Mum Chrysanthemum 'Boulou Rose'
ABOUT
Chrysanthemum 'Boulou Rose' is a striking plant renowned for its vibrant and abundant floral display. This particular variety boasts a beautiful array of rose-pink flowers, characterized by their densely-packed petals that curve slightly at the tips, giving each flower a soft, full appearance. The blooms are known for their pompon-like shape, creating a lush, cushioned effect that adds texture and visual interest to the plant's overall look. The petals have a velvety texture and can exhibit varying shades of pink, from pale pastels to deeper rose hues, often with undertones that can appear almost lavender in certain light. Each flower is arranged in a uniform manner around a central disk, although this disk is typically not visible due to the tightly arranged layers of petals. The leaves of Chrysanthemum 'Boulou Rose' are a deep green, with a glossy surface that reflects sunlight, adding to the plant's luminosity. They have a slightly lobed margin and are arranged alternately along the stems, providing a dark contrasting backdrop that makes the pink flowers stand out even more. The overall shape of the plant is rounded and mounded, which allows for the dense floral coverage that makes it a popular choice in gardens and floral arrangements. This type of chrysanthemum is often valued for its long-lasting blooms, which can provide color and vibrancy from late summer through fall, depending on the climate.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Mums, Chrysanths
Common names
Chrysanthemum 'Boulou Rose'.
ToxicityTo humans
Chrysanthemums, commonly known as mums, are not highly toxic to humans, but they can cause mild irritation if ingested. In some cases, symptoms may include dermatitis, mild gastrointestinal upset, or allergic reaction in individuals sensitive to the plant's compounds. It is rare for symptoms to be severe, but if a large amount is consumed, medical attention may be advised.
To pets
To cats and dogs, mums can be toxic if ingested. The symptoms of poisoning in pets may include vomiting, diarrhea, hypersalivation, incoordination, and dermatitis. In severe cases, ingestion can lead to depression and/or loss of appetite. If you suspect your pet has ingested mums, you should seek veterinary assistance promptly.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
2 feet (61 cm)
Spread
2 feet (61 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Enhances garden aesthetics: Chrysanthemums, commonly known as mums, add a vibrant splash of color to gardens and landscapes with their vast range of hues, including pink, which is characteristic of the 'Boulou Rose' variety.
- Seasonal interest: Mums bloom in late summer and fall, providing color and beauty when many other flowers have finished their display.
- Attracts pollinators: These flowers are known to attract bees and butterflies, which are important for pollinating other plants in the garden.
- Easy to grow: Mums are relatively low-maintenance, adaptable to a variety of soil types, and can thrive in different climate conditions.
- Perfect for containers: They are suitable for pots and containers, making them ideal for balconies, patios, or small gardens.
- Durable cut flowers: Mums have a long vase life, making them an excellent choice for floral arrangements and indoor decoration.
- Variety of uses: They can be used as border plants, in mass plantings, or for adding autumnal colors to the garden.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Chrysanthemums can be used as a natural dye source, providing colors ranging from bright yellows to greens depending on the mordant used.
- The blossoms can be added to salads for a colorful embellishment or a light, floral flavor note when young and tender.
- Brewing a light tea from chrysanthemum petals can be soothing and is used in some culinary traditions for its unique taste.
- The flowers are often used in craft projects, such as making homemade potpourri or pressed flower arrangements.
- They can be used as insect repellents when placed in planters around outdoor living areas because some pests dislike their fragrance.
- Chrysanthemum petals can be used in the fermentation process to make specialty chrysanthemum-flavored beers.
- They are sometimes incorporated into candles or soaps for their scent and for the aesthetic appeal of the petals embedded within these products.
- Fresh or dried chrysanthemum flowers can be used to decorate cakes and desserts, especially when crystallized with sugar.
- In some cultures, the petals are strewn in water during certain festivals or ceremonies for a decorative effect.
- Chrysanthemum leaves are occasionally used as a seasoning, similar to an herb, in certain culinary dishes for a mild, slightly bitter taste.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Chrysanthemum is often used in Feng Shui for its properties of bringing happiness and laughter to the home. As a 'Boulou Rose' is a type of Chrysanthemum, it could be used similarly by placing it in the living room or other areas where family members gather to promote a sense of ease and well-being.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Chrysanthemum is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Longevity: The Chrysanthemum, often referred to as 'Mum', is widely recognized as a symbol of longevity due to its sturdy nature and ability to bloom into the late fall.
