Chrysanthemum Chrysanthemum Barbara = 'Yobarbara' (22)

☠ Toxic to humans

🐾 Toxic to pets

🌸 Blooming

🍪 Not edible

‍🌱 Easy-care

ABOUT

Chrysanthemum Barbara, also known simply as 'Mum', is a flowering plant showcasing a mesmerizing display of blooms. The plant bears a wealth of flowers characterized by their ornate, layered petals that frequently present a full and plush appearance. These petals surround a central disk that may contrast in color, contributing to their eye-catching aesthetic. The blooms can come in a variety of hues, including vibrant yellows, rich pinks, deep reds, and crisp whites, sometimes showcasing multiple colors within a single flower head, producing a delightful visual effect. The foliage of the Chrysanthemum Barbara is equally attractive, composed of lush, green leaves that are deeply lobed with jagged edges, providing a textured backdrop to the showy flowers. These leaves often have a soft, matte finish and may emit a distinctive fragrance when bruised or rubbed, a characteristic that is common among many types of 'Mum' plants. Overall, Chrysanthemum Barbara has a tendency to form a bushy clump, creating an abundant and dense mound of floral splendor. Its propensity for producing a plethora of flowers makes it a popular choice for both garden beds and containers, where it can contribute significantly to the visual appeal of any planting display. The vibrant blooms of the Chrysanthemum Barbara are often long-lasting, extending their impact throughout their blooming season and frequently used in cut flower arrangements due to their beauty and longevity.

Plant Info

Care

Common Problems

About this plant

Names
- Synonyms
  Chrysanthemum, Mum, Hardy Garden Mum, Florist’s Chrysanthemum.
- Common names
  Chrysanthemum 'Yobarbara', Dendranthema 'Yobarbara'.
Toxicity
- To humans
  Chrysanthemum, commonly referred to as mum, is not considered highly toxic to humans. However, it can cause dermatitis in some individuals who are sensitive to the plant's sap. Ingesting parts of the plant can potentially cause mild gastrointestinal upset, including symptoms like nausea and diarrhea. It is generally advised to avoid eating any parts of the mum plant due to the possibility of these adverse reactions.
- To pets
  Mums are toxic to both cats and dogs. If ingested by pets, they can cause symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, hypersalivation, incoordination, and dermatitis. The toxic principle is due to the presence of pyrethrins and other compounds that can affect the nervous system of pets. If a pet ingests a mum plant, it is crucial to seek veterinary attention promptly to manage the symptoms effectively and prevent more serious consequences.
Characteristics
- Life cycle
  Perennials
- Foliage type
  Deciduous
- Color of leaves
  Green
- Flower color
  Yellow
- Height
  1-3 feet (30-90 cm)
- Spread
  1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
- Plant type
  Herb
- Hardiness zones
  5
- Native area
  Asia

Benefits

General Benefits
- Aesthetic Appeal: Chrysanthemums ('Yobarbara') add vibrant colors and interesting textures to gardens and landscapes.
- Seasonal Interest: They bloom in the fall, providing late season color when many other plants have finished flowering.
- Versatility: Suitable for borders, containers, and as cut flowers, they can adapt to various garden uses.
- Attract Pollinators: These flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, supporting biodiversity.
- Low Maintenance: Generally easy to care for requiring minimal upkeep once established.
- Durability: They are known to be hardy and can withstand cooler temperatures when many other flowering plants cannot.
- Long Blooming: Chrysanthemums often have a long flowering period, offering blossoms for an extended time.
Medical Properties
- This plant is not used for medical purposes
Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses
- Photographic Material: The juice of chrysanthemum flowers can be used as a natural dye for photographic plates and printing fabrics due to their light-sensitive properties.
- Insect Repellant Sachets: Dried chrysanthemum petals can be placed in sachets to naturally repel insects in closets and drawers.
- Garden Companion Planting: Chrysanthemums can be planted among vegetables to help deter pests, thanks to their strong scent that many insects find unattractive.
- Biological Pest Control: Some extracts from chrysanthemums are used in organic farming to control pests without resorting to synthetic chemicals.
- Artistic Inspiration: With their diverse range of colors and forms, chrysanthemums often serve as a muse for painters, poets, and other artists.
- Edible Decoration: Chrysanthemum petals are sometimes used in culinary presentations for their decorative appeal, although care must be taken to ensure they are free of pesticides.
- Plant Dyes: The flowers can be used in making plant-based dyes for wool, silk, and other natural fibers, contributing to sustainable textile coloring methods.
- Fragrance Production: Chrysanthemums have a strong fragrance that is sometimes used in the formulation of natural perfumes and aromatherapy products.
- Floating Decorations: The flower heads can be floated in bowls of water as part of a decorative feature for special events or serene settings.
- Soil Health Indicator: Chrysanthemums can act as a bioindicator for soil health, as their growth and flower quality can reflect the nutrient content and presence of contaminants in the soil.

