Chrysanthemum Chrysanthemum 'Boulou Yellow' (12)
ABOUT
Chrysanthemum 'Boulou Yellow' is a vibrant and attractive plant known for its striking yellow blooms. The flower heads are typically large and made up of numerous individual petals that radiate from the center to form a full and lush appearance. The petals have a smooth, velvety texture and boast a bright, lemon-yellow hue that can add a cheerful touch to any setting. The foliage of 'Boulou Yellow' is deep green, providing a beautiful contrast against the yellow flowers. The leaves are typically broad with a slightly serrated edge, which adds to the texture of the overall plant. This Chrysanthemum variety tends to have a bushy, mounded growth habit, creating a dense and compact shape that is covered profusely in flowers during its blooming period. The stems are sturdy and capable of supporting the weight of the blooms, which often appear in abundance. In a garden setting, 'Boulou Yellow' can be used to create visually stimulating displays thanks to its vivid color and appealing form. It is favored for its ornamental qualities and has a long blooming period that extends from late summer into the fall, providing color and interest when many other plants begin to fade. This plant is a popular choice for borders, containers, and as a vibrant addition to floral arrangements.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Boulou Yellow Chrysanthemum, Mum, Hardy Chrysanthemum, Garden Mum
Common names
Chrysanthemum 'Boulou Yellow'
ToxicityTo humans
Mums, the most common common name for Chrysanthemum 'Boulou Yellow', are not highly toxic to humans. However, they can cause dermatitis in some individuals who have sensitive skin or an allergy to the plant. Ingesting parts of the plant is usually not life-threatening but may cause mild gastrointestinal upset, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. It's important to keep mum plants out of the reach of small children who might be tempted to eat the flowers or leaves.
To pets
Mums are toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. The ingestion of any part of the plant, such as leaves or flowers, can lead to symptoms including vomiting, diarrhea, hypersalivation, dermatitis, and lack of coordination. In severe cases, ingestion can cause depression and muscle tremors. It is prudent for pet owners to prevent their animals from eating or coming into contact with these plants. If a pet does ingest mums, it is advisable to seek veterinary attention.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
2 feet (60 cm)
Spread
2 feet (60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: The vibrant yellow flowers of the Chrysanthemum enhance the aesthetic appeal of any garden or landscape.
- Seasonal Color: They typically bloom in the fall, providing a splash of color when other plants may be fading.
- Attract Pollinators: These flowers attract bees and butterflies, which are vital pollinators for many gardens and ecosystems.
- Symbolism and Tradition: Chrysanthemums are often associated with joy and longevity in various cultures.
- Easy to Grow: They are relatively easy to cultivate, which makes them suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Variety: With many cultivars available, gardeners can enjoy a wide range of flower shapes and sizes.
- Container Gardening: They adapt well to container gardening, making them suitable for patios and balconies.
- Versatility in Landscaping: Can be used in borders, as a bedding plant, or for cut flowers in floral arrangements.
- Longevity of Blooms: The flowers have a long blooming period, ensuring extended color in the garden or home.
- Durable: Many chrysanthemum varieties are hardy and can withstand cooler temperatures, making them durable seasonal plants.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Chrysanthemum tea: The flowers of the chrysanthemum plant can be dried and used to make a refreshing herbal tea.
- Natural dye: The petals can be used to create a natural yellow dye for fabrics, wool, or paper.
- Companion planting: Chrysanthemums can be planted in gardens to help deter pests from other plants due to their natural insecticidal properties.
- Garden aesthetics: The bright yellow flowers can be used to design and accentuate garden patterns and landscapes.
- Photography subject: Chrysanthemum 'Boulou Yellow' is an attractive subject for nature photography due to its vibrant color and intricate patterns.
- Culinary garnish: Edible chrysanthemum flowers can be used to add color and a mild floral flavor to salads and other dishes.
- Crafts: The dried flowers can be used in potpourri or to create natural flower arrangements and wreaths.
- Festivals and celebrations: In some cultures, chrysanthemums are used to decorate venues during festivals or special events.
- Educational tool: This plant can be used in botany classes to teach students about plant reproduction and flower structure.
- Symbolism in literature and art: Frequently depicted in art and literature, chrysanthemums can represent autumn, grace, or the passage of time.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Chrysanthemum is considered to bring happiness and laughter into the home in Feng Shui, so placing Chrysanthemums in areas of the home where gatherings occur, like the living room, can introduce positive energy and encourage joyful interactions.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Chrysanthemum is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Longevity: Chrysanthemums, commonly known as mums, are often given as gifts in many cultures to symbolize a long and healthy life due to their robust nature and long blooming period.
