More Than Mums

Jennifer Polanz

Unpopular opinion: Mums aren’t my favorite. They’re lovely plants, but I love to decorate for fall and I want more options than just mums. I’m offering up this mixed combo as inspo—let’s get creative with fall mixed containers. In this I see, of course, the typical ornamental kale,
but it’s surrounded by celosia, croton, coleus, lysimachia and I even peep some echinacea in there, along with purple fountain grass and more.

Annual vs. perennial in a container—who cares? I planted perennials in my mixed containers last year and was delighted to see them return this spring. It’s an added bonus when they come back (if they don’t, oh well). The goal is to keep customers interested in their outdoor spaces for longer than just spring and these types of offerings can help keep them coming back. You can even plant these up as a shop ’n drop option, where the customer drops it right into their container. GP

Pictured: I saw this combo last fall at Family Tree Nursery in Kansas City, Missouri, during The Garden Center Group Fall Event retail tour.