Mums are the star of fall gardens and planters, but they shine even brighter when paired with companion plants. Adding texture, color, and height creates a unique seasonal display that lasts well into the cooler months. If you’re planning your fall garden or container arrangements, here are the best plants to grow next to mums.
Switch Grass
Maiden Grass
Ornamental Grasses Add Height and Movement
Tall and wispy, ornamental grasses bring contrast to the rounded shape of mums. Varieties such as millet, reed grass, and fountain grass offer rich color and hardy growth. Their airy texture creates movement in the breeze, making your garden feel alive even as temperatures drop. Leave grasses standing through winter for added interest and cut them back in early spring.
Ornamental Peppers
Croton
Ornamental Peppers Provide Bold Color
If you want a playful touch, ornamental peppers are the perfect companion for mums. These compact plants produce bright, colorful fruits that stand out against traditional fall foliage. Place them in entryway planters, windowsills, or walkways for a burst of whimsy that pairs beautifully with mums and pumpkins.
Croton Brings Vibrant Foliage
Known as a houseplant in colder climates, croton also makes an excellent outdoor addition in early fall. Its large, glossy leaves showcase bold shades of yellow, orange, red, and burgundy—perfect for complementing mums in seasonal displays. Use croton in porch pots or mixed containers for a dramatic pop of color.
Ornamental Cabbage
Fall Vegetables
Ornamental Cabbage and Kale for Seasonal Texture
For eye-catching foliage, ornamental cabbage and kale are standout choices. Their rosettes of purple, green, and white deepen in color as the weather cools, often lasting until the first hard frost. Paired with mums, they add texture and elegance to both garden beds and planters.
Fall Vegetables for Beauty and Harvest
Limited on space? Combine mums with edible fall vegetables for a display that is both beautiful and practical. Rainbow Swiss chard, with its vibrant stems, contrasts nicely with mum blooms. Lettuces in green and burgundy shades, along with compact heads of cauliflower and broccoli, create a colorful and useful garden you can admire and enjoy at the table.
Garden Mums, also known as Chrysanthemums
Create Stunning Fall Displays with Mums
When paired with the right plants, mums transform from simple seasonal favorites into dynamic centerpieces. Whether you choose ornamental grasses for height, peppers for charm, or fall vegetables for dual-purpose planting, your fall garden will be full of color, texture, and life.