The price of mums at Lowe’s commonly ranges from about $5 to $25 per plant, depending on pot size, variety, and seasonal availability. Small pots suit borders and porch accents, while larger, fuller plants cost more; local prices and promotions can change during fall.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small potted mum | $4-$7 | $6 | $9 | Typically a 6- to 8-inch pot; price varies by store and sale. |
| Medium potted mum | $8-$13 | $10 | $16 | Often a fuller 9- to 12-inch plant. |
| Large or premium mum | $14-$20 | $18 | $25+ | Larger pot, heavier bloom coverage, or specialty variety. |
| Two-plant display | $10-$16 | $20 | $50 | Estimate for two plants; total depends on pot sizes and selection. |
What Lowe’s shoppers usually pay for potted mums
For a standard fall mum in a small or medium nursery pot, shoppers can budget around $5-$13 per plant. A large, densely budded plant or a decorative display often costs $14-$25 or more. The plant’s labeled pot size is a useful comparison, but fullness and bloom stage also affect perceived value.
These are practical U.S. retail estimates, not guaranteed prices for every Lowe’s store. Inventory, promotions, supplier availability, and local growing seasons differ. A shopper buying six medium plants might spend roughly $48-$78 before tax, while six premium plants could cost $84-$150.
For a typical porch or small garden display, budgeting $10-$20 per mum covers many medium and larger choices.
Assumptions: U.S. retail nursery plants, ordinary seasonal selection, no planter, delivery, or sales tax included.
How pot size and bloom coverage change the price
Pot size is one of the clearest price differences. A compact 6- to 8-inch pot generally costs less than a 10- to 12-inch pot, which holds more growing medium and usually supports a wider plant. Larger specimens may be sold in still bigger containers or as decorative arrangements.
Bloom count and shape matter too. A plant with numerous buds and an even, rounded canopy can be priced above a less developed plant in the same size pot. Open flowers make color easy to judge, but partly budded plants may continue blooming after purchase if given suitable care.
Variety can influence price, although color alone does not reliably predict cost. Common garden mums are often less expensive than unusual colors, specialty forms, or plants sold in upgraded containers. The pot may be a simple nursery container rather than a finished decorative planter.
| Selection | Typical price | Approximate width | Price consideration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compact 6- to 8-inch pot | $4-$9 each | 8-12 inches | Lower-cost accent or border plant. |
| Medium 9- to 12-inch pot | $8-$16 each | 12-18 inches | Common balance of size and price. |
| Large or premium pot | $14-$25+ each | 16-24 inches | More mature, fuller, or specialty display. |
Compare both the pot diameter and the plant’s actual spread rather than judging by flower color alone.
What a mum purchase includes beyond the plant
The shelf price typically covers the plant in its nursery pot. It usually does not include a decorative planter, potting mix, fertilizer, delivery, or installation. A shopper planting directly into a garden bed may need little beyond soil preparation; a container display can add several separate purchases.
Optional supply costs vary by product size and brand. A basic decorative pot may add roughly $8-$30, while a larger or more ornamental container may run $30-$80 or more. A small bag of potting mix can cost about $5-$15; a larger bag or premium mix may cost $12-$25. Those items are not necessary if an existing planter and suitable soil are available.
| Purchase component | Typical cost | What changes the price |
|---|---|---|
| Mum plant | $4-$25+ each | Pot size, maturity, and selection. |
| Decorative planter | $8-$80+ each | Material, dimensions, and finish. |
| Potting mix | $5-$25 per bag | Bag volume and soil formulation. |
| Fertilizer | $6-$20 per package | Type, package size, and brand. |
| Delivery, if offered | $0-$80+ per order | Store service, distance, order size, and availability. |
Store pickup avoids delivery charges where available. A seasonal plant purchase is usually a retail transaction rather than a landscaping job, so labor is not automatically included. If a landscaper places plants, labor may be quoted separately based on travel, preparation, and the number of pots.
For a container arrangement, the planter and soil can add as much as the mum itself.
When fall timing and local supply shift shelf prices
Fall is the main buying season for garden mums, and selection can change quickly as stores receive shipments and plants sell through. Early-season shoppers may find broader color choices, while peak weekends can bring high demand. Later in the season, remaining plants may be marked down, but the assortment and condition can be less predictable.
Prices and stock can also vary by region. Growing season, local demand, shipping costs, store inventory, and supplier arrangements influence what a nearby store carries. A shopper in a high-cost metro area may see prices roughly 5%-15% above a lower-cost market, while promotions or clearance can reverse that difference. This is a planning estimate, not a Lowe’s regional pricing schedule.
