate light shade.
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Watering: Keep soil evenly moist but not soggy. Avoid letting containers dry out completely.
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Deadheading: Pinch or snip off spent flowers to encourage longer bloom time.
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Overwintering: Garden mums are hardy perennials in the Midwest if planted early enough to establish roots. Mulch well after the ground freezes. Asters are reliable perennials and will return year after year.
Pro tip: If you want mums to return each season, plant them in the ground by the end of September to give roots time to settle before frost.
Display Ideas
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Front Porch Charm: Pair pots of bright mums with pumpkins, gourds, and cornstalks for a festive fall welcome.
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Container Combos: Mix mums and asters with ornamental kale, grasses, and trailing ivy for a layered fall planter.
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Garden Borders: Plant asters along fences or walkways for a mass of color that butterflies will love.
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Tabletop Touches: Use small potted mums as centerpieces for fall gatherings or holiday meals.
Mums provide bold blocks of color, while asters add texture and softness. Together, they create displays that last well into the season.
Mums and asters are more than just seasonal favorites—they’re a celebration of autumn itself. With their dazzling colors, easy care, and versatility, they’re a must-have for any Midwest garden or porch display.