Garden Mum Chrysanthemum 'Aluga White' (PBR)
ABOUT
Chrysanthemum 'Aluga White' is known for its stunning blooms, which bear a remarkable resemblance to pom-poms. The flowers are a pristine white, radiating purity and providing a striking contrast against the dark green foliage. Each flower is composed of numerous layers of fine, petal-like structures, creating a rich and dense appearance that is both elegant and lush. These blossoms are typically uniform in shape and size, presenting a neat, round silhouette that adds to their ornamental appeal. The leaves of the plant are deeply lobed with serrated edges, giving them a textured look that complements the smoothness of the blooms. They maintain a deep green color throughout the growing season, which forms a perfect backdrop to highlight the vividness of the white flowers. As a perennial, Chrysanthemum 'Aluga White' returns each year to showcase its vibrant colors and delicate forms, making it a favorite among gardeners looking to add a touch of classic charm to their floral collections.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Aluga White Chrysanthemum, Hardy Chrysanthemum, Mum, Garden Mum.
Common names
Chrysanthemum 'Aluga White' (PBR).
ToxicityTo humans
Chrysanthemums are generally not considered highly toxic to humans. However, some people may experience dermatitis or skin irritation after handling the plant due to the presence of natural compounds called sesquiterpene lactones. If ingested, the plant can cause gastrointestinal discomfort, such as nausea and vomiting. Ingesting large quantities could potentially lead to more severe symptoms such as diarrhea and neurological effects, although significant ingestion is uncommon.
To pets
Chrysanthemums are toxic to pets such as dogs, cats, and horses. The plant contains compounds that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, hypersalivation, incoordination, and dermatitis if touched or ingested. The severity of symptoms depends on the amount consumed. If you suspect your pet has ingested chrysanthemums, it is important to contact a veterinarian promptly.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: The 'Aluga White' chrysanthemum offers bright white blooms that can enhance the visual beauty of gardens and landscapes.
- Pollinator Attraction: This variety can attract bees and butterflies, which are essential for pollination and maintaining healthy ecosystems.
- Seasonal Color: Typically blooming in late summer into fall, it provides color when many other plants are starting to fade.
- Versatility: It can be used in borders, containers, or as cut flowers for indoor decoration thanks to its sturdy stems and long-lasting blooms.
- Easy to Grow: Chrysanthemums are known for being hardy and relatively easy to care for, which makes them suitable for both experienced and novice gardeners.
- Drought Resistance: Once established, they are quite drought-tolerant, making them suitable for xeriscaping or regions with water restrictions.
- Low Maintenance: They require minimal maintenance, only needing occasional deadheading and division to promote healthy growth and blooming.
- Cultural Significance: Chrysanthemums have a strong significance in various cultures and can be used for festivals or as symbolic plants in gardens.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography Prop: Chrysanthemums are commonly used in photography for their aesthetic appeal, adding a touch of elegance and color to photo shoots.
- Natural Fabric Dye: The petals of chrysanthemums can be used to create a natural dye for fabrics, yielding hues ranging from soft yellows to deep oranges.
- Culinary Garnish: Although usually not consumed, chrysanthemum petals can be used as a decorative garnish for various dishes, adding a unique floral touch.
- Art Supplies: The colorful petals of chrysanthemums can be pressed and used in art projects, such as handmade paper or botanical collages.
- Fish Aquarium Decoration: The sturdy stems and vibrant colors of chrysanthemums can be used as non-toxic decor in fish tanks.
- Educational Tool: Chrysanthemums can be used in classrooms for lessons on botany, plant biology, and plant care through hands-on learning experiences.
- Wedding Decor: Chrysanthemums are often used in wedding bouquets and centerpieces, as they symbolize longevity and joy.
- Insect Repellent: Some gardeners plant chrysanthemums around their homes as they are believed to help repel certain insects naturally.
- Companion Planting: Chrysanthemums can be planted alongside vegetables to enhance the beauty of a garden and potentially deter pests with their strong scent.
