Chrysanthemum Chrysanthemum 'Amiko Violet'
ABOUT
The Chrysanthemum 'Amiko Violet' is a striking ornamental plant known for its vibrant floral display. It features a profusion of violet-hued flowers that boast a pompon-like form, giving them a lush and rounded appearance. The petals are densely packed and curve inward, creating a sense of depth and texture. These delightful blooms radiate from the center of the flower head, with the outer petals adopting a lighter shade, gradually deepening in color towards the core where the flower connects to the stem. The foliage of the 'Amiko Violet' presents a deep green color, with leaves that have a lanceolate shape, which means they are longer than they are wide, tapering to a point at the tip. The edges of the leaves are typically serrated or slightly jagged, providing a textural contrast to the softness of the flowers. The leaves grow along the sturdy stems, creating a backdrop that accentuates the vivid purple blooms. The plant's overall appearance is one of lushness and vibrant color, making it a popular choice for gardens, floral displays, and as a cut flower. Its dazzling violet flowers make it stand out in any setting, providing a rich visual experience wherever it is grown or displayed.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Mum, Chrysanthemum
Common names
Chrysanthemum 'Amiko Violet'.
ToxicityTo humans
Chrysanthemums, commonly referred to as mums, are generally considered to have low toxicity for humans. However, if ingested in large quantities, parts of the plant may cause gastrointestinal discomfort, such as vomiting, diarrhea, and nausea. In some individuals, particularly those with allergies to the plant, coming into contact with chrysanthemums can lead to dermatitis or skin irritation.
To pets
For pets, especially cats and dogs, chrysanthemums are toxic due to the presence of compounds like pyrethrins. Ingestion can result in symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, hypersalivation, incoordination, and dermatitis. Severe cases might lead to more serious conditions like tremors, or potentially, if consumed in vast amounts, seizures. It is advisable to keep pets away from chrysanthemums and contact a veterinarian if you suspect your pet has ingested any part of the plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Violet
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5-9
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Adds vibrant color and decorative charm to gardens and landscapes with its violet-hued blossoms.
- Attracts Pollinators: Draws beneficial insects like bees and butterflies, supporting local ecosystems.
- Long Bloom Season: Offers a prolonged display of flowers, typically from late summer to frost.
- Easy to Grow: Known for being hardy and requiring minimal maintenance, making it suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Versatility: Can be used in borders, flower beds, and containers, allowing for a variety of garden designs and arrangements.
- Cut Flower Use: Stems are long-lasting in vases, making them excellent for floral arrangements and bouquets.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Chrysanthemums, such as 'Amiko Violet', can be used in potpourri blends for their colorful petals and gentle fragrance, contributing to a room's aesthetic and olfactory ambiance.
- The petals of chrysanthemums can be pressed and included in handmade paper to give the paper a distinctive and decorative appearance suitable for art projects or specialty wrapping.
- Graphic designers and artists sometimes use high-resolution images of the 'Amiko Violet' chrysanthemum as inspiration or direct elements in pattern design, particularly for textiles and wallpaper.
- In flower arranging, chrysanthemums can be used to provide a strong visual anchor in large displays due to their full, vibrant blooms and rich colors.
- Interestingly, the vivid colors of chrysanthemum petals can be used as a natural dye for fabrics, giving clothing or materials a subtle, earthy tone.
- Gardeners might plant 'Amiko Violet' chrysanthemums as companion plants to deter certain pests, leveraging their natural chemical compounds to protect more vulnerable vegetables or flowers.
- The sturdy stems of chrysanthemums can be used in wicker work to create decorative items for the home, integrating the natural beauty of the plant in a different form.
- During festive seasons, especially in East Asia, chrysanthemums are commonly displayed to symbolize good fortune and happiness, making them an integral part of cultural celebrations.
- 'Amiko Violet' chrysanthemums can be floated in bowls of water as a table centerpiece, providing a simple yet elegant touch to enhance home décor.
