20 Creative Ways to Use Mums on Your Front Porch This Year

Want to know my secret for making neighbors stop and stare?

Your front porch might feel plain and lifeless right now. Trust me, I know the feeling – looking at the same old decorations gets boring. But you might not expect mums to do more than sit in basic pots.

I’ve tested dozens of ways to style these flowers and found 20 unique methods that make my porch stand out.

These aren’t your typical flower arrangements. From hanging displays to mixed container gardens, I’ll show you how to turn simple mums into eye-catching focal points that will make your home the most inviting one on the block.

Let me share my favorite tricks with you.

The Story Behind Mums

I find it fascinating how mums have been cherished for centuries.

These flowers started in China, where people first grew them as herbs. The Chinese used mum petals in salads and made tea from the blooms!

The flowers spread to Japan, where they became so beloved that they appeared on the Imperial Seal. In many Asian cultures, mums stand for long life and good luck. Now, that’s what I call a flower with history!

Why Mums Rule Fall Decor? Let me tell you why I always pick mums for my fall decorating. These hardy plants bloom when other flowers fade.

They come in perfect fall colors – warm yellows, deep reds, rich purples, and gentle bronzes.

But what I love most is that mums are easy to care for. With basic watering, they stay bright and full for weeks. They cost less than many other flowers, so I can buy several plants to create bigger displays.

Best Mums for Front Porch Decor

I’ve tried many mum varieties on my porch, and these are my top picks that never fail to impress:

Decorative Mums: These are my go-to choices for big, full blooms. The flowers look like round balls and come in bright reds, oranges, and yellows. I love how one plant can fill a large pot with color.

Button Mums: I choose button mums when I want something small but sweet. Their tiny, round flowers create dense clusters. They work great in small spaces or as borders in mixed containers.

Spider Mums: These stand out with their thin, long petals. I use white spider mums to add light touches to darker fall displays. They look different from typical mums, which makes visitors take notice.

Color Tips from My Experience:

Bronze and purple mums pop against light-colored walls
Yellow and orange ones shine near brick surfaces
White mums look clean and fresh with any background
Red mums catch the eye when placed near steps

Here’s a helpful hint I learned: pick those with lots of closed buds when you buy mums. They’ll bloom longer than fully open ones.

Front Porch Mums Decor Ideas I Love

1. Mums in a Wheelbarrow

What Color Mums to Use? Yellow, orange, and burgundy mums best create a rustic fall vibe.
Complementary Decor Elements: Add small pumpkins, gourds, and straw bundles around the wheelbarrow.
Maintenance Tips: Keep the wheelbarrow in partial sunlight and water the mums regularly to prevent drying.

2. Mums and Lantern Combo

What Color Mums to Use? Use white or purple mums for a soft and elegant glow.
Complementary Decor Elements: Add string lights and a cozy outdoor rug for warmth.
Maintenance Tips: Place mums and lanterns under a covered area to protect them from rain.

3. Hanging Mum Baskets

What Color Mums to Use? Choose bright colors like red or orange to make the display stand out.
Complementary Decor Elements: Add trailing vines or greenery to fill out the baskets.
Maintenance Tips: Water regularly as hanging baskets dry out faster and ensure proper drainage.

4. Mums in a Ladder Shelf

What Color Mums to Use? Use a mix of yellow, pink, and white mums for a vibrant layered effect.
Complementary Decor Elements: Add small lanterns, books, or rustic signs to each rung.
Maintenance Tips: Rotate the pots occasionally to ensure even sunlight exposure.

5. Mixed Arrangement with Hay Bales

What Color Mums Should You Use? For a festive autumn look, choose orange, bronze, and purple mums.
Complementary Decor Elements: Add scarecrows, corn stalks, and fairy lights to complete the scene.
Maintenance Tips: Place the arrangement in a spot with good air circulation to avoid mold on the hay bales.

6. Rustic Bench Display

What Color Mums to Use? Yellow, orange, and bronze mums for a warm, inviting vibe.
Complementary Decor Elements: Add throw pillows, small pumpkins, and a cozy blanket on or near the bench.
Maintenance Tips: Keep pots elevated off the bench surface for proper drainage.

7. Mums in Wooden Troughs

What Color Mums to Use? Use a mix of purple, red, and white mums for contrast.
Complementary Decor Elements: Line the trough with moss and add fairy lights for a magical touch.
Maintenance Tips: Ensure the trough has proper drainage holes to avoid waterlogging.

8. Hanging Macrame Planters

What Color Mums to Use? Opt for white or soft pink mums to complement the macrame’s neutral tones.
Complementary Decor Elements: To enhance the design, add trailing greenery like ivy or pothos.
Maintenance Tips: Water carefully to avoid dripping and ensure adequate sunlight exposure.

9. Decorative Basket Mums

What Color Mums to Use? Choose yellow and red mums for a vibrant, autumnal feel.
Complementary Decor Elements: Use burlap liners inside the baskets and surround them with small gourds.
Maintenance Tips: Keep baskets in a partially shaded area to prevent the mums from wilting.

10. Mums and Cornstalk Combo

What Color Mums to Use? Combine purple, orange, and white mums for a bold, colorful contrast with the cornstalks.
Complementary Decor Elements: Add hay bales and mini scarecrows to complete the autumnal theme.
Maintenance Tips: Anchor cornstalks securely and water the mums regularly to keep them fresh.

