Are Artificial Mums A Suitable Alternative For The Real Thing?

When it comes to fall flowers, mums (Chrysanthemum spp.) are as iconic as it gets. These gorgeous flowers from the daisy family last well into the cooler months and come in bold hues like gold, orange, red, and magenta — in other words, the perfect colors for autumn. Hardy in USDA Zones four through nine, garden mums can even be planted in outdoor pots so they come back every year. 

Though it isn't particularly difficult to grow mums or keep them alive year-round, they are living plants. If you're someone who's new to gardening or super busy in your day-to-day life, then you might be curious about decorating your front porch with artificial mums instead. Don't let the word "artificial" fool you: When chosen and styled with care, these fake flowers can look just as authentic as actual mums. They're an affordable, long-lasting alternative to the real thing. "As a luxury wedding and event designer, I have long known the value of owning quality silk flowers, which I prefer to call 'permanent flowers,'" floral designer Holly Heider Chapple told Better Homes & Gardens magazine. She loves using artificial mums in fall floral arrangements because "they are seasonally appropriate from mid-September right into Thanksgiving," and because they come in so many beautiful colors.

When sourcing faux mums, pay close attention to the materials. It's one of those game-changing tricks that make artificial flowers look real. Are they premium faux flowers made of high-quality polyester, rayon, or fabric? Then they'll probably look more vibrant and realistic. That said, are you planning on displaying your faux mums outdoors? If you live somewhere that gets frost or even a lot of fall sunshine, then artificial mums made of durable, UV-resistant plastic might be a better option. They'll maintain their shape and color, and they're generally more affordable than the premium kind.

Amazon is one place to look, especially if you're on a tight budget or only want a small number of bundles. EternalGarden's Artificial Mum Flowers are highly rated by reviewers, available in four different colors, and reasonably priced at $27. InSpring's Daisy Artificial Flowers, which are also reasonably priced, offer a similar look with more color options. 

Hardware giants like Lowe's and Home Depot sell faux flowers, too. You can't go wrong with retailers like Etsy, Walmart, or Wayfair, which also sell some quality-looking artificial mums. For instance, this big bundle of 24 faux mums from Primrue goes for $108 on Wayfair and has been praised by some reviewers for its authentic look and feel. And of course, the way you style your mums also matters. Sticking the stems of your artificial mums into a foam base before putting them in a planter is an easy DIY that will make them look more genuine and less, well... artificial.