10 Creative Ways to Style Mums

Whether it’s the simple garden mum sitting in its pot or the statelier iteration, with its ruffled petals in full bloom, chrysanthemums are an incredibly versatile flower. Fall is the season for mums, and every gardener’s abode would be amiss without mum-laden décor. 

Like pumpkins, mums will brighten up any doorstep or front lawn. Unlike pumpkins, however, they won’t become moldy or decomposed. Here’s a few creative ways to style mums, taking advantage of both their simplicity as just ‘mums’ or their full, flamboyant height as the stunning ‘chrysanthemum’ flower. 

1. Line the Front Steps with Mums        

Instantly create a fall vibe with mums on your front doorsteps – they work especially well when juxtaposed against whitewashed wood. Traditional autumn colors of bronze, orange, and red are recommended, lending a rustic tone to your front porch. Supplement with cheery pumpkins and gourds to create a perfect fall palette. 

 

2. Display Mums in Vintage Containers   

Vintage containers such as galvanized metal tubs, old toolboxes, and barrels can be repurposed into a container filled with mums and other florals. Grecian urns can also double as pots, with their cylindrical shape and rustic earthenware unifying the display. A unique setting for these blooms, these retro finds truly add a ‘wow factor’ to the garden. Plus, part of the fun is hunting for these vintage items at antique shops – though they’ve outlived their original purpose, they take on new life as stylish vessels for your plants. For added style, line the base of your mums with smaller pumpkins, be sure to keep in mind that they rot faster in the ground.

 

 

3. Grow Mums with Ornamental Grasses and Kale   

Experiment with mums by interspersing them with ornamental grasses, which are great companions known for a myriad of interesting textures and hues. As they sway in the autumn breeze, they act as a subtle backdrop against which mums shine. Decorative grass like purple fountain grass feature graceful fronds that add height without detracting from the mum’s vibrant hues. Repeat with flowering kale around the base to fill out the display. 

 

4. Grow Mums in Monochromatic Planters   

The black accent of these modern planters are a wonderful contrast against white and orange mums. Cheryl Spicy Orange is a tolerant variety that channels the fall aesthetic to a T. Use planters to create a cozy area near the patio or position them in geometric formations to create focal points and define garden paths. Use white gravel to bring a calming facet to the garden while also lending an overall cohesiveness to the grouping.

 

5. Incorporate Mums into a Tropical Garden     

Although mums aren’t typically grown alongside elephant ears and other tropical-like plants, their darker hues mesh well with the dramatic foliage of plants such as coleus and the colorful stalks of calla lilies. They’re great as filler plants, adding pops of color when placed at varying heights around tropical-themed plants to create a sense of a fuller garden. Another great thing about garden beds is that they allow you to fully maximize space in a garden. Coordinate mums with shade-loving plants using raised garden beds, which allow mums to be grown in spots that receive more sun. 

 

6. Try on Lighter Colors for Size              

During fall, gardeners naturally gravitate towards fiery oranges and reds. However, that doesn’t mean you should overlook the pastel-colored mums. Lavenders and pinks naturally complement the mellow shades of pumpkins and gourds, especially heirlooms with interesting textures or the white varieties. They also go well with neutral shades of brown, grey, and white, making them ideal for an inviting front porch display. 

 

7. Place Mums with Lanterns 

 Mums are great fall decorations that preserve the traditional elegance of the season. If you’re planning to line your doorstep with mums, strategically placing decorative lanterns along the steps can help brighten your home both metaphorically and literally. An assortment of rotund ghost pumpkins nestled among the décor unifies this sophisticated presentation. And if you’re growing mums in raised beds, solar lights are a great alternative. 

 

8. Landscape Mums Next to Hedges 

Though often used as annual fall decorations, garden mums, also known as hardy mums, are winter-hardy in zones 5 – 9, and will come back year after year. Plant mums alongside boxwoods and other evergreen shrubs for a beautiful maze of plants reminiscent of a topiary. Select rounded bushes to mimic the rotundness of mums, or tuck them in next to a zag-zag formation of boxwoods for an intriguing variation upon the ordinary hedge. 

 

9. Plop Mums Inside Pumpkins     

Jack-o'-lanterns aren't to everyone's taste, but there’s still a way to evoke your nostalgia for pumpkins. For a fascinating tableside decoration, fill a hollowed-out pumpkin to the brim with mums – these can also be situated on the deck or front doorstep. These pumpkin planters will last for three to four weeks, long enough for you to fully embrace the autumn season. If you don’t want to deal with the cleanup, opt for a fake pumpkin; the effect will hardly be noticeable. To elevate the look, tie a ribbon or bow around the pumpkin for a chic touch. 

 

10. Stay with One Color Scheme     

Sometimes, one color is all you need. Tricolor mums can often appear splotchy, so opting for a single, bold hue like magenta can create a striking, uniform effect. Cluster singularly colored mums around a porch, interweaving with similarly colored plants such as celosia. It’s an easy way to add color without the effort of picking multiple plants to go with your plantings. In limited spaces, single color mums can be used to decorate window sills and other sparse areas – the quintessential orange is recommended.