Chrysanthemum Chrysanthemum 'Anna Marie' (19c)
ABOUT
The Chrysanthemum 'Anna Marie' is known for its eye-catching blossoms that adorn the plant throughout its blooming period. Typically, the flowers of 'Anna Marie' showcase a delightful hue, often in shades ranging from soft pink to a deeper rosy pink, which can create a vibrant display in a garden setting. Each flower head is composed of numerous individual petals that are arranged in a pattern that resembles a pompom, giving it a full and lush appearance that's beloved in ornamental plantings. These blossoms emerge from a network of green foliage that provides a lush backdrop for the showy flowers. The leaves of this chrysanthemum have a characteristic shape, with edges that may be lobed or deeply serrated, creating a textured effect that complements the overall aesthetic of the plant. As for the stems, they are sturdy, supporting the weight of the abundant blooms, and have a green color that may vary in intensity depending on the growing conditions. Upon closer inspection, the petals exhibit a delicate texture that adds to the plant's charm. They can have a velvety feel, with a surface that captures and reflects light, giving the flower heads a luminous quality. The center of each flower is typically small in proportion to the surrounding petals, and it can be the same color as the petals or a slightly different shade, providing subtle contrast. In a garden setting, the Chrysanthemum 'Anna Marie' has the potential to be a focal point, owing to its showy flowers and the dense, mounded growth habit of the foliage. This plant is often celebrated for its late-season blooms, providing color and interest at a time when many other flowers have finished their display. It is a popular choice for cut flower arrangements, where the blooms can last for an extended period when properly cared for.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Anna Marie Chrysanthemum, Anna Marie Mum, Hardy Chrysanthemum, Garden Mum
Common names
Dendranthema 'Anna Marie', Chrysanthemum morifolium 'Anna Marie'.
ToxicityTo humans
Chrysanthemums, commonly referred to as mums, are not highly toxic to humans, but they can cause dermatitis or skin irritation in some individuals upon contact. Ingesting parts of chrysanthemums may lead to mild gastrointestinal upset, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. If significant quantities are ingested, it's advisable to seek medical attention.
To pets
Chrysanthemums, or mums, are toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. If a pet ingests parts of the plant, symptoms of poisoning can include vomiting, diarrhea, hypersalivation, incoordination, and dermatitis. In severe cases, ingestion can lead to more serious symptoms such as tremors or difficulty breathing. If you suspect your pet has ingested mums, contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal clinic immediately.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
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- Ornamental Value: Adds aesthetic appeal to gardens with its vibrant, colorful flowers.
- Long Blooming: Offers extended periods of bloom time, often from summer into fall.
- Attracts Pollinators: Draws in beneficial insects like butterflies and bees, supporting local ecosystems.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, making it suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Drought Tolerant: Survives in dry conditions once fully established, conserving water.
- Adaptable: Thrives in a range of soil types and can tolerate both full sun and partial shade.
- Seasonal Interest: Provides a burst of color in seasons when other plants may not be flowering.
- Edging Plant: Can be used as a border or edging plant due to its compact growth habit.
- Variety of Uses: Ideal for use in cut flower arrangements, container gardens, and as a bedding plant.
- Cultural Significance: Often associated with joy and optimism in various cultures, contributing to its popularity.
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: The Chrysanthemum 'Anna Marie' can serve as a vibrant subject or backdrop in floral photography, offering a burst of color and texture to the composition.
- Companion Planting: Gardeners might use this Chrysanthemum as a companion plant in vegetable gardens to attract beneficial insects such as ladybugs that prey on harmful pests.
- Natural Fabric Dyes: The petals can be used to create natural dyes for fabrics, imparting a soft, yellow hue to textiles.
- Art Supplies: The petals and leaves can be pressed and used in art projects, including making botanical prints or adding natural elements to paper or canvas.
- Floral Arrangement Classes: As an educational tool, Chrysanthemum 'Anna Marie' could be used in floral design courses to teach students about flower arranging and design principles.
- Wedding Decor: Its blooms can be used in wedding ceremonies for decoration, adding a touch of elegance and color to venues or as part of the bridal bouquet.
- Culinary Garnish: Although not common, the petals can be used as an edible garnish to add a pop of color to salads and desserts, if confirmed to be safe and pesticide-free.
- Children's Crafts: The flowers can be used in simple educational activities with children, such as making flower chains or exploring the parts of a flower.
- Bookmark Creation: Dried Chrysanthemum petals can be placed within laminated bookmarks, creating a functional item with a natural aesthetic.
