Add Fall Colour With Mums This Season
As the days get shorter and the evenings cooler, gardens across Vancouver and the Lower Mainland begin their seasonal transition. But fall doesn’t have to mean fading colour. One of the best ways to keep your outdoor space vibrant well into autumn is by planting Chrysanthemums – commonly known as Mums. With bold, cheerful blooms that last from late August through October, Mums are one of the easiest and most rewarding plants to add to your fall garden.
Why Chrysanthemums Are a Must-Have for Vancouver Gardens
Mums thrive in the mild, coastal climate of the Lower Mainland, making them a reliable fall flower for both new and experienced gardeners. They are available in a wide range of colours – from fiery oranges and reds to soft purples, pinks, and classic whites. Mums instantly add warmth and charm to your garden.
They’re also incredibly versatile. You can plant them directly in your garden beds, tuck them into decorative containers, or style them on your porch as part of a seasonal display. In recent years, front porch styling with planters, pumpkins, and ornamental grasses has become a growing trend… with Mums remaining the star of the show.
Tips for Long-Lasting Blooms
Did you know…
One of the best features of Mums is their ability to be both an annual and a perennial in our climate. While many gardeners treat them as seasonal annuals, Vancouver’s temperate winters often allow mums to return year after year with a little care.
Here are some tips to help these fall beauties thrive:
- Planting: Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Mums need at least six hours of direct sunlight daily to bloom at their best.
- Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist but avoid soggy roots. Mulching can help conserve moisture and reduce weeds.
- Fertilizing: Use a balanced fertilizer early in the season to encourage strong growth, but stop fertilizing once blooms appear.
- Winter Care: After the first frost, cut stems back to 4–6 inches above the ground and cover with a layer of mulch to protect the roots.
Pairing Mums With Other Fall Favourites
If you’re looking to create an eye-catching display, Chrysanthemums pair beautifully with other autumn plants:
- Pansies: Hardy and colourful, pansies complement Mums and continue to bloom in cooler weather!
- Ornamental Kale: With its bold texture and dramatic purple and green hues, kale adds clean contrast.
- Ornamental Grasses: Seasonal fall ornamental grasses bring height, movement, and a soft texture to planters.
- Pumpkins and Gourds: For seasonal décor, combine Mums with pumpkins on your front steps for a warm, welcoming look. Happy Fall!
Eco-friendly and pollinator-friendly plantings are also trending in 2025. Consider combining mums with pollinator-supporting perennials to extend the life of your garden and attract bees during those late-season warm days.
Click here for the best pollinator-friendly plants and combinations.
Bring Cozy Colours Home This Fall
Adding Mums to your garden or front entry is one of the simplest and most effective ways to keep your outdoor space vibrant through the season. With a little care, these well-known and well-loved blooms can brighten your home year after year while also complementing other seasonal plants and décor.
Visit Hunters Garden Centre in Surrey or Vancouver to explore our selection of Mums, fall planters, and companion plants. Whether you’re refreshing your garden beds or styling your porch for Thanksgiving, you’ll find everything you need to make this fall your most memorable yet.
August 25, 2026
