White Chrysanthemum Chrysanthemum 'American Beauty White' (5b)
ABOUT
The Chrysanthemum 'American Beauty White' is an ornamental plant known for its showy, pristine white flowers. These blooms have a multitude of layered petals, radiating outwards from a central button-like disk, giving them a full, lush appearance that's quite striking in contrast to the dark green leaves. The leaves are deeply lobed with a somewhat jagged edge and have a slightly glossy texture. This chrysanthemum variety exudes an elegance that is elevated by the purity of its white coloration, making it a popular choice for gardeners seeking a bright, clean look in their floral displays. The overall impression is one of classic beauty and simplicity, with the white flowers capable of adding a sense of tranquility to any garden or bouquet.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Hardy Chrysanthemum, Garden Mum, Mum.
Common names
Chrysanthemum 'American Beauty White' (5B).
ToxicityTo humans
Chrysanthemums, including the 'American Beauty White', are not highly toxic to humans, but they can cause skin irritation in some people due to the presence of natural chemicals called sesquiterpene lactones, which are common in the Asteraceae family. If ingested, the plant can potentially cause mild gastrointestinal upset, such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Handling the plant may cause dermatitis in sensitive individuals. It is suggested to wash hands after contact and to avoid ingesting any part of the plant.
To pets
Chrysanthemums are toxic to pets, especially cats and dogs. If ingested, the plant can cause symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, hyper-salivation, incoordination, and dermatitis in pets. The primary toxic elements in chrysanthemums are pyrethrins, which are natural insecticides that can affect your pet's nervous system. If your pet has ingested chrysanthemums, it is recommended to contact a veterinarian immediately.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
1-3 feet (0.3-0.9 meters)
Spread
1-3 feet (0.3-0.9 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Chrysanthemums are known for their beautiful blooms that enhance the visual appeal of gardens and landscapes.
- Variety of Uses: Can be used in borders, garden beds, and as cut flowers for indoor decoration.
- Long Blooming Period: They have a long flowering season from late summer through fall, offering prolonged periods of color.
- Attracts Pollinators: They attract bees and butterflies, which are beneficial for pollination in the garden.
- Durable: These plants are hardy and can thrive in a range of environmental conditions within their hardiness zone, which for 'American Beauty White' is 5b.
- Easy to Grow: Generally low maintenance, requiring minimal care once established.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Chrysanthemum tea: The flowers of the chrysanthemum can be dried and used to make a soothing herbal tea that is popular in East Asian cultures for its flavor.
- Potpourri: Dried chrysanthemum flowers are often added to potpourri mixes for their pleasant fragrance and decorative appearance.
- Natural dye: The petals of chrysanthemums can be used to create a natural yellow or green dye for fabrics, yarn, and crafts.
- Festive decoration: In some cultures, chrysanthemums are used to decorate for festivals such as the Day of the Dead in Mexico and the Chinese Double Ninth Festival.
- Artistic inspiration: Chrysanthemums often appear in art and photography due to their intricate beauty and range of colors.
- Culinary garnish: Edible varieties of chrysanthemums can be used as a flavorful and decorative garnish in various dishes.
- Organic pest control: Chrysanthemum leaves have properties that can deter certain garden pests when planted alongside vegetables and other plants.
- Floral crafts: The firm, long-lasting blooms are ideal for use in floral crafts such as wreath making or dried flower arrangements.
- Biodegradable confetti: Dried chrysanthemum petals can serve as a natural, biodegradable alternative to traditional confetti at weddings and celebrations.
- Companion planting: Chrysanthemums can be planted in gardens to attract beneficial insects such as ladybugs and to enhance the growth of companion plants.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiChrysanthemums are often used in Feng Shui for their positive energy and representation of life and happiness. "American Beauty White" chrysanthemums can be placed in living areas to invite calming yang energy, promote purity and mental clarity, and symbolize long life and well-being.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe chrysanthemum is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Longevity: Chrysanthemums are often associated with long life and well-being in many cultures due to their hardiness and medicinal properties.
