The Colorful Perennial That Belongs Next To Your Mums This Fall

While some may associate the fall season with muted colors in warm and earthy tones, flowers like chrysanthemums (Chrysanthemum x morifolium) can provide a burst of jewel-like vibrancy during the cool-weather months. These versatile beauties are one of the most in-demand choices for fall gardens, if you're looking for a pop of color in your beds, borders, or containers. Depending on your climate and needs, there are two types of mums. The hardy perennials, aka garden mums, are usually planted in early spring, where they will bloom through late summer and fall before overwintering. Florist mums, on the other hand, are treated as decorative annuals used to temporarily fill in space when summer blooms start to fade. These varieties do best indoors or in containers. No matter the type, these aren't the only flowers that can flourish during autumn. If you're looking for another plant that your mum will thrive alongside despite the brisk temperature, try your luck with coral bells (Heuchera). 

Native to numerous regions across North America, coral bells are defined by their striking foliage and tiny bell-like flower clusters that sprout from tall stems. Though their flowers attract pollinators like hummingbirds and butterflies, most gardeners plant this perennial for their foliage that comes in a range of colors and textures, from silver-green and black hues to leaves with ruffles and patterns.  These plants usually reach a height of 6 to 12 inches tall with a width of 1 to 3 inches. Hardy in zones 4 through 9, coral bells can adapt to a variety of growing conditions, though they prefer shade. In warm regions, they are evergreen, while in cold regions, they are semi-evergreen. With over 50 species, it's easy to find a variety that will complement your specific mums and garden design.

One of the best plants to keep your garden looking full, you can use coral bells as a ground cover, where its mounds will offer the perfect foil to your mum's stately blooms. As an additional perk, your coral bells will deter greedy deer from chomping on your mums, as they are repelled by the astringent taste of their leaves. Another reason why garden mums and coral bells go so well together: both are hardy in similar zones, with garden mums able to grow in zones 4 through 9. Most importantly, both plants require the same soil conditions and watering habits, with slight variations in their sunlight needs. Like mums, coral bells need their soil to be fertile and consistently moist with proper drainage. Otherwise, if they sit too long in damp soil, both plants are liable to develop either root rot or crown rot. Coral bells can also handle slightly acidic soil, making them a great companion for mums. 

One difference, however, is how much sunlight each plant needs. Coral bells are known to do best in areas with partial shade, ideally receiving 4 to 6 hours of morning sun followed by dappled light or shade. In comparison, mums need between 6 and 8 hours of sun to produce an abundant amount of blooms. Coral bells with dark foliage are usually better able to handle more sun, especially in cooler climates, like the cultivars 'Forever Purple' (Heuchera 'Forever Purple') and the species hairy alumroot (Heuchera villosa). Despite their ability to adapt to full sun, it's still important that these varieties receive some afternoon shade and plenty of water. If you allow the soil to dry out, your plant will be susceptible to leaf scorch as well as general decline.