Colorful chrysanthemums blooming from porch displays on suburban U.S. streets are as much a sign that fall is here as crisp mornings and carpets of crunchy leaves.
If your usual go-to is a couple of potted mums on your doorstep, it’s time to take things up a notch with this eye-catching 3-plant combo. For an outdoor fall decor idea that’s instantly more stylish, mix classic mums with structural ornamental grasses and vibrant ornamental peppers.
We spoke to floral designers about how to choose the best color combinations, planting positions and complementary containers (just like this beautiful white concrete Fleur-de-Lis pedestal urn-style planter from Lowe’s) for a polished porch display.
Latest Videos FromHomes and Gardens
(Image credit: Getty Images / Oleh Hryschkevych)
With their array of hot and spicy colors, it’s not surprising that ornamental peppers (bred for their hues rather than their heat) have become more popular in fall displays. However, teaming potted chrysanthemums with these colorful plants – and tall ornamental grasses – is a sure way to turn an ordinary outdoor autumnal arrangement into a fabulous fall feature.
The ‘Sangria’ ornamental pepper from Plant Addicts would work perfectly in a display like this.
‘Both ornamental peppers and grasses are a great addition for those who are looking to elevate their style,’ says Jim Sutton, associate director of display design at Longwood Gardens.
‘The red, purple, and orange hues of the peppers work well with chrysanthemums, offering a complimentary filler in a contrasting texture.
‘Ornamental grasses go hand-in-hand with chrysanthemums too, adding height to otherwise low-level displays.’
This Little Bunny Dwarf Fountain Grass from Plant Addicts is a fabulous spiller, growing to around 16-20′ tall. It can also be planted in flower beds as perennial.
1. Keep to a Consistent Color Palette
Working these plants into your outdoor fall decor ideas doesn’t have to be difficult. Simply decide on a color palette and choose complementary tones across your chosen spectrum.
‘Typically, an elevated design is one with impact, which can be achieved by using all one color or sticking to the same color family,’ explains florist, Calvert Crary, founder, FlowerSchool New York.
‘There’s a ton of variety in color that you can choose from to create the perfect front porch display, with fall hues aligning naturally for the season.
‘Avoid using multiple colors or “polka-dotting” the blooms, unless you’re going for a wildflower farm look, which can appear messy, unless done in volume. Color consistency adds to the impact.’
This Acapulco Multicolor Ornamental Pepper from Plant Addicts offers a spectrum of firey tones from red and orange to purple.
‘Chrysanthemums are the quintessential flower for the fall season and there are so many reasons to love them,’ says Jim. ‘Lean into fall colors of red, orange, yellow and purple. Coordinate classic fall potted mums with your front door to welcome your guests.’
Calvert Crary serves as the executive director of FlowerSchool New York and FlowerSchool Los Angeles. An internationally recognized instructor and mentor, he has taught programs across the United States, Holland, Mexico, and Australia. Beyond his leadership and teaching, Calvert is an accomplished author whose works include Flower School: A Practical Guide to the Art of Flower Arranging and The Encyclopedia of Cut Flowers: What Flowers to Buy, Where to Buy Them, and How to Keep Them Alive Longer.
Jim Sutton is the Associate Director of Display Design for Longwood Gardens, one of the world’s great gardens, encompassing more than 1,100 acres of gardens, woodlands, meadows, fountains, and grand conservatories. Jim’s education in Horticulture is from Pennsylvania State University. He regularly judges at numerous competitions at other gardens. He also lectures and conducts floral demonstrations.
2. Add Height and Texture
(Image credit: Getty Images / Juia Pavaliuk)
Once you have a color palette in mind, this will naturally influence the type or types of ornamental grasses you decide to include in your display. Think about the textures too, ornamental grasses can vary from delicate and feathery to slender and structural.
This Standing Ovation Little Bluestem Grass from Plant Addicts is a native species with a firey ombre effect.
‘Texture can instantly bring depth and dimension to your design,’ says Calvert. ‘Using unexpected materials together, such as ornamental grasses, also offers a visual edge.
‘We teach students to understand the materials they are working with (soft-stemmed vs hard-stemmed flowers; face flowers vs line or textural flowers) and to be mindful when choosing the correct vessel to support the design.’
3. Choosing The Containers
(Image credit: Art Directors & TRIP / Alamy Stock Photo)
The color and design of the containers for your porch decor will be led by the hues of the plants you have selected, the size of the space and by the style of your home’s exterior.
‘Choose vessels with the exact same or similar shape and color versus using multiple different styles and sizes to hold your plants,’ says Calvert. ‘This will provide a cleaner, more intentional look.’
When choosing pots for this type of fall porch display, Jim likes to use earth tones. ‘They work really well and fit the color palette,’ says Jim. ‘Overly bright colored containers will detract from the autumnal feel you are trying to create.’
Jim is also a fan of multiple containers of varying sizes and heights within a particular color palette.
‘I find this adds to the volume and interest of any mum display,’ says Jim. ‘Don’t be afraid to use small blocks to raise the containers slightly and stairs to achieve height changes. Adding single pots with one specimen plant in them can also be effective.’
This pack of three terracotta planter feet from Lowe’s is a simple way to increase the height of outdoor pots.
4. Putting The Display Together
(Image credit: Alamy / James Kirkikis)
When arranging chrysanthemums with ornamental grasses and peppers, you can either plant them together in one or two large pots to flank your front door in a thriller, filler, spiller formation, group the plants in individual pots or stagger them down some steps, with or without, other decorative items.
‘To bring a stunning display of mums, ornamental grasses, and ornamental peppers together, start by placing the tallest plant in the back,’ says Jim. ‘If the tallest plant is not in a display pot, it can often be obscured by more decorative pots in front.’
‘Don’t be afraid to repurpose pots from the summer season either. Remove tired summer plants to make room for fall plants,’ continues Jim. ‘When planting chrysanthemums, make sure that the root ball is covered over with soil.’
‘Keep in mind that mums are generally going to be pot bound and be careful not to let them dry out as they will not root into the surrounding media. Drying out will shorten their display life.’
Shop Beautiful Pots
Made from lightweight recycled polyresin and coated with UV inhibitors to minimize fading, this pot has been created to resemble real stone
Available in eight different earth tones and six generous sizes, there is a pleat planter to suit a number of display styles.
Made with recycled plastic, stone powder, and wood dust this taupe planter has a clay-style look and is weather resistant.
This three-plant combination is a beautiful way to elevate the classic chrysanthemum display and bring a beautiful boost of coordinated color and texture to your front porch.
‘Chrysanthemums are the quintessential flower for the fall season and there are so many reasons to love them,’ says Jim.
‘Plant perennial varieties in the ground once they’re finished in your display, and they’ll overwinter and return the next year.’
If you love inspiring garden ideas, outdoor advice, and the latest news, why not sign up for our newsletter and get the latest features delivered straight to your inbox?