Mums
Mums, short for chrysanthemums, are colorful fall-blooming flowers that bring vibrant seasonal color to gardens and containers. They’re easy to grow, come in a wide range of hues, and thrive in cooler autumn weather.
Nothing says fall like the vibrant, full blooms of mums. These seasonal staples are beloved for their rich color, tidy form, and ability to shine when most other flowers are winding down. Whether you’re lining walkways, refreshing containers, or adding late-season color to your beds, mums are a must-have in every Chicagoland garden.
Why Mums Matter
Mums are built for fall. Their dense, cushion-like flowers bloom in shades of yellow, orange, red, pink, and white, just in time to complement autumn leaves. In Zone 5, mums are best treated as annuals, since they rarely survive winter in our climate. While it’s possible for them to come back the following year, it’s uncommon, so enjoy them for their reliable burst of seasonal color as summer fades.
Tips for Growing Mums in Chicagoland (zone 5)
- Choose Our Homegrown Garden Mums, Not Florist Mums: Our garden mums are bred to thrive outdoors, making them perfect for adding lasting color to your fall landscape. Florist mums, on the other hand, are best kept indoors as seasonal décor.
- Plant Early for Success: Get your mums in the ground in late summer or early fall so they can settle in and show off their blooms as the temperatures start to cool. Garden mums are tough enough to handle those crisp autumn nights without missing a beat.
- Full Sun is Key: Mums need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. More sun means more blooms and stronger stems.
- Water Consistently: Keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy. Mums are shallow-rooted, so they dry out faster than other plants.
- Deadhead Regularly: Removing spent blooms not only keeps the plant tidy but also encourages more flowering into late fall.
Visit our local Bloomingdale or Carpentersville locations today and pick up a homegrown mum!
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