Southern Homes & Gardens Blog

If mum’s the word…we must be talking about hardy mums (aka Chrysanthemums)!  Synonymous with fall, this enormously popular flowering plant can be found in baskets, planters and borders all over the South.

A little mum trivia:  Did you know that Chrysanthemums originated in China around the 15th century B.C.?  The Japenese adopted this flower many centuries later (6th century A.D.); their long-lasting love affair with this incredible flower continues today.  In Greek, Chrysanthemum means “golden flower”.  Here’s the translation:  “chrysos” = golden, “anthemon” = flower.  Before the age of plant hybridization, mums were yellow.  Today, we have so many different color choices.

A few quick clarifications about mums & hardiness; hardy mums and greenhouse mums are not the same!  Greenhouse mums would be treated as ‘tender’ plants in the South; meaning they will not overwinter outside.  Hardy mums are just the opposite; they can be safely planted in the garden and will return each spring.  So, think of hardy mums as perennials.

Are there areas around your home that could use some fall-flowering pick-me-ups?  If so, think hardy mums.  You’ll find smaller pots to tuck in planters to large planted bushel baskets for your front door right here at Southern Homes & Gardens.

–Russell Brown, General Manager - Southern Homes & Gardens

• We have a huge selection of mums in stock and ready to go.  They will give you great color during the fall months.
• At the end of the month make sure you check in with us as pansies will be ready at both of our Garden Centers.
• Fall is for Planting! Enjoy fall blooming shrubs such as Encore Azaleas, Camellias, Crape Myrtle, Hibiscus, Holly, Honeysuckle and Pyracantha.
• Divide or transplant spring-blooming perennials.
• Plant perennials such as Asters, Chrysanthemum, and Ornamental Grasses for fall color.
• Cool-season vegetable seeds and seedlings can be planted. Try cabbage, lettuce, beets, turnips, spinach, radishes, collards and broccoli; be sure to water thoroughly after planting.
• If your knock-out roses are getting too tall and leggy, feel free to cut them back they will be fine and flush back out and bloom till about the second frost.
• For fertalizing use Miracle Grow liquid feed, this will give you instant fertilizing as opposed to a time released fertilizer that will be fertilizing during the winter months when your plants do not need it.
• Use Triple Action to take care of power mildew and black spot problems that can happen this time of year from harsh conditions like high humidity.

Here are five steps to designing a great border:

1. Sketch it out - Measure your location and make a rough sketch, noting any existing trees or shrubs around which you may have to work.  Determine which direction your border faces (south with lots of sun or north with afternoon shade, for example) and whether the area is wet or dry.
2. Pick a color - Select a palette that will coordinate with the surroundings, such as the exterior of your house, existing plants, or a fence.  A common mistake is to creat a “botanical zoo” with a mishmash of plants that don’t work together.  To keep things interesting, mix in an assortment of foliage plants with flowers.  A variety of leaf patterns and textures, such as glossy, fuzzy, or variegated plants, also keeps things lively.
3. Estimate number of plants - Determine how much you’ll need by spacing plants according to their mature size.  Just ask one of our helpful experts and they’ll guide you through the estimating and selection process.
4. Select fast growers - Some plants are genetically inclined to grow larger in one season than others.  If you want big color before frost, get a jump start by buying these varieties in 1-quart to 1-gallon sizes.
5. Go shopping - With your drawing in hand, now you’re ready to go shopping.  If the exact variety of plant isn’t available, look or ask for one that has a similar shape and color with comparable growth habits.

–Russell Brown, General Manager - Southern Homes & Gardens