- Holiday Decorations: The flowers can be integrated into seasonal wreaths and centerpieces for holidays, offering a unique twist to traditional decor.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Chrysanthemum is associated with happiness and well-being in Feng Shui. It is believed to carry strong Yang energy, promoting optimism and joy. To utilize its benefits, place Chrysanthemums in living areas to foster a sense of ease and joy or in areas where consistent energy flow is desired, such as studies or home offices. Due to its positive energy, it is also often recommended to be placed in the health area of a home to enhance wellness.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Chrysanthemum is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Loyalty and Devotion: Chrysanthemums are often given to express steadfastness and loyal love due to their robust nature which stands for endurance within relationships.
- Longevity and Rejuvenation: The Chrysanthemum represents a long life and rejuvenation, as it is a flower that blooms well into autumn when most other flowers have faded.
- Nobility: In many cultures, particularly in Japan, the Chrysanthemum is considered a symbol of the emperor and nobility due to its exquisite and orderly nature.
- Friendship: As a gift, Chrysanthemums can symbolize friendship and well-wishing, often used to encourage someone or to bring joy into a friend’s life.
- Death and Grief: In some European countries, Chrysanthemums are used for funerals and to honor the dead, symbolizing respect and condolence.
WaterMums, including Chrysanthemum 'Anna Marie', should be watered regularly to maintain evenly moist soil, especially during dry spells. Water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage which can lead to disease. Aim to water deeply once a week with about one gallon of water per plant, adjusting for rainfall and temperature conditions. During peak summer heat, you might need to water twice a week. Reduce watering frequency in the fall as the plant prepares for dormancy.
LightMums prefer full sun conditions, so place your Chrysanthemum 'Anna Marie' in a spot where it will receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight a day. An east or south-facing location is ideal for ensuring the plant gets ample light without the harsh conditions of the late afternoon sun. Adequate light is crucial for vigorous growth and abundant blooms.
TemperatureChrysanthemum 'Anna Marie' thrives in a temperature range from 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and 55 to 60 degrees at night. They can survive short periods of cooler temperatures down to 32 degrees, but prolonged exposure to cold can be damaging. The ideal conditions are moderate temperatures with consistent humidity.
PruningPruning Chrysanthemum 'Anna Marie' encourages bushier growth and more blooms. Pinch back the tips of the stems in the late spring when the plants are about 6 inches tall and repeat every two to three weeks until mid-July. After blooming, cut back the stems to 1 to 2 inches above the ground after the first hard frost. The best time for major pruning is late winter or early spring, just before the new growth starts.
CleaningAs needed
SoilMums thrive in well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.7. A mix of two parts loam, one part peat moss, and one part perlite or coarse sand is ideal, providing good drainage and fertility.
RepottingMums require repotting every one to two years or when roots have filled the container. It's best to repot in spring before new growth starts.
Humidity & MistingMums prefer moderate humidity levels around 40-60% but are adaptable to the typical humidity found in most homes.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place mums in bright indirect light and ensure good air circulation.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun with well-draining soil; protect from extreme weather.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleThe Chrysanthemum 'Anna Marie', commonly known as the Hardy Garden Mum, begins its lifecycle with seed germination, occurring in warm soil with adequate moisture. Following germination, the seedling emerges and develops into a juvenile plant with a rosette of leaves at the soil surface. As the plant matures, it enters a vegetative state, producing masses of foliage and stems in preparation for flowering. The next stage is the flowering phase, which is induced by shorter daylight hours and cooler temperatures in late summer to autumn, resulting in the plant producing numerous colorful and decorative flowers. After blooming, the Chrysanthemum 'Anna Marie' sets seeds if the flowers are pollinated, completing the sexual cycle, but gardeners often propagate it asexually via cuttings or division to maintain specific cultivar traits. Finally, the plant enters a period of dormancy during winter months, conserving energy to regrow the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
The Chrysanthemum 'Anna Marie', commonly known as the mum, is often propagated through the division of its robust clumps, typically in the spring after all danger of frost has passed. To divide the plant, gardeners should gently separate the clumps of mums, ensuring that each new section has a fair amount of roots and shoots. These divisions should then be replanted as soon as possible at the same depth they were previously growing, spacing them about 18 to 24 inches (45 to 60 cm) apart to allow room for growth. The soil should be kept moist but well-drained, and the new plants should be watched carefully for signs of stress as they establish themselves. This technique allows gardeners to quickly and effectively increase their stock of mums while preserving the characteristics of the 'Anna Marie' variety.