Interesting Facts

Feng Shui
The Chrysanthemum is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign Compitability
The Chrysanthemum is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism
- Longevity: Chrysanthemums are often associated with long life and well-being, partly due to their robust nature and ability to bloom into the late autumn.
- Rejuvenation: The cyclical blooming of chrysanthemums every year is symbolic of renewal and recovery.
- Loyalty and Devotion: In many cultures, chrysanthemums represent fidelity and dedication in relationships, making them a favored gift between friends and loved ones.
- Happiness and Optimism: The bright and cheerful appearance of chrysanthemums conveys joy and a positive outlook on life.

💧

Every 1-2 weeks

Water

☀️

500 - 2500 Lux

Light

💦️

65%

Humidity

🪴

Every 1-2 years

Repotting

🌱️

Spring-Early Summer

Propogation

✂️️

As needed

Pruning

Water
Mum, also known as Chrysanthemum, should be watered deeply whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Generally, this equates to watering once a week with about one gallon of water, but this can vary depending on the specifics of your environment, like temperature and humidity. It's better to water this plant in the morning to reduce evaporation and to allow the foliage to dry out during the day, minimizing the risk of disease. Be careful not to overwater, as Chrysanthemums do not like to sit in soggy soil; consistent overwatering can lead to root rot. During the blooming period, you might need to water the plant more frequently to support its hydration needs.
Light
Mums prefer a spot that receives full sun, meaning at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Choosing a location with morning light is particularly beneficial, as it warms the plant after a cool night and helps the leaves dry out, reducing the risk of disease. Avoid overly shaded areas, as insufficient light can lead to poor blooming and a leggy, weak plant.
Temperature
The preferred temperature range for Mums is between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. They can survive a range down to 32 degrees Fahrenheit, but frost can severely damage the plant. Sustained temperatures over 75 degrees Fahrenheit can stress the plant and may lead to less vigorous growth and flowering.
Pruning
Mums benefit from pruning to encourage a bushier plant and more robust flowering. Pinch back the growing tips when the plant reaches about 6 inches in height and repeat the process every few weeks until mid-summer. This will prevent the Mum from blooming too early and help create a fuller plant. The best time to prune or deadhead Mums is after the first initial flowering, removing spent blooms to encourage further blooming.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
The best soil mix for Chrysanthemums, like 'Yobarbara', is a well-draining potting mix with a pH between 6.0 to 7.0. Incorporating compost or well-rotted manure can enhance fertility. Make sure the soil offers good aeration to prevent root rot.
Repotting
Chrysanthemums should generally be repotted every one to two years. They benefit from being repotted in the spring before the start of their active growing season.
Humidity & Misting
Chrysanthemums thrive in moderate humidity levels, around 40% to 60%. They can tolerate some variation, but consistently high humidity may promote mold and disease.
Suitable locations
- Indoor
  Plant in well-draining soil, offer bright light, and keep moderately humid.
- Outdoor
  Plant in fertile, well-draining soil with full to partial sun exposure.
- Hardiness zone
  5-9 USDA
Life cycle
The Chrysanthemum Barbara, commonly known as the garden mum, begins its life cycle as a seed which, once sown, germinates to produce a small seedling. The seedling grows into a vegetative plant, developing a robust root system and foliage through a period of active growth. As the plant matures, it enters the budding phase, where flower buds start to form, typically triggered by shorter day lengths in late summer to fall. The buds bloom into vibrant flowers, providing aesthetic value and potentially attracting pollinators. After the flowering phase, if pollinated, the plant may produce seeds that can disperse, completing the reproductive cycle. At the end of the growing season, garden mums, being perennials, will become dormant over winter, re-emerging in spring to start the cycle anew.
Propogation
- Propogation time
  Spring-Early Summer
- Chrysanthemum Barbara, commonly known as 'mums', are most popularly propagated through division. This process typically takes place in the early spring before new growth begins. To propagate by division, a gardener would carefully dig up an established mum clump and gently separate the plant into smaller sections, ensuring that each section has a portion of the root system attached. These sections are then planted into well-draining soil at the same depth they were growing previously, spaced about 18 to 24 inches (45 to 60 centimeters) apart to allow for growth. Proper watering and fertilization following the division help the new plants establish themselves. This method of propagation allows the gardener to expand their collection of mums or renew older plants that may have become woody and less vigorous.