The Classic Fall Flower Variety That Attracts Hummingbirds & Butterflies To Your Yard

As many of your perennials in the garden begin to die back once summer ends, you often wish their blooms wouldn't depart so soon. And fewer pollinators are coming around now, too. However, if you want to diversify your garden and see lovely flowers throughout the fall, Chrysanthemums, commonly known as mums, are the way to go. Their bright colors create a stunning display for your garden, and not only do they look lovely, but they can also attract both hummingbirds and butterflies to your yard. Their nectar-rich blooms provide an abundant food source for various pollinators throughout the end of the year. Chrysanthemum nectar is especially beneficial for pollinators later in the year as most other plants are dwindling down, preparing for hibernation. By providing a consistent source of nectar, pollinators are able to sustain themselves during their critical migration periods.

Chrysanthemums might not be the ideal house plant, but they will certainly be an eye-catcher if potted near your front porch or in your yard. They come in a variety of colors, including shades of yellow, orange, red, pink, and white. Chrysanthemums also have a variety of flower forms, including single flowers that look similar to a daisy, more rounded pompon forms, and spoon forms that have petals that look like mini spoons. Their round mounds and warm tones create the perfect fall vibe that can brighten your day. Since you can choose from a diverse color palette, feel free to mix and match the varieties to create eye-catching arrangements to complement the changing autumn foliage.

Chrysanthemums can be easy to grow and maintain, making them an excellent choice for gardeners of any experience level. They prefer to be planted in full sun, although they will tolerate part shade and need well-draining soil. So, incorporate them into your area any way you please. If you have limited space or want to deck out your patio, planting chrysanthemums in containers is an excellent option. That way, you can move them around to find the best rays of sunlight and create a gorgeous, inviting space. Otherwise, you can add them to your garden beds, borders, and landscape. Chrysanthemums grow about 6 inches tall, but they can get up to 2 feet high when they bloom. Planting them with perennials that bloom during spring and summer will disguise them until they're ready to take center stage in the fall.

Along with their aesthetic appeal, Chrysanthemums are crucial in supporting local ecosystems by attracting pollinators. When you plant Chrysanthemums, you are creating a habitat that promotes the diversity of pollinator populations. Attracting hummingbirds and butterflies benefits your garden, promotes biodiversity, and aids the pollination of other plants. Your chrysanthemums will thrive in attracting butterflies and hummingbirds alongside other pollinator-friendly plants in your garden and even deter garden pests. Amaranth (Amaranthus retroflexus), with its sun-loving pink-red flowers, is a fall-blooming pollinator, hardy in all states, and provides visual interest. By planting chrysanthemums, you can enjoy a stunning fall display while supporting the health and vitality of hummingbirds, butterflies, and other local pollinators.