- Chrysanthemum flowers can also be used in making floral crowns or boutonnieres for weddings and special events, offering a unique and colorful option for wearable flowers.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Chrysanthemum is associated with happiness and well-being in Feng Shui. To use this plant effectively, place it in areas of the home where you want to introduce uplifting energy and encourage relaxation, such as the living room or bedroom. The 'Amiko Violet' variety with its purple color can also be associated with wealth and prosperity when placed in the wealth corner of your space, which is the southeast area of your home or a specific room.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Chrysanthemum is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Longevity: The Chrysanthemum is often associated with long life and enduring life, reflecting its hardy nature and its ability to bloom into the colder months.
- Rebirth: As this flower blooms in the fall, it symbolizes rebirth and new beginnings, tying into the season's theme of change.
- Loyalty: The recurrent blooming characteristic of chrysanthemums also suggests steadfastness and loyalty, a quality admired in many cultures.
- Nobility: In some Asian cultures, the chrysanthemum is a noble flower, often associated with royalty and dignity.
- Joy: The flower's bright and cheerful appearance gives it an association with happiness and joy, making it a popular pick to lift spirits.
- Friendship: Its wide use in gifts and decorative arrangements has made the chrysanthemum a symbol of friendship and well-wishing.
WaterMums, including the Chrysanthemum 'Amiko Violet', prefer evenly moist soil, so it's important to water them regularly. Water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which typically means watering once every week. Avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases; instead, water at the base of the plant. Provide about one gallon of water per plant each watering session to ensure deep soil penetration. During hot or windy weather, you may need to water more frequently to maintain consistent soil moisture.
LightMums thrive in full sunlight, so the Chrysanthemum 'Amiko Violet' should be placed in a spot where it can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. An ideal location would be in a south-facing garden or by an east or west-facing window if grown indoors. Avoid placing the plant in full shade, as this will hinder its growth and flowering capabilities.
TemperatureMums are generally hardy and the Chrysanthemum 'Amiko Violet' is no exception, with a survival range between 32°F and 95°F. However, for optimal growth, keep the plant in a location where the temperature is consistently between 60°F and 70°F. It is crucial to protect the plant from frost, which could cause damage or kill the plant.
PruningPruning the Chrysanthemum 'Amiko Violet' encourages a bushier plant with more blooms. Prune mums in early spring when new growth begins, cutting back the previous year's stems to about 1 inch above the ground. Throughout the growing season, pinch back the tips of the stems to promote branching. The best time for this is until midsummer, as pruning later can reduce fall blooms.
CleaningAs needed
SoilMums prefer well-draining soil enriched with organic matter. The ideal soil pH for growing Chrysanthemum, commonly known as Mum, is slightly acidic to neutral, around 6.0 to 7.0. A mix of two parts garden soil, one part peat moss, and one part perlite or sand will provide good drainage and fertility.
RepottingMums typically need to be repotted every 1-2 years or when they become root-bound. For optimal growth, Chrysanthemum should be repotted in the spring before the growing season begins.
Humidity & MistingChrysanthemums thrive in average household humidity levels. They do well with a humidity level around 40-60%, which is the typical range in most homes.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and ensure good air circulation for Mum.
Outdoor
Plant Mums in a sunny spot with afternoon shade and shelter from winds.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of the Chrysanthemum 'Amiko Violet', commonly known as the mums or florist's daisy, begins with seed germination, where the seeds sprout and develop into small seedlings under proper light and temperature conditions. The seedlings grow into vegetative plants with characteristic deeply lobed leaves, and as they mature, they form bushy structures through branching. During the flowering stage, the plants produce vibrant violet-hued flower heads consisting of numerous individual florets, attracting pollinators for sexual reproduction. After pollination, seeds are produced within the flower heads, which can be collected for the next generation or will drop to the ground to self-sow. Once flowering is complete, the plants enter a period of senescence that involves the dying back of above-ground parts, especially in regions with cold winters. In perennial growing conditions, the root system will remain alive and dormancy is broken in the following spring, signaling the start of a new growth cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Chrysanthemum 'Amiko Violet', commonly known as mum, is commonly propagated through cuttings. This method is favored because it preserves the characteristics of the parent plant. The best time for taking cuttings is in spring to early summer when the plant is actively growing. To propagate by cuttings, a 4 to 6 inch (10 to 15 centimeters) stem segment is cut just below a node. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end may be dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. The cutting is then placed in a well-draining soil mix and kept moist under bright, indirect light. Roots usually develop within a few weeks, after which the new plant can eventually be transplanted outdoors.