- Rebirth and Renewal: Mums frequently bloom in the fall, a time when many other flowers are dying. This endows them with a symbolism of overcoming the challenges and starting afresh.
- Loyalty and Devotion: Because they can bloom for a long time, mums can represent loyalty and steadfastness in a relationship or dedication to a cause.
- Regal Beauty and Splendor: The ornate appearance of the 'Boulou Yellow' chrysanthemum, with its lush, full blooms, is often associated with beauty and a sense of nobility or high status.
- Joy and Optimism: The bright, sunny color of the 'Boulou Yellow' variety evokes a sense of happiness and positivity, making it a popular choice to convey cheerfulness.
- Happiness in Retirement: In many Asian cultures, chrysanthemums are gifted as a wish for a happy and peaceful retirement, relating back to their symbolism of longevity.
- Grief and Mourning: In some European countries, mums, especially white and yellow ones, are associated with death and are often used in funerals or to honor the deceased.
WaterMums, including the 'Boulou Yellow' variety, require consistent moisture and should not be allowed to dry out completely. The best method is to water the plant deeply at the base, avoiding water on the leaves to reduce the risk of disease. During the growing season, water mums with about a gallon of water per week, adjusting for rainfall and temperature, as plants need more water in hotter conditions. In the absence of rain or during hot spells, watering may need to increase to twice per week. Be sure to check the soil moisture level regularly; it should be moist but not waterlogged.
LightMums like 'Boulou Yellow' flourish in full sun conditions, which means they should receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight every day. The best spot for these plants would be in an area that is exposed to the morning sun and offers some protection from the intense afternoon sun, especially in hot climates. Though they can tolerate partial shade, too little light can result in a weaker plant with fewer blooms.
TemperatureThe 'Boulou Yellow' mum prefers temperatures ranging from 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal growth. They can survive minimum temperatures down to about 32 degrees Fahrenheit but frost may damage the plant. Ideal conditions would be a location where night temperatures drop slightly below the daytime temperatures, encouraging flower bud formation. Prolonged exposure to temperatures outside of these ranges may inhibit blooming and weaken the plant.
PruningPrune your 'Boulou Yellow' mums to encourage bushier growth and more flowers. Pinch back the growing tips when the plant is about 6 inches tall, removing the uppermost leaves to promote side branching. Continue this process every 2 to 3 weeks until midsummer, around early July. The best time for pruning is late spring through midsummer; pruning later can reduce the number of autumn blooms.
CleaningAs needed
SoilMums thrive in well-draining, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. A mixture of peat, perlite, and compost is ideal, ensuring adequate drainage and nutrient content for Chrysanthemum 'Boulou Yellow'.
RepottingMums should be repotted every two years to refresh the soil and provide room for growth. Repotting should be done in the spring before new growth begins.
Humidity & MistingMums prefer moderate humidity levels, around 40-60%. Avoiding excessively high humidity helps prevent disease in Chrysanthemum 'Boulou Yellow'.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright indirect light, away from drafts, and water moderately.
Outdoor
Plant in sunny spot with well-draining soil; water when topsoil feels dry.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life of Chrysanthemum 'Boulou Yellow', commonly known as mums or chrysanthemums, begins with the germination of seeds or the rooting of cuttings, where the plant starts to develop roots and shoots. The vegetative stage follows, characterized by the growth of the foliage and the development of a sturdy stem structure, supported by regular watering, sunlight, and nutrient intake from the soil. As maturity approaches, the plant enters the budding stage, where flower buds start to form, signaling the onset of the reproductive phase. Full bloom occurs when the distinctive yellow flowers fully open, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies. After pollination, the plant may produce seeds, completing the sexual reproductive cycle, or it can also be propagated by division or cuttings for the next generation. Finally, as the season ends or in response to adverse conditions, the plant may enter dormancy or die back, although mums are often grown as annuals and may not experience a true dormancy stage.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagation for Chrysanthemum, also known as mums, is through division. This process involves splitting an established mum plant into smaller sections, each with its own roots and shoots. Division is typically done in the spring, just as the new growth begins to emerge. Gardeners often choose this time because the cooler temperatures and moist soil help the newly divided plants to establish more efficiently. To propagate Chrysanthemums by division, the plant should be carefully lifted from the ground, making sure to keep a good amount of roots with each section. The divisions should then be replanted immediately, watered well with about a gallon (approximately 3.8 liters) of water, and kept moist until they are well established.
