perennial pink mums add to fall’s palette
WHY BUY MUMS that are rust- or gold- or wine-colored, when nature provides enough of those fiery hues in fall itself? I vote for mums that show off against, but complement, the autumn palette, specifically pink mums–and perennial ones at that. No more potted, toss-them-when-done types for me, either. Maybe you want to think about ordering some and skipping the garden-center variety next year? Two favorites (the links to their profiles include some shopping resources):
- ‘Sheffield Pink’ (large pale pink flowers)
- ‘Will’s Wonderful’ (small hot pink blooms)
My favorites are some magenta ones that come back every year. They are still blooming and we have been down into upper 30’s at night already. I don’t know their name.
been growing Sheffield Pink for years. One of my best late season plants for pollinators and butterflies! it lasts through several hard frosts. I like to stick to the daisy types for this reason. Will add “Will” to my list!
I bought three of the “global warming mums” (Chrysanthemum Purple Mist, Pink Mist, and another pale apricot one) in September at my local favorite nursery, Helderledge Farms, in Vorheesville, NY. They were identified as dendrathema. Finally, in late October they have bloomed profusely and are still going strong, contrary to most other “mums,” which are now faded and ready for the compost heap. Lovely plants which I’ll put in the ground soon because they are a looser, free-flowing, and move as the November winds blow.
Aimee
I have grown Pink Sheffield for years and, on your recommendation, added Will’s Wonderful to my Virginia garden two years ago. It is a real stunner – in full bloom right now- but it is very floppy in my garden. Any thoughts on why? Do you cut it back mid-year? Even in locations where it gets five to six hours of sun, it still flops over. Mind you, it is so glorious in its color and abundant bloom that I will not even consider getting rid of it, I would like it to look a little neater without having to stake, etc. Thanks, Margaret.
Love the Will’s Mums and wondering anyone knows of a place –Berkshire-Columbia-Dutchess Counties area- where I could buy one NOW. Also, do you think it could live inside during the winter? That color would be so wonderful and uplifting to to see inside
Thanks
Hi, Gwenn. I have never seen it for sale locally, but Lazy S’s mail-orders it. It cannot live indoors, no. Needs a winter rest!
I agree – most mums I’m not crazy about but these are lovely.
Last year I planted Will’s Wonderful in my Vermont garden, after reading about it here. This fall it is large, full and BEAUTIFUL. I am so happy to have it!
Glad you are enjoying ‘Will’ Kathie. Me, too! See you soon again, I hope.
Serendipity – a slope with cardoon uphill of Sheffield diasy, both frost tolerant and
gorgeous together as the leaves fall – an unplanned combo that I’ll intentionally
repeat. Your post inspires further research – thanks.
Yay Margaret!
You’ve got power. I’ve been wondering how you and Jack fared through the storm.
You’ve got power. I hope that you are far enough north that you didn’t get too much damage.
I love the Sheffies~They are simply stunning in the garden growing with our native asters.
Our mums in the southern hemisphere are here for “mums” day (mothers day) and are traditionally flowers that you give your mum here.
I would love some fall pink with my royal blue front door. I get tired of the drab garden center colors. Would any of these be hardy enough to survive from year to year in a pot?