Kinghorn Gardens

Mum…is Not the Word

September 30th, 2009

Fall has arrived, and as always, so have mums.  It’s not that I don’t like mums.  Actually, it is - I do not like mums.  I can appreciate mums when used sparingly in containers, but I don’t think they can stand on their own.  Luckily for me there are tons of other plants I can use to add a splash of color and texture to my fall containers.  Here are some of my favorites:

Heuchera:

There is no better time for coralbells than fall.  Heuchera has been a favorite of breeders, which has resulted in countless varieties of the perennial.  With the range (purple, green with white mottling, lime, amber, carmel) of foliage colors available, it’s hard not to include coralbells in your fall containers.  Not to mention you can plant them into your garden when your container is done.

Kale:

The fancy, ruffled foliage comes in a variety of colors ranging from dusty greens to dark purples, forming a tight rosettes in the middle.

Grasses:

For height in my fall containers, there is nothing better than grasses.  My favorite is Shenandoah Switchgrass, which I can plant in my garden for lasting seasons.

Asters:

For that splash of vibrant color, try mixing in an aster or two.  I prefer their delicate flower and foliage to that of a mum.

For a little something extra, try adding pumpkins, various gourds and bittersweet to your fall pots.

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