September marks the start of the shift from summer to fall in the garden.

Many gardeners turn to chrysanthemums, though most sold in containers are classic "cushion" types.

There are other interesting options for those who want variety.

About 40 wild chrysanthemum species exist, and breeders have created hundreds of thousands of varieties.

The National Chrysanthemum Society groups them into 13 categories by flower shape.

Many of these are too delicate for outdoor gardens, so they are not widely sold.

Perennial mums return each year if planted early enough to establish roots before frost.

Gardeners should avoid "florist mums" in foil-wrapped pots, which are meant for one season only.

Check plant tags for hardiness in your zone.

Cushion mums are compact and mounding, blooming for four to six weeks, and are usually hardy in zones 5-9.

Daisy mums look like their namesake, with a flat center and petals, and are also suited for zones 5-9.

Fuji, or spider, mums have long, curved petals and bloom from early November, mostly hardy to zone 5.

Homecoming, or Football, mums are the largest and showiest, with huge, dense flowers, and grow as perennials in zones 5-9.

These last two types are often found at specialty nurseries or through catalogs.