- Rebirth: Their tendency to bloom in the autumn, a time when many other flowers are dying, gives them a connotation of rebirth and new beginnings.
- Beauty: The 'American Beauty White' variety, with its large, beautiful blooms, signifies purity and grace, evoking the notion of an impeccable beauty that can stand out amidst diversity.
- Loyalty: In some cultures, the chrysanthemum is a symbol of loyalty and devoted love, reflecting the flower's enduring nature and consistent blooms.
- Truth: The clean, crisp white of the 'American Beauty White' chrysanthemum may represent honesty and the pure truth, uncolored by deceit or corruption.
WaterMums, including the 'American Beauty White', prefer evenly moist soil, so it's vital not to let the soil dry out completely or become waterlogged. Water the plant thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which might mean watering once every 3 to 7 days, depending on weather conditions and the plant's environment. Early morning is the best time to water to allow foliage to dry out during the day and decrease disease risks. Use enough water so that it reaches deep into the root system; this might equate to about 1 gallon per plant for each watering session, depending on the size of the mum and the pot or garden soil's ability to retain moisture.
LightMums thrive in full sunlight, which means the 'American Beauty White' chrysanthemum needs at least 6 hours of direct sun per day to bloom properly. Place the plant in a location where it can receive unobstructed sunlight for most of the day. An area facing south or west often provides the best sun exposure, which encourages strong growth and optimal flowering.
TemperatureThe 'American Beauty White' mum performs best in temperate climates with temperatures ranging between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and slightly cooler conditions at night. It's important to protect the plant from extreme heat above 90 degrees Fahrenheit and to avoid exposure to frost, as mums can be damaged by temperatures below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. The preferred range for mums is conducive to robust growth and vibrant blooms.
PruningPrune 'American Beauty White' mums to encourage bushier growth and more prolific blooms. Pinch back the tips of new growth when the plant is about 6 inches tall, and continue to do so every 2 to 3 weeks until mid-summer. This technique, called pinching, helps to create a fuller plant and increases the number of flowers. The best time to perform major pruning is early spring or after the blooming period is over to remove spent flowers and dead or damaged stems.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for the White Chrysanthemum should be well-draining and fertile, with a mix of peat, perlite, and compost. The optimal soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0.
RepottingWhite Chrysanthemums should be repotted annually, ideally in the early spring before the onset of new growth. This helps to rejuvenate the soil and accommodate the growth of the plant.
Humidity & MistingWhite Chrysanthemums prefer a moderate humidity level, generally around 40-60%. They thrive in environments that aren't excessively dry and where humidity is consistent.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and ensure good air circulation.
Outdoor
Full sun to part shade, shelter from strong winds, mulch to retain moisture.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life of the Chrysanthemum 'American Beauty White' begins with seed germination, often occurring in late winter or early spring under the right temperature and moisture conditions. Once germinated, the seedling stage follows, where initial roots and shoots develop and the plant begins to photosynthesize. The vegetative growth stage is next, where the chrysanthemum grows leaves and stems vigorously, preparing for eventual flowering. During the flowering stage, typically from late summer to fall, the chrysanthemum blooms with white flowers, attracting pollinators for sexual reproduction if the grower hasn't used clones or cuttings. After pollination, seeds develop and mature, which can be collected just before the onset of winter when the plant begins to die back, entering dormancy or dying if it cannot survive the winter conditions of its growing zone. With the arrival of the next favorable season, if the plant is perennial or if seeds are winter-hardy, the cycle can begin anew.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagation for Chrysanthemum 'American Beauty White' is through stem cuttings. To successfully propagate, cut a stem from the parent plant that is about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) long, ensuring it has several sets of leaves. Remove the lower leaves to expose the nodes, as roots will develop from these points. The cut end of the stem can be dipped in rooting hormone powder to encourage root growth, though this is optional. The prepared cutting should then be inserted into a pot filled with a well-draining soil mix, with at least one set of leaf nodes below the surface. Keep the soil consistently moist and place the pot in a location with bright, indirect light. Roots typically develop within a few weeks, after which the new plants can eventually be transplanted outdoors or into larger containers.
