Mums arrive in September ready to bridge the gap between summer color and cooler weather—you get a full, rounded plant already in bud or open flower, no waiting around. Sold in a half-bushel pot at 12 to 14 inches, these are substantial enough to anchor a porch corner or fill a gap in the bed right now.

Plant in sun and well-drained soil, water regularly, and you'll have weeks of color through October. Once the show fades, cut them back hard; they'll often regrow for next year if you treat them kindly through winter.