Chrysanthemum Chrysanthemum 'Apricot Margaret' (29c)
ABOUT
Chrysanthemum 'Apricot Margaret' is a striking plant recognized for its vibrant and lush appearance. This variety boasts a rich display of apricot-colored flowers that exude warmth and a soft, inviting aura. The blooms are characterized by a multitude of layered petals that create a full, rounded look, similar to a pompon. Each petal curves gently inward, giving the flower a sense of depth and texture. The petals have a gradient of color, with deeper shades at the base that softly lighten as they reach the edges, often with hints of yellow at the center which adds to the apricot illusion across the flower head. These radiant blossoms cluster together to create a showy display that can be quite eye-catching in a garden setting. The foliage of 'Apricot Margaret' provides a lush backdrop for the flowers, with leaves that are typically a deep green color. The leaves are a fresh canvas that accentuates the floral show, with their shape often being oblong with a slightly serrated edge—contributing to the overall bushy and healthy appearance of the plant. The Chrysanthemum 'Apricot Margaret' is part of a group of plants better known as mums, which are famous for their autumnal flowering and widespread use in ornamental gardening. This apricot-hued variety fits in beautifully with the warm color palettes of fall, often used in seasonal displays, container planting, and as a source of cut flowers for indoor arrangements. Its delightful color and full flowers make it a favorite among garden enthusiasts and a charming addition to any outdoor space.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Mum, Chrysanthemum, Hardy Garden Mum.
Common names
Dendranthema 'Apricot Margaret', Chrysanthemum morifolium 'Apricot Margaret'.
ToxicityTo humans
The Chrysanthemum, commonly known as mum, generally has a low level of toxicity to humans. Ingesting this plant might result in mild gastrointestinal discomfort, including symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Contact with the skin can cause dermatitis in some individuals. It is not considered highly poisonous but care should be taken to prevent the ingestion of any parts of the plant, especially by children who are more sensitive to its effects.
To pets
The Chrysanthemum, or mum, is considered toxic to pets, including cats and dogs. If a pet ingests any part of the plant, it may suffer from symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, hypersalivation, incoordination, and dermatitis. Severe cases can lead to more serious consequences and professional veterinary assistance should be sought if poisoning is suspected. It is important to prevent pets from having access to this plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Apricot
Height
2 feet (60 cm)
Spread
2 feet (60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Exhibits attractive apricot-hued flowers that enhance the visual appeal of gardens and landscapes.
- Pollinator Attraction: Attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, promoting biodiversity.
- Versatile Use: Suitable for flower beds, borders, container gardening, and as cut flowers for indoor decoration.
- Long Blooming Season: Provides a long-lasting display of color from late summer to fall.
- Hardiness: Adaptable to a range of climates and can tolerate low temperatures once established.
- Drought Resistance: Once established, it can withstand periods of dryness, making it suitable for xeriscaping.
- Garden Companion: Can be planted alongside other perennials and annuals to create diverse garden designs.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photographic subject: Chrysanthemum 'Apricot Margaret' can be used as a beautiful subject for macro photography or botanical art, showcasing the delicate hues and intricate petal structures.
- Natural dye: The petals of this chrysanthemum variety can be used to create a soft, apricot-colored dye for fabrics or crafts.
- Eco-friendly confetti: Dried petals of 'Apricot Margaret' can be used as a biodegradable confetti alternative in celebrations.
- Book pressing: The flowers are suitable for pressing and can be used to embellish handmade paper, greeting cards, or bookmarks.
- Culinary decoration: Fresh or candied petals can be used to add a touch of elegance and color to cakes and desserts.
- Plant studies: Botanists and horticulture students can use the plant in studies of hybridization and flower structure.
- Garden competitions: This particular chrysanthemum can be entered into garden shows or flower competitions due to its unique coloring.
- Fish tanks: After ensuring they are safe and free from pesticides, the petals can be used in fish tanks to add color and interest.
- Candle making: Petals can be embedded in clear candles for an aesthetic touch or used in the making of flower-shaped candles.
