Chrysanthemum Chrysanthemum 'Apricot Shoesmith Salmon' (4a)
ABOUT
Chrysanthemum 'Apricot Shoesmith Salmon', also known simply as the Chrysanthemum, presents a distinctive and eye-catching appearance. The blossoms of this variety are particularly notable for their attractive shade of apricot-salmon, a soft, warm hue that effortlessly transitions from a richer tone at the flower's center to paler, more delicate edges. The petals are arranged in a dense, layered fashion, contributing to the flower's full and lush look. Each individual petal is smoothly textured and rounded, sometimes exhibiting slightly frilly tips, which adds to the Chrysanthemum's overall charm. The foliage of the Chrysanthemum is dense and deep green, providing a sumptuous backdrop that accentuates the vibrancy of the blooms. The leaves are typically oblong with serrated edges, often with a slightly glossy finish that catches the light, underscoring the vividness of the flowering tops. Together, the contrast of the soft apricot-salmon flowers against the rich greenery creates a display of colorful exuberance that can brighten up any garden space, making this Chrysanthemum variety a popular choice for gardeners and flower enthusiasts.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae.
Synonyms
Hardy Chrysanthemum, Hardy Mum, Garden Mum, Florist's Chrysanthemum.
Common names
Dendranthema 'Apricot Shoesmith Salmon', Chrysanthemum morifolium 'Apricot Shoesmith Salmon'
ToxicityTo humans
Chrysanthemums, commonly referred to as mums, are known to contain compounds that can be irritating to the skin and mucous membranes. While they are not considered highly toxic to humans, ingestion of parts of the plant can cause gastrointestinal upset including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Contact with the skin can sometimes result in dermatitis. It is recommended to handle chrysanthemums with care and avoid ingesting any part of the plant to prevent these adverse effects.
To pets
Chrysanthemums, commonly known as mums, contain pyrethrin compounds which can be toxic to pets, particularly cats and dogs, if ingested. Symptoms of chrysanthemum poisoning in pets may include drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, incoordination, dermatitis, and in servere cases, tremors, seizures, or hyperthermia. It is important for pet owners to prevent their animals from ingesting any part of the plant and to seek veterinary care if poisoning is suspected.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Apricot
Height
2-3 feet (0.61-0.91 meters)
Spread
2-3 feet (0.61-0.91 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Adds bright apricot-colored blooms to the garden, enhancing its beauty and visual interest.
- Versatility in Landscaping: Suitable for borders, beds, and as a cut flower, offering various uses in garden design.
- Attracts Pollinators: Welcomes bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, promoting pollination and biodiversity.
- Seasonal Interest: Typically blooms from late summer to fall, providing color when many other plants are declining.
- Easy to Grow: Known for its hardiness and ability to thrive in a variety of soil types with minimal care.
- Perennial Growth: Returns each year to provide lasting beauty with proper care and in appropriate climates.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Art and Craft Projects: The vibrant petals of the chrysanthemum can be pressed and used in scrapbooking, card making, or other craft activities to add natural color and floral design.
- Natural Dye: Petals from the chrysanthemum can be used to produce a natural dye for fabrics, offering an eco-friendly coloring option that imparts warm tones.
- Salad Garnish: The petals of some chrysanthemum varieties are edible and can add a splash of color as well as a mild spicy flavor when sprinkled over salads.
- Photography Subjects: Chrysanthemums, with their intricate petal patterns and rich colors, can be excellent subjects for macro photography, helping photographers to showcase the beauty of nature.
- Culinary Decor: Chrysanthemum petals can be frozen in ice cubes to create visually appealing additions to cocktails or cold beverages.
- Companion Planting: Chrysanthemums can be planted in vegetable gardens to help repel harmful insects, thereby protecting the vegetables without the use of chemical pesticides.
- Flower Arranging Classes: As a popular choice for floral arrangements, chrysanthemums are often used in flower arranging classes to teach various techniques.
- Tea Flavoring: While not recommended for all varieties, certain types of chrysanthemums can be used to create a floral-infused tea, known for its unique aroma and taste.
- Floral Baths: Chrysanthemum petals can be added to bathwater for a luxurious and fragrant bathing experience, often believed to be soothing and calming.
- Candle Decoration: Petals can be embedded in clear candles to add a decorative and floral touch, enhancing the aesthetic of homemade or artisanal candles.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Chrysanthemum is associated with happiness and balance in Feng Shui. It can be used to promote a sense of calm and purity in the home. Place Chrysanthemums in a living area or bedroom to introduce yang (positive) energy. They are particularly beneficial when placed in areas where tension or arguments occur, as they are believed to absorb negative energy and promote harmony.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Chrysanthemum is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Longevity and Immortality: Chrysanthemums are often associated with long life and enduring the trials of existence. In many cultures, the chrysanthemum is symbolic of immortality due to its ability to bloom in the fall while other plants are dying.
