CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KFVS) - The chrysanthemum is a popular porch decoration for this time of year, but a horticulturist in the Heartland said there are plants with more ecological value to include.

Cassie Holcomb said mums are fine for a fall display, but they don’t offer much to late-season pollinators like monarch butterflies and bees.

“The mums don’t offer anything because they are bred to have all those petals, and it kinda blocks the pollinators from getting to any pollen or nectar that those flowers might have.”

Mums are also difficult to keep around longer than a single season, despite being perennials.

“Instead of taking that mum out of your pot and trying to plant it and not having much success, which is always what I hear,” Holcomb said, “Why don’t we start planting...stuff

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