Mums vs asters
Mums are bred domes of colour from China and Japan; New England aster is a tall native wildflower that feeds bees and monarchs. Garden mums are the florist's chrysanthemums, in every autumn colour, as tight domes of daisies, pompoms or buttons. New England aster grows to four feet, in purple or pink, and is one of the most important late flowers for bees and migrating monarchs. Mums bought in flower in autumn often die over winter; planted in spring, the hardy kinds come back.
 Garden chrysanthemumChrysanthemum x morifolium |  New England asterSymphyotrichum novae-angliae | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 24 in tall, 24 in wide | 4 ft tall, 2½ ft wide |
| Plant | 18 in apart | 2½ ft apart |
| Zones | 5 to 9 | 3 to 8 |
| Light | Full sun | Full sun |
| Soil | Well-drained, rich fertility | Evenly moist, average fertility |
| Flowers | Mid September to late October; yellow, orange, red, pink, purple, white | Early September to mid October; purple, pink |
| Leaves | Medium, herbaceous | Medium, herbaceous |
| Job in a bed | Drift | Drift |
| Pets | Toxic (mild) | No toxicity recorded |
| Deer | No record | Not listed as resistant |
| Native | No | Yes |
| Spread | Low risk | Moderate risk |
Rows where they differ are marked. Flowering times are for zone 5.
Which to choose
- Choose garden chrysanthemum for warmer gardens (to zone 9) and a smaller space (24 in against 4 ft).
- Choose New England aster for colder gardens (to zone 3), moist soil, a garden with pets, a native garden, more height (4 ft against 24 in) and more wildlife.
Can they grow together?
Yes: they are recorded as partners. What New England aster brings beside garden chrysanthemum: purple against yellow, opposite each other on the colour wheel, if you choose those colours, in flower together for five weeks; tall enough (4 ft) to stand behind it. They share full sun and zones 5 to 8.
Read more: all about garden chrysanthemum, and all about New England aster, each with a bed the planner designed around it.