Weather and store location affect availability. A colder region may have a shorter outdoor display window, and a warm region may carry plants at different points in the season. Online listings can help check nearby availability, but the displayed selection and price may not match every store or change after inventory updates.
Checking local inventory before driving is more reliable than assuming a national price or color selection.
Three realistic Lowe’s mum budgets for fall displays
These examples use estimated retail ranges to show how pot size affects a practical shopping total. Actual checkout prices depend on the selected store, promotion, and sales tax. The examples exclude delivery, planters, soil, and paid planting labor unless noted.
| Display | Quantity and unit price | Estimated plant total | Possible extras |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entryway pair | 2 small pots at $5-$9 each | $10-$18 | $0-$30 for two basic decorative pots. |
| Garden border | 6 medium pots at $9-$15 each | $54-$90 | $5-$25 for soil or amendment, if needed. |
| Large porch grouping | 4 premium pots at $16-$25 each | $64-$100 | $16-$60 for potting mix and modest containers. |
A small planting of four compact mums could therefore stay near $20-$36 before tax. A larger porch arrangement with upgraded containers may reach $100-$160. Existing pots and soil can substantially lower the total; buying more plants does not necessarily lower the per-plant price unless a specific promotion applies.
For a garden bed, spacing also affects the quantity needed. Plants spread as they grow, so placing them too close together can raise the initial bill without improving the display. Check the plant label for mature width and leave room for airflow and growth.
Count plants by the area they will fill at maturity, not only by the number of pots that look full on shopping day.
How to lower the checkout total without buying weak plants
Choose the smallest pot that meets the display’s size needs. A group of several compact plants can often create a fuller arrangement for less than a few large specimens, especially when the containers are viewed together. Compare healthy plants within the same size range rather than selecting by the largest bloom alone.
Use planters and potting mix already on hand when they are clean and suitable. For garden planting, avoid purchasing a decorative container or extra soil products unless the site actually needs them. Read the plant label before adding fertilizer, since routine feeding may not be necessary for a short seasonal display.
Shop at a less busy time or check for a store promotion, but inspect discounted plants carefully. Look for sturdy stems, green foliage, and no obvious wilting, extensive leaf damage, or signs of pests. A low price is less useful if the plant is already declining or does not fit the intended location.
Compare the full price of an arrangement, not just the plant tag. A cheaper mum paired with a costly new planter may exceed the price of a larger plant placed in an existing container. If delivery is optional, store pickup can avoid a fee; for a small order, delivery may cost more than the plants.
The most dependable savings usually come from controlling pot size, reusing containers, and buying only the quantity the space needs.
How long garden mums last and what affects value
Garden mums are often purchased for seasonal color, but their longevity depends on variety, climate, planting time, and care. In many areas they provide fall flowers for weeks; whether they return in a later season is less certain. A plant bought late in autumn may have limited time to establish roots before freezing weather.
For containers, regular watering is important because pots can dry faster than garden beds. Water when the soil begins to dry, while avoiding standing water. A sunny location generally supports flowering, though local heat and exposure can change watering needs. These basic steps help protect the value of the purchase without requiring specialized equipment.
When comparing a plant at $6 with one at $18, consider its size, health, and intended use. A larger plant may create an immediate focal point, while several smaller plants can offer more flexibility. If the display is needed for only a brief event, paying extra for an oversized specimen may not be worthwhile.
Retail plants may have store-specific return policies and conditions. Check the receipt or ask the store before purchase, particularly for live plants, which may have different return rules from ordinary merchandise. Warranty coverage should not be assumed for seasonal flowers.
A healthy, appropriately sized plant usually offers better value than paying a premium for short-lived fullness.
Price-checking Lowe’s mums before making a trip
To estimate a reliable local total, check the price and availability for the specific store, then confirm pot size and plant condition in person when possible. Online product descriptions may use different sizes or assortment names, so compare the actual container and plant dimensions rather than relying on a color label alone.
For a simple budget, multiply the per-plant price by the number needed, then add any container, soil, delivery, or tax expenses. For example, eight medium plants at $10-$15 each would cost $80-$120 before extras. If two planters cost $15-$30 each and a soil bag costs $8-$18, the approximate pre-tax total becomes $118-$198.
Ask whether a listed price applies to one plant or a multi-plant pack, and whether the display container is included. Confirming these details prevents a misleading comparison between a nursery pot and a finished arrangement. Local promotions can also have limits or dates, so the shelf tag and checkout total are the final reference.
For most shoppers, a realistic starting budget is $6-$15 per standard mum, plus any optional container or soil.