- Loyalty: In many cultures, the Mum represents fidelity and devoted love, reflecting the flower's consistent flowering each year.
- Rebirth: Associated with the theme of rebirth, the Mum encapsulates the cycle of life and the idea of renewal.
- Nobility: In certain cultures, such as in Japan, the Mum is associated with royalty and the aristocracy, symbolizing elegance and refinement.
- Death: In some European countries, the Mum is often used in funerary arrangements to honor the deceased and symbolize a life well lived.
- Joy: Despite some of the more somber meanings, Mums are also symbols of happiness and cheerfulness in various cultures, celebrated for their bright colors and uplifting presence.
- Friendship: The Mum can serve as a symbol of strong, supportive friendships, often given as a gift to show respect and mutual affection.
WaterThe mums, including Chrysanthemum 'Boulou Rose', should be watered deeply, ensuring that the soil is moist but not saturated. Typically, it's best to water them early in the morning so that the foliage has time to dry out over the course of the day to prevent disease. During the growing season, mums may need to be watered once a week with about one to two gallons of water, depending on weather conditions. Always check the soil moisture at about an inch below the surface; if it feels dry, it's time to water.
LightMums require plenty of sunlight to thrive, so the best place for Chrysanthemum 'Boulou Rose' is in a spot where it can receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. A location that provides morning sunlight and partial shade in the intense afternoon heat can help protect the blooms' color and vitality.
TemperatureMums like Chrysanthemum 'Boulou Rose' prefer temperate conditions and can generally handle temperatures ranging from 32°F to 90°F, but they thrive best when daytime temperatures are between 60°F and 70°F. It's important to avoid exposure to frost; therefore, provide protection if temperatures are expected to drop below 32°F.
PruningPruning mums, including the Chrysanthemum 'Boulou Rose', encourages bushier growth and prevents legginess. Pinch back the growing tips when the plants are about 6 inches tall and continue doing so every month or so until midsummer. The best time for the final pruning is around July 4th. Pruning after this time can delay flowering.
CleaningAs needed
SoilMums thrive in well-draining, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. A mix of two parts garden soil, one part peat moss, and one part perlite or vermiculite will provide good aeration and moisture retention. Regularly amend with compost to provide nutrients.
RepottingMums, also known as chrysanthemums, should be repotted every one to two years to refresh the soil and allow for growth. The best time to repot is in the spring just as new growth begins, taking care not to damage the roots.
Humidity & MistingChrysanthemums prefer moderate humidity levels, ideally between 40-60%. They can tolerate some variation, but extreme dryness or moisture can lead to health issues. Consistent humidity aids in robust growth.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Keep mums in bright, indirect light with good airflow indoors.
Outdoor
Plant mums in well-draining soil in a sunny spot.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleThe Chrysanthemum 'Boulou Rose', typically referred to as Garden Mum, begins its life cycle with seed germination, given ideal conditions of warmth and moisture, sprouting within 10-15 days. After germination, the seedlings grow into juvenile plants with a rosette of leaves at the soil level. As the plant matures, it develops a bushy structure with numerous branches and a prolific number of leaves, preparing for the flowering stage. Flowering typically occurs in late summer or fall when daylight hours begin to shorten, triggering the formation of distinctive pink rose-like blooms. After the blooming period, the Garden Mum sets seeds if the flowers are pollinated, completing the reproductive cycle. Garden Mums may also reproduce vegetatively through cuttings taken in spring or summer, which root and produce new plants, often used to preserve desired varieties or for commercial propagation.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method to propagate Chrysanthemum 'Boulou Rose', commonly known as mums, is through stem cuttings. This is typically done in spring to early summer when the plant's growth is vigorous. To propagate by stem cuttings, a gardener should select a healthy, non-flowering shoot and cut a piece that is about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) long. The lower leaves are then stripped, and the cut end is dipped in rooting hormone powder to encourage root development. The cutting should be planted in a pot filled with a moistened mix of half peat and half perlite or similar well-draining medium. The pot is then placed in a warm area with indirect light and covered with a plastic bag to maintain humidity. Roots usually develop within a few weeks, after which the new mum plantlet can be transplanted into the garden.