- Rebirth: The capacity to blossom as the weather turns cold signifies renewal and the cycle of life, thus representing rebirth and new beginnings.
- Nobility: In some Asian traditions, particularly in Japan, the chrysanthemum is a noble flower. It is a symbol of royalty and refinement, and it occupies a prominent position in many cultural festivities and art.
- Happiness and Joy: Chrysanthemums are frequently given as gifts to convey well-wishing sentiments of joy and happiness due to their bright and cheerful appearance.
- Friendship: As a social and cheerful bloom, chrysanthemums are also emblematic of friendship and strong, supportive relationships.
WaterMums, like the Chrysanthemum 'Apricot Shoesmith Salmon', should be watered regularly to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Generally, mums require watering once every 2-3 days depending on the weather conditions, but this might vary if they are planted in containers as they may require more frequent watering, possibly daily. When watering, it's important to avoid wetting the foliage, so water at the base of the plant using a soaker hose or a watering can. The amount of water typically needed is about 1 gallon per plant every week during the growing season, but be ready to adjust if the weather is particularly hot or dry.
LightMums thrive best in full sun conditions, which means they require a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. The ideal spot for Chrysanthemum 'Apricot Shoesmith Salmon' is in an area where they can receive ample morning light and some protection from intense late afternoon sun, especially in hotter regions. They can tolerate partial shade as well, but too little light can result in a weaker plant with fewer flowers.
TemperatureMums are hardy to USDA Zone 4a and prefer cooler temperatures. The Chrysanthemum 'Apricot Shoesmith Salmon' can tolerate temperatures down to 20°F before they start to suffer damage. The ideal temperature range for growing mums is between 70°F and 80°F during the day and 60°F to 70°F at night. Prolonged exposure to temperatures above 90°F can stress the plant, so it's crucial to provide some shade and adequate water in extreme heat.
PruningPruning mums, such as Chrysanthemum 'Apricot Shoesmith Salmon', encourages bushier growth and more blooms. Pinch back the tips of the shoots when they are about 6 inches tall, by removing the top inch to stimulate branching. Repeat the pinching process every few weeks until midsummer. This will help create a fuller plant with more flowers during the blooming season. The best time for major pruning is after the blooming cycle is over, typically in late fall.
CleaningAs needed
SoilHardy mums like Chrysanthemum 'Apricot Alexis' thrive best in well-draining, fertile soil with a pH of 6.5 to 6.7. A mix incorporating compost, peat moss, and perlite in equal parts can provide optimal growth conditions.
RepottingHardy mums such as Chrysanthemum 'Apricot Alexis' are typically repotted every one to two years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth, preferably in the spring before active growth begins.
Humidity & MistingChrysanthemum 'Apricot Alexis' prefers moderate humidity levels around 40-60%, which helps keep the foliage healthy without encouraging fungal diseases.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and keep soil consistently moist.
Outdoor
Full sun, protect from harsh winds, fertile, well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleChrysanthemum 'Apricot Shoesmith Salmon', commonly known as Hardy Garden Mum, begins its life cycle when seeds are sown or cuttings are rooted in early spring. After germination or rooting, the seedlings or cuttings grow into vegetative plants, developing a robust root system and abundant foliage throughout the spring and summer. In response to the shorter days and longer nights of late summer and early fall, the Hardy Garden Mum initiates bud formation. Blooms typically appear in late summer or fall, displaying the characteristic apricot to salmon-colored flowers. After flowering, as winter approaches, the above-ground portions of the plant die back, and the Hardy Garden Mum enters dormancy, relying on its underground parts to survive the cold. In the following spring, the cycle begins anew as the plant regrows from its root system or from new seeds if they were produced and dispersed.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Chrysanthemum 'Apricot Shoesmith Salmon', commonly known as Hardy Mum, is best propagated through the division of clumps. The ideal time for this practice is in the spring when new growth begins to emerge, typically after the last frost when soil temperatures warm up. To propagate by division, carefully dig up an established mum clump and gently separate the roots into sections, each with several shoots and a portion of the root system. These divisions should then be replanted immediately at the same depth they were originally, spacing them about 18 inches (approximately 45 centimeters) apart to allow for ample growth. Water the new plants thoroughly after planting to help establish them. This method ensures that the desirable traits of 'Apricot Shoesmith Salmon' are maintained, as this cultivar may not come true from seed.
