Posted on October 31, 2025 by Van Becelaere Greenhouse

As the vibrant colors of summer fade, fall ushers in one of the most beautiful floral displays of the year—large mums and hardy perennials bursting with rich seasonal hues. With proper care, these resilient plants can brighten your garden through autumn and even return to delight you next year.

Caring for Large Mums

Large chrysanthemums, or “mums,” are synonymous with fall. Large mums, or chrysanthemums, are beloved for their brilliant shades of gold, crimson, and bronze that dominate autumn landscapes. Their vivid blooms—golden yellows, deep reds, creamy whites, and purples—add instant curb appeal to porches and gardens alike. To keep them looking their best, remember a few essentials.

Start by choosing healthy plants with tight buds rather than fully opened blooms. Budded mums provide color for weeks longer than those already showing full flowers. Place your mums in a sunny location with at least six hours of direct sunlight daily, as insufficient light weakens their stems and reduces blooming potential.​

Water deeply but avoid soggy soil. Good drainage is vital to prevent root rot, especially for mums planted in decorative pots. Well-aerated soil helps roots grow strong enough to handle seasonal temperature changes.​ Remember to deadhead wilted blooms regularly to extend flowering time and encourage new buds.

If you plan to overwinter your mums, wait until after several hard frosts before applying a thick layer of mulch, such as straw, pine needles, or shredded leaves. This mulch insulates the roots during freeze-thaw cycles and improves the plant’s chance of surviving the winter. Contrary to popular belief, don’t trim mums back in fall—leave the old growth until spring, as it offers protection and structure through the colder months.​​

Fall Care for Perennials

Perennials form the backbone of any garden, and fall is the perfect time to prepare them for colder months. Begin by cutting back diseased or pest-infested plants to protect your garden from overwintering problems. Most perennials that bloomed heavily in summer can be trimmed to a few inches above the soil, allowing energy to direct toward root development. However, not all perennials benefit from this approach—some are best left standing.​

What Perennials Should Not Be Cut Back in the Fall

Certain perennials not only tolerate the cold but also serve as decorative and ecological assets during winter. Coneflowers (Echinacea) and black-eyed Susans (Rudbeckia) are excellent examples. Their seed heads add winter texture while feeding birds such as finches and cardinals.​

Ornamental grasses should also remain untouched, their tall plumes sparkling with frost and providing valuable shelter for pollinators. Likewise, coral bells (Heuchera) retain colorful foliage that protects their crown through freezing conditions. Sedum, often called stonecrop, adds winter interest as its thick stems and seed clusters persist beautifully against the snow.​

Leaving these plants intact serves a greater purpose—supporting wildlife, retaining soil moisture, and adding winter charm to dormant beds. Similar to mums – when spring arrives, prune dead stems as new shoots begin to appear.

Final Tips for Healthy Fall Gardens

Before the ground freezes solid, water thoroughly—hydration helps plants withstand dry winter winds. Remove diseased or pest-infested foliage but allow healthy plants to stand for ecological benefits. Then, apply compost or leaf mulch around roots, but avoid smothering crowns entirely. A compost layer around the base of plants is adequate to provide nutrients for spring growth.​ For container perennials and mums, move pots to sheltered areas or unheated garages to avoid exposure to severe cold.​

If your goal is early color next year, you can even plant new perennials in the fall before the first frost. This gives roots a chance to acclimate before dormancy sets in.

Visit Van Becelaera Greenhouse

For fresh fall color and expert advice, visit Van Becelaera Greenhouse. Explore their wide selection of hardy fall perennials and large mums perfect for brightening your landscape. Whether you’re planting new perennials or preparing established favorites for winter, their team can help you choose plants that thrive all season long.