Mums (Chrysanthemums) come in a wide range of vibrant colors and varieties that can transform your fall garden into a sea of autumn hues. From rich reds and fiery oranges to soft pinks and purples, there’s a mum variety to suit any landscape. This guide highlights the top 10 colorful mum varieties that thrive in fall and will keep your garden bursting with color until the first frost.
1. ‘Cheryl Pink’
This variety offers soft, pastel pink blooms that add a delicate touch to the often bold fall color palette. ‘Cheryl Pink’ has a compact growth habit, making it perfect for borders or container gardens. The flowers are long-lasting and thrive in cooler temperatures.
Best For: Pairing with deep purples or blues for a gentle contrast in garden beds or planters.
2. ‘Fireglow Bronze’
If you’re looking for a fiery addition to your garden, ‘Fireglow Bronze’ is a stunning choice. Its rich bronze-orange blooms bring warmth and vibrancy, making it a perfect companion to the golden tones of fall foliage.
Best For: Creating a bold, autumn-themed garden bed, especially when paired with yellow or red blooms.
3. ‘Grandchild Yellow’
‘Grandchild Yellow’ is a bright, sunny mum variety that produces large, golden-yellow blooms. This variety stands out with its cheerful color and is ideal for brightening up any garden spot during fall. The flowers are long-lasting and bloom well into cooler weather.
Best For: Pairing with darker shades like burgundy or purple for a striking fall display.
4. ‘Regal Mist Purple’
For a deep, royal touch, ‘Regal Mist Purple’ offers large blooms in rich, velvety purple. This mum adds a touch of elegance and works beautifully in both garden beds and containers. It’s a standout choice for those who love bold, jewel-toned gardens.
Best For: Adding contrast to gardens filled with bright oranges and yellows, or for a monochromatic purple garden theme.
5. ‘Orange Zest’
‘Orange Zest’ is a compact variety with brilliant orange flowers that bring the warm glow of autumn to your garden. These mums bloom profusely and are a great option for planting along walkways or in pots.
Best For: Combining with deep reds and yellows to create a traditional fall color scheme.
6. ‘White Frost’
This white-blooming mum brings a clean, crisp touch to the fall garden. ‘White Frost’ offers bright, snowy blooms that stand out against the rich autumn colors of other plants. It’s also a great option for adding a neutral, calming element to your garden.
Best For: Pairing with colorful varieties for contrast or using in minimalist garden designs for a fresh, modern look.
7. ‘Matchsticks’
A truly unique variety, ‘Matchsticks’ features striking red and yellow quilled petals that resemble matchsticks. The petals are spoon-shaped, giving this variety an exotic look compared to traditional mums. It’s a great conversation starter in any garden.
Best For: Adding an unusual, eye-catching element to your fall garden or as a standalone showpiece in a container.
8. ‘Ruby Mound’
‘Ruby Mound’ offers deep ruby-red flowers that bring a rich, classic look to fall gardens. These mums are known for their low-growing, mounding habit, making them ideal for ground cover or as a border plant. They are hardy and can tolerate cold weather.
Best For: Creating a dramatic contrast with lighter-colored mums or ornamental grasses in fall landscaping.
9. ‘Lemon Igloo’
For a soft, buttery yellow bloom, ‘Lemon Igloo’ is a delightful choice. This hardy variety produces dome-shaped plants covered in cheerful yellow flowers that brighten any garden space. It’s also an early bloomer, often flowering in late summer and continuing into fall.
Best For: Bringing a subtle pop of color to garden beds or blending with other pastel varieties.
10. ‘Rustic Red’
‘Rustic Red’ is a bold variety with deep red blooms that have hints of orange and bronze, creating a truly autumnal feel. Its large flowers and strong, upright growth make it a great centerpiece for fall garden beds.
Best For: A classic fall garden with a warm, cozy palette, perfect for complementing pumpkins and seasonal décor.
