What to Plant with Mums: The Best Companions for Your Fall Flowers

Mums: The Perfect Fall Flower

Mums are a classic fall flower, and for good reason. They’re easy to grow, come in a variety of colors and sizes, and they’re long-lasting. But what if you want to add some extra interest to your mum planting? What should you plant with mums?

In this article, we’ll discuss some of the best companion plants for mums, as well as some tips for planting and caring for them. We’ll also provide some inspiration for beautiful mum plantings that you can create in your own garden.

So if you’re looking for ways to make your mum plantings even more stunning, read on!

What To Plant With Mums?

| Plant | Benefits | Notes |
|—|—|—|
| Astilbe | Adds height and texture, blooms at the same time as mums | Will reseed |
| Chrysanthemums | Adds more color and blooms at the same time as mums | Will reseed |
| Coreopsis | Adds early-season color, blooms before mums | Will reseed |
| Echinacea | Adds late-season color, blooms after mums | Will reseed |
| Gaillardia | Adds bright color, blooms at the same time as mums | Will reseed |
| Heuchera | Adds foliage interest, blooms before mums | Will not reseed |
| Rudbeckia | Adds late-season color, blooms after mums | Will reseed |
| Salvia | Adds late-season color, blooms after mums | Will reseed |
| Shasta daisy | Adds early-season color, blooms before mums | Will not reseed |

Companion Plants for Mums

What are companion plants?

Companion plants are plants that are grown together for the benefit of each other. They can provide a variety of benefits, such as pest control, increased pollination, and improved soil quality.

Why plant mums with other plants?

There are a number of reasons to plant mums with other plants. Some of the benefits of companion planting include:

• Pest control: Certain plants can help to repel pests from mums, such as marigolds, which repel aphids and nematodes.
• Increased pollination: Some plants, such as yarrow, attract pollinators, which can help to increase the number of blooms on your mums.
• Improved soil quality: Some plants, such as beans, can help to improve the soil quality, which can benefit the growth of your mums.

Which plants make good companions for mums?

There are a number of plants that make good companions for mums. Some of the most popular choices include:

• Marigolds: Marigolds are a popular companion plant for mums because they help to repel aphids and nematodes. They also attract pollinators, which can help to increase the number of blooms on your mums.
• Yarrow: Yarrow is another good companion plant for mums because it attracts pollinators. It also helps to improve the soil quality, which can benefit the growth of your mums.
• Nasturtiums: Nasturtiums are a good companion plant for mums because they help to improve the soil quality. They also attract pollinators, which can help to increase the number of blooms on your mums.
• Coneflowers: Coneflowers are a good companion plant for mums because they help to repel pests, such as aphids and Japanese beetles. They also attract pollinators, which can help to increase the number of blooms on your mums.
• Bee balm: Bee balm is a good companion plant for mums because it attracts pollinators. It also helps to improve the soil quality, which can benefit the growth of your mums.

How to plant mums with other plants

When planting mums with other plants, it is important to consider the size and growth habit of each plant. Mums can grow to be quite large, so it is important to make sure that they have enough space to grow. You also want to make sure that the plants you choose will complement each other’s growth habits.

To plant mums with other plants, follow these steps:

1. Choose a location that receives full sun or partial shade.
2. Prepare the soil by digging a hole that is twice the width and depth of the root ball.
3. Add a layer of compost or organic matter to the bottom of the hole.
4. Gently remove the mum from the pot and place it in the hole.
5. Fill the hole with soil and tamp it down firmly.
6. Water the plant thoroughly.

Once the plants are established, you can fertilize them monthly with a balanced fertilizer. You should also water them regularly, especially during dry periods.

Spacing Mums

How far apart should you plant mums?

The ideal spacing for mums depends on the variety of mum you are planting. Smaller varieties of mums can be spaced as close as 12 inches apart, while larger varieties should be spaced 24 inches apart.

When spacing mums, it is important to make sure that they have enough room to grow. If they are planted too close together, they will compete for resources and may not thrive.

How to space mums for optimal growth

To space mums for optimal growth, follow these tips:

• Choose a location that receives full sun or partial shade.
• Prepare the soil by digging a hole that is twice the width and depth of the root ball.
• Add a layer of compost or organic matter to the bottom of the hole.
• Gently remove the mum from the pot and place it in the hole.
• Fill the hole with soil and tamp it down firmly.
• Water the plant thoroughly.

Once the plants are established, you can fertilize them monthly with a balanced fertilizer. You should also water them regularly, especially during dry periods.

