Forget Mums: 6 Fragrant Alternatives For Gorgeous Fall Planters

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Once fall creeps in, mum's the word — chrysanthemums, that is. Synonymous with the season, the fan-favorite selection (Chrysanthemum x morifolium) gets all of the attention for its playful florals and lively colors. And while not everyone likes their herbaceous, almost medicinal aroma, there's no denying they're incredibly fragrant. But caring for mums can feel almost robotic, and every front porch has them, so why not give the popular pick a rest and opt for something less conventional? There are plenty of colorful, aromatic fall florals that are begging for a spot in your planters. 

From perennials with hummingbirds' seal of approval to stunners that cascade in hanging baskets, mum alternatives are aplenty and smell inviting, but it might take a little bit of research to figure out what works best for your autumnal needs. Assess your yard's conditions — know your USDA hardiness zone, of course — and start to plan a rich, fragrant harvest that strays from your typical routine.

As the name suggests, Autumn sage (Salvia greggii) is ideal for seasonal planters. Hardy in USDA zones 6-9, the seemingly delicate red petals — which also come in pink, white, and purple — loves dry, hot conditions but can handle moderate frost. When potting, use both a mix and container that drains well, lest you'd like the flower to wilt, and ensure it receives full sun. Bonus? The easy-to-maintain selection with a soft mint-and-sage aromatic character is a flower that attracts hummingbirds (and likely a few snails and slugs).

Sweet alyssum (Lobularia maritima) might thrive in full sun, but it's a cool-season perennial that works wonders in a hanging basket, like ZeeDix's two-pack hanging metal planters, when autumn swoops in. Hardy in USDA zones 5-9, the honey-scented blooms require weekly watering (about an inch, more if you're in a dry locale) and well-draining soil to prevent issues like crown rot. One bonus is the plants get even more fragrant on hot autumn afternoons. Note that this plant is invasive in California and grows aggressively in Hawaii.

If you're still muddling over what to plant in the fall, Anise hyssop (Agastache foeniculum) is the perfect antithesis to the warm-hued tones overtaking gardens with its rich blue and purple blooms. Its distinctive licorice fragrance makes it even more enticing (crush a leaf for the full aromatic experience). This perennial is hardy in zones 4-8 but can handle zone 9 if you tend to the drainage. It's relatively low-maintenance and can tolerate various humidities and temperatures. It works best in flower beds, but avoid oversoaking, as it's prone to root rot.

Sweet-smelling snapdragons (Antirrhinum majus) thrive in USDA zones 7-10 and can accommodate gardeners by acclimating to small or large pots, depending on the variety. People associate their fragrance with marshmallows, cherries, even jelly beans. These tall perennials aren't scared of a slight freeze and will do their best work in full sun with moist, but not saturated, potting mix. If moisture becomes an issue, snapdragons can develop yellow, rusty leaves. They come in a wide range of colors, and there are plenty of flowers to plant with snapdragons that create a playful mix.

Nodding ladies' tresses (Spiranthes cernua) are white spiral florals that add height to your autumnal container arrangements and grow up to two feet tall. The plant, which is suitable for USDA zones 5-9, has roots in the orchid family and a faint, fresh fragrance with a hint of vanilla — one of the only orchids that actually has an aroma. Keep it in soil that's moist and acidic and make sure it doesn't receive more than six hours of sunlight per day, as it thrives in partly-shady conditions.

Cyclamen (Cyclamen persicum) has a reputation for adding a romantic, Mediterranean touch to fall floral beds thanks to its delicate petals, which come in red, pink, white, and purple. The aroma, described as fresh and bright, is reminiscent of roses, and is a common top-note component in perfumes. The perennial (USDA zones 9-11) requires that the tuber is placed within the potting mix, but slightly out of the soil. This even-keeled plant likes moderate temperatures that hover around 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and requires bright, indirect sunlight or partial shade and moist soil.