Asters and Mums: The Perfect Autumn Flowering Companions.
Autumn flowering plants, like asters, are a great way to add color and beauty to your landscape, especially as temperatures drop. Whether you’re growing North American native asters from the Symphyotrichum and Eurybia genera or European and Asian varieties from the Aster genus, these flowers thrive in the fall. They also attract butterflies and other pollinators to your garden. However, asters aren’t the only fall flowers to consider. Mums (Chrysanthemum spp.), another iconic bloom from the Asteraceae family, are great companions for asters.
Both mums and asters bloom around the same time, as they require shorter daylight hours to flower. Mums also grow well in similar soil and lighting conditions to many asters. Both flowers prefer well-draining soil, and while different aster varieties may need varying sunlight levels, most thrive in full or partial sun, just like mums. Planting them together can add vibrant colors and contrast to your fall garden with minimal effort.
Mums and Asters in the Autumn Garden
Unlike asters, which are often grown from seed, mums are typically available as live plants. If you want your mums to thrive for more than just one season, it’s best to purchase them early in the growing season rather than in autumn when they’re widely sold in garden centers. Mums are hardy in zones 5 through 9 and can survive winter in most parts of the U.S. with proper care. Asters, on the other hand, are hardy in zones 4 through 8, making them a good match for many of the same regions.
These two flowers make excellent companions, sharing many of the same growing requirements. However, there are a few differences to keep in mind. Asters, being part of a broad group, vary in height, ranging from under a foot to several feet tall. Mums typically grow between 2 to 4 feet tall, depending on the variety. In terms of color, asters come in purples, blues, whites, and pinks, while mums offer a wider range, with colors available in every shade except blue. Mums also have more variety in bloom shapes and forms, allowing you to create unique, colorful combinations in your autumn garden.
By planting asters and mums together, you can transform your fall garden into a colorful, lively space with little extra work.
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