- Book Pressing: The blooms of chrysanthemums can be pressed in books to create dried flowers used for book arts and other paper-based crafts.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Chrysanthemum is associated with happiness and joy in Feng Shui. To use it effectively, place the 'Aluga White' Chrysanthemum in the living room or other areas where guests are received to create a welcoming atmosphere and promote positive energy. Its white color can also complement the metal element, bringing purity and clarity, and it may be used in areas of the home that require cleansing and peaceful energy.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Chrysanthemum is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Loyalty and Devotion: The chrysanthemum is often given as a gift to represent loyalty and steadfast friendship. Its long-lasting nature is symbolic of enduring relationships.
- Honesty: In some cultures, the chrysanthemum is a symbol of honesty and sincerity, possibly stemming from its clean, unassuming appearance.
- Longevity and Health: Because it blooms into the cold autumn months, the chrysanthemum is also a symbol of longevity and vitality. This ties in with its health-giving properties in traditional medicine.
- Grief and Mourning: In some European countries, white chrysanthemums are used to honor the deceased and are a common sight at funerals, symbolizing lamentation and grief.
- Perfection: Derived from Greek words 'chrysos' meaning gold and 'anthemon' meaning flower, chrysanthemums are historically associated with perfection and optimism.
- Nobility: In Japan, the chrysanthemum is a royal emblem used by the Imperial family, symbolizing nobility, refinement, and immortality.
WaterMums, including Chrysanthemum 'Aluga White', prefer evenly moist soil, so it's best to water them thoroughly whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to disease. Aim to provide about 1 gallon of water per week during the growing season, adjusting for rainfall and temperature, ensuring you don't over-water and cause waterlogged soil. Cut back on watering during the dormant season, allowing the soil to dry out more between watering sessions.
LightMums thrive in full sun conditions, so place Chrysanthemum 'Aluga White' in a spot where it will receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Avoid deep shade locations as insufficient light can lead to poor flowering and weak growth. However, in regions with very high temperatures, some light afternoon shade can help protect the plants from excessive heat stress.
TemperatureChrysanthemum 'Aluga White' prefers a temperature range between 60°F and 75°F for optimal growth, but it can tolerate temperatures as low as 32°F and as high as 90°F. Keep mums away from frost exposure as prolonged cold below 32°F can damage or kill the plant. Providing the ideal temperature range will encourage robust foliage and abundant blooms.
PruningPrune Chrysanthemum 'Aluga White' mums after the flowering period has ended to maintain a compact shape and promote bushier growth for the next season. Deadheading, or removing spent flowers, should be done regularly to encourage more blooms. The best time for heavy pruning is in early spring or after the risk of frost has passed, cutting back the previous year's growth to 1-2 inches above ground level.
CleaningAs needed
SoilMums prefer a well-draining potting mix with organic matter, such as a mix of peat, perlite, and compost. The ideal soil pH for Chrysanthemums is between 6.0 and 6.5.
RepottingMums should be repotted every one to two years or when they outgrow their current container, ideally in the spring before the growing season.
Humidity & MistingMums thrive in average room humidity levels, around 40-60%. Avoid excessively dry air to maintain plant health.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place mums in bright, indirect light and keep soil consistently moist.
Outdoor
Plant in well-draining soil with partial to full sun exposure.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleChrysanthemum 'Aluga White' generally starts its life cycle as a seed, which germinates in the presence of warmth and moisture, developing into a seedling with primary leaves. The seedling stage progresses as the plant undergoes vegetative growth, forming a bushy structure with rich foliage and preparing for bud formation. Following vegetative growth, the chrysanthemum enters the budding stage wherein flower buds appear and gradually develop. This leads to the blooming stage, where the distinctive white flowers of 'Aluga White' open and reach full bloom, attracting pollinators. After pollination, the flowers eventually wither, and the plant may produce seeds if not a sterile cultivar, completing its reproductive cycle. Finally, in many climates, chrysanthemums enter a period of dormancy during colder months, only to rejuvenate and restart the cycle with the return of favorable growing conditions.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: The most popular method for propagating Chrysanthemum 'Aluga White', commonly known as a type of hardy garden mum, is through division. Division should be performed in the spring after the last frost when new shoots appear. The gardener should carefully dig up the parent plant, taking care not to damage the root ball, and then use a sharp knife or spade to divide the root clump into smaller sections, ensuring each section has at least one shoot and a portion of the root system attached. These sections can then be replanted immediately, spaced approximately 18 inches (45 centimeters) apart, to allow for sufficient room for growth. Consistent watering and a sunny location will help the new plants thrive.