- Flower pounding: A technique where flowers are hammered to transfer their color and shape onto fabric or paper, perfect for creating natural prints with 'Apricot Margaret' petals.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Chrysanthemum is utilized in Feng Shui to attract positive energy and promote a sense of well-being. It is often associated with happiness and joy, making it a great addition to areas where you want to encourage good vibes and uplift the mood.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Chrysanthemum is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Longevity and Immortality: Chrysanthemums, often called "mums," are commonly associated with longevity due to their hardiness and ability to survive the first frosts of autumn.
- Rejuvenation and Recovery: Chrysanthemums symbolize the restorative process, as they bloom into the late year, bringing color and life when most other flowers have faded.
- Nobility: In some cultures, particularly in East Asia, mums are a symbol of nobility and elegance, often associated with the aristocracy.
- Loyalty and Devotion: The appearance of mums every year at the same time has led them to symbolize loyalty and the reliability of love.
- Death and Grief: In some European countries, chrysanthemums are symbolic of death and are commonly used in funerary arrangements.
- Joy and Optimism: The bright and cheerful colors of the Chrysanthemum 'Apricot Margaret' can symbolize happiness and a positive outlook in challenging times.
WaterThe common name for Chrysanthemum 'Apricot Margaret' is Mum. For Mums, consistent moisture is crucial, but overwatering can cause root rot. Water your Mum thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which typically means watering once every 3 to 7 days, depending on the climate and weather conditions. Use a watering can or a hose with a gentle spray to water at the base of the plant, avoiding wetting the foliage. Depending on the size of the plant and the weather, each watering session might require about 1 gallon of water, ensuring even soil moisture.
LightMums thrive best in full sunlight. They require at least 6 hours of direct sun per day to bloom optimally. Choose a spot that is open and receives ample morning light, which is less intense than the afternoon sun, to promote vigorous growth and a profusion of flowers.
TemperatureMums prefer moderate conditions and can generally tolerate temperatures from 32°F to 90°F. However, the ideal temperature range for cultivating mums is between 60°F and 75°F. Extreme heat or frost can be detrimental to the plants, so consider placing them in an area where they can be protected from temperature extremes.
PruningPruning mums encourages a bushier plant and more abundant blooms. Pinch back the tips of the stems by a few inches when they are 6-8 inches tall, usually around late spring to early summer. Continue to pinch back newly formed tips every few weeks until mid-summer to promote branching and prevent legginess. The best time to stop pinching is around early August to allow flower buds to form for fall blooming.
CleaningAs needed
SoilMums require well-draining soil with a lot of organic matter, so a mix of peat, compost, vermiculite, and or perlite is ideal. Mums thrive in a soil pH range of 6.5 to 6.7.
RepottingMums should be repotted every one to two years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth. They appreciate being divided during repotting.
Humidity & MistingMums prefer moderate humidity levels but are adaptable to different conditions; strive for a humidity level around 40-60%.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright indirect light, keep soil moist.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun to part shade, well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleChrysanthemum 'Apricot Margaret' begins its life as a seed or as a cutting from a mature plant. The seed or cutting will then germinate or root, respectively, and grow into a young plant with a developing root system and foliage. As the plant matures, it develops a robust stem and a fuller leaf structure, preparing for the flowering stage. In its flowering stage, Chrysanthemum 'Apricot Margaret' produces distinctive apricot-colored flowers that attract pollinators and are often used in horticulture for display. After pollination, the flowers will produce seeds that can be used to propagate new plants; meanwhile, the existing plant may become dormant or die back in winter, depending on the climate and care provided. In the case of perennials, regrowth will occur in the following growing season, completing the cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The popular method to propagate the Chrysanthemum 'Apricot Margaret', commonly known as the Hardy Garden Mum, is through division. This process is typically undertaken in the spring, just as the new growth begins to show, usually around late March to early May in most temperate regions. To divide, carefully lift the entire clump of the mum out of the ground using a garden fork, aiming to minimize root damage. Once lifted, sections of the plant with ample roots and shoots can be gently teased apart or cut with a sharp knife. Each division should contain several shoots and a healthy portion of roots. These new sections can then be planted in a prepared area of the garden that receives full sunlight, ensuring that the spacing allows for growth, usually about 18 to 24 inches (45 to 60 centimeters) apart. Water in the divisions well to settle the soil and encourage root development.