11. Stone Planter Mums

What Color Mums to Use? Bright pink or red mums will add a striking pop of color to the stone.
Complementary Decor Elements: Surround the planters with candles or polished pebbles for a modern touch.
Maintenance Tips: Use well-draining soil and position the planters in a sunny location.

12. Set Up a Zigzag Pattern Along Steps

What Color Mums to Use? Use alternating colors like yellow and purple for a dynamic, eye-catching effect.
Complementary Decor Elements: Add pumpkins or lanterns between the mums for symmetry and charm.
Maintenance Tips: Water pots evenly and rotate them weekly to ensure balanced sunlight exposure.

13. Plant Mums in Old Rain Boots

What Color Mums to Use? Opt for bright pink, orange, or yellow mums to contrast with colorful rain boots.
Complementary Decor Elements: Place the boots on a doormat or surround them with small garden tools.
Maintenance Tips: Drill small drainage holes in the soles of the boots to prevent waterlogging.

14. Make a Flower Wall with Potted Mums

What Color Mums to Use? Use a mix of red, yellow, and white mums to create a vibrant wall effect.
Complementary Decor Elements: Incorporate ivy or trailing plants for texture and place fairy lights for evening displays.
Maintenance Tips: Use lightweight pots and ensure the wall frame can handle the weight.

15. Use Ceiling Hooks for Hanging Mum Pots

What Color Mums to Use? Choose pastel shades like lavender or white for a calming, suspended look.
Complementary Decor Elements: Macrame hangers or decorative pots enhance the aesthetic.
Maintenance Tips: Ensure hooks are securely anchored and water the pots carefully to avoid dripping.

16. Place Mums on Old Wooden Stools

What Color Mums to Use? Warm hues like orange and burgundy work well with the rustic look of wooden stools.
Complementary Decor Elements: For a farmhouse feel, add small baskets of apples or rustic signs next to the stools.
Maintenance Tips: Elevate the stools slightly to prevent water from pooling underneath and rotting the wood.

17. Bar Cart Display

What Color Mums to Use? Choose white or orange mums to complement pumpkins and candles.
Complementary Decor Elements: Add mini pumpkins, gourds, and scented candles for a festive arrangement.
Maintenance Tips: Place the bar cart under a covered area to protect it and the mums from the elements.

18. Fairy Light Accented Mums

What Color Mums to Use? Use yellow or purple mums to enhance the glow of the fairy lights.
Complementary Decor Elements: Add a few lanterns or a string of lights around your porch for extra charm.
Maintenance Tips: Use battery-operated fairy lights and avoid overwatering to keep the display neat.

19. Mum Topiary

What Color Mums to Use? Mix red, yellow, and white for a layered, vibrant topiary.
Complementary Decor Elements: Place the topiary near an entrance or porch corner with a decorative planter.
Maintenance Tips: Water evenly and ensure the topiary frame is stable to prevent tipping.

20. Mums in a Birdcage

What Color Mums to Use? Choose white or pastel-colored mums for a soft, whimsical look.
Complementary Decor Elements: Add trailing vines or fairy lights around the birdcage for extra charm.
Maintenance Tips: Keep the birdcage in partial sunlight and water the mums carefully to avoid rusting the cage.

How To Care for Mums on Front Porch?

Water mums when the topsoil feels dry to the touch.
Remove dead flowers twice a week to keep plants looking fresh.
Place pots where they get 6 hours of morning sunlight daily.
Space pots 2 feet apart to let air flow between plants.
Check soil moisture each day during hot spells.
Keep mums away from porch lights that stay on all night.
Bring plants under cover during heavy rain or storms.
Add 1 inch of mulch to the soil to keep moisture in.
Pick off yellow leaves as soon as you spot them.
Move pots to sheltered spots when frost is coming.
Use pots with drainage holes to prevent root rot.
Feed plants with flower food once every two weeks.
Stop watering when blooms are done, and leaves turn brown.
Protect plants from strong winds that can break stems.
Check for bugs under leaves once a week.

Sustainability in Porch Decor

Using Eco-Friendly Materials

I choose clay and bamboo pots for my mums instead of plastic ones. They last longer and break down naturally.

I also pick organic plants grown without harsh chemicals, use coconut coir, and use natural mulch in my pots. These small choices help me create a porch that looks good and feels right.

Post-Season Practices

After the blooms fade, I put my mums in my compost bin. The plants break down into rich soil for next spring.

I clean my natural pots and store them in dry spots. My bamboo stakes and twine go in a box for next year. Nothing goes to waste in my porch garden.

Summing It Up

Your front porch can be more than just an entrance – it’s your home’s first hello. I’ve shared my favorite ways to bring life to this space with mums, from simple pot displays to creative hanging gardens.

These flowers do more than add color. They create a warm welcome, spark chats with neighbors, and make coming home special.

The best part? You don’t need fancy tools or a big budget to make it work.

Why not start with just three mums this weekend? Pick your favorite colors, grab some simple pots, and try one of these ideas. Share your porch photos in the comments below – I’d love to see what you create!

Ready to give your porch a fresh look? Your perfect mum display awaits!