Adjusting spacing for different varieties of mums

The following table provides a general guide for spacing mums of different varieties:

| Variety | Spacing |
|—|—|
| Dwarf mums | 12 inches |
| Medium mums | 18 inches |
| Tall mums | 24 inches

3. Watering Mums

Mums are drought-tolerant plants, but they still need regular watering to stay healthy and produce blooms. The amount of water they need will vary depending on the climate, the type of soil they’re planted in, and the size of the plants.

• How much water do mums need?

As a general rule, mums need about 1 inch of water per week. However, you may need to water them more often if the weather is hot and dry, or if they’re planted in a sandy soil that doesn’t hold water well.

• How to water mums properly

The best way to water mums is to water them deeply and infrequently. This means giving them a good soaking once or twice a week, rather than a little bit of water every day. When you water them, make sure to water the soil around the roots, not the leaves.

• How to prevent overwatering and underwatering mums

Overwatering mums can cause root rot, which can kill the plants. Underwatering mums can cause them to wilt and eventually die. To prevent both of these problems, it’s important to water them regularly and deeply, and to make sure that the soil is draining well.

4. Fertilizing Mums

Mums do not need a lot of fertilizer, but they will benefit from a light application of fertilizer once or twice a year. The best time to fertilize mums is in the spring, before they start to bloom.

• When to fertilize mums?

Mums should be fertilized in the spring, before they start to bloom. You can also fertilize them again in the fall, but this is not necessary.

• How much fertilizer to use on mums?

The amount of fertilizer you use will depend on the size of the plants. For small plants, use a 10-10-10 fertilizer at a rate of 1/2 cup per plant. For larger plants, use a 12-12-12 fertilizer at a rate of 1 cup per plant.

• What type of fertilizer to use on mums?

Mums can be fertilized with a variety of fertilizers, but the best type to use is a slow-release fertilizer. This type of fertilizer will release nutrients over time, which will help to prevent the plants from getting too much fertilizer at once.

By following these tips, you can help your mums to grow healthy and produce beautiful blooms.

What To Plant With Mums?

Mums are a popular fall flower, and for good reason. They’re easy to grow, come in a variety of colors and shapes, and they last for weeks. But what should you plant with mums to create a beautiful and long-lasting flower garden?

Here are a few suggestions:

• Asters: Asters are another fall flower that blooms at the same time as mums. They come in a variety of colors, including purple, pink, white, and blue. Asters are also relatively easy to grow, and they attract butterflies and other pollinators.
• Chrysanthemums: Chrysanthemums are a type of mum, but they’re often grown separately. They come in a wide variety of colors and shapes, and they’re also relatively easy to grow. Chrysanthemums are a good choice for gardens that get a lot of sun.
• Sedums: Sedums are succulent plants that come in a variety of colors, including green, purple, and pink. They’re very drought-tolerant, so they’re a good choice for gardens that don’t get a lot of water. Sedums also attract butterflies and other pollinators.
• Cosmos: Cosmos are annual flowers that bloom in the summer and fall. They come in a variety of colors, including pink, white, and yellow. Cosmos are easy to grow, and they attract butterflies and other pollinators.
• Lavender: Lavender is a perennial herb that blooms in the summer and fall. It has a strong fragrance that repels pests, so it’s a good choice for gardens that are prone to insect problems. Lavender is also drought-tolerant, so it’s a good choice for gardens that don’t get a lot of water.

These are just a few suggestions of what to plant with mums. You can also experiment with different plants to see what works best in your garden. With a little trial and error, you’ll be able to create a beautiful and long-lasting flower garden that’s filled with color and fragrance.

Additional Tips for Planting Mums

In addition to choosing the right companion plants, there are a few other things you can do to help your mums thrive:

• Plant mums in full sun. Mums need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day to flower their best.
• Water mums regularly. Mums need to be watered regularly, especially during hot, dry weather.
• Fertilize mums monthly. Mums benefit from a monthly fertilizer application. Use a fertilizer that is high in phosphorus and potassium.
• Prune mums regularly. Mums can be pruned to shape and size. Pruning also helps to encourage new growth and flowering.

By following these tips, you can help your mums grow healthy and beautiful all season long.

there are many different plants that can be planted with mums. The best plants to pair with mums will depend on your specific climate and growing conditions. By considering the size, color, and light requirements of your plants, you can create a beautiful and harmonious garden that will bring you joy for years to come.