Chrysanthemum Chrysanthemum 'Bronze Elegance' (21b)
ABOUT
Chrysanthemum 'Bronze Elegance', often referred to simply as mums, presents a regal display with its intricately layered petals that blend shades of orange, bronze, and yellow, much like the warm colors of autumn leaves. The blooms are rich and full, with a classic mum form that is both dense and decorative. The central disk of the flower may be concealed by the multitude of petals that radiate outward in a series of orderly rows, giving the plant a sense of lush opulence. The foliage that cradles these jewel-toned flowers is deeply lobed with a rich green hue that contrasts nicely against the bronze tones, creating a backdrop that highlights the vividness of the flowers. Maturity brings forward a bushy and rounded appearance to the plant with a generous covering of these composite flowers, each contributing to a sumptuous display. The overall impression of the Chrysanthemum 'Bronze Elegance' is one of luxurious fullness and robust color that typically characterizes this group of ornamental plants.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Bronze Elegance Chrysanthemum, Bronze Elegance Mum, Bronze Elegance Hardy Chrysanthemum, Bronze Elegance Garden Mum.
Common names
Chrysanthemum 'Bronze Elegance'
ToxicityTo humans
Chrysanthemums, including 'Bronze Elegance', are not considered highly toxic to humans. However, they can cause dermatitis or skin irritation in some individuals upon contact. If ingested, they might cause mild gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, though serious cases of poisoning are rare. Individuals with sensitivity to the plant should handle it with care to avoid skin irritation.
To pets
Chrysanthemums are toxic to pets such as cats and dogs. If a pet ingests any part of the plant, they may experience symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, hyper-salivation, incoordination, and dermatitis. In severe cases, ingestion may lead to more serious conditions such as lethargy or neurological symptoms. If you suspect your pet has ingested chrysanthemums, it is advisable to contact a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Bronze
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- Attractive Aesthetics: The Chrysanthemum 'Bronze Elegance' adds vibrant autumn colors to gardens with its bronze-hued petals, enhancing the overall visual appeal of any landscape.
- Extended Blooming Season: Known for its long flowering period, it provides a lasting display of color from late summer into fall when many other plants are declining.
- Pollinator-Friendly: The flowers attract beneficial insects such as bees and butterflies, supporting local ecosystems and biodiversity.
- Easy to Grow: This chrysanthemum variety is known for being easy to cultivate, making it a good choice for both novice and experienced gardeners.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it's relatively drought-resistant, requiring less water compared to many other garden plants, which can be beneficial in areas with water restrictions or dry climates.
- Versatile Landscaping Use: 'Bronze Elegance' can be planted in garden beds, borders, and containers, offering flexibility in garden design and space utilization.
- Cold Hardy: It can withstand cooler temperatures, which makes it suitable for planting in a variety of climates.
- Pest Resistance: This variety of chrysanthemum has a natural resistance to many common garden pests, reducing the need for chemical treatments.
- Cut Flower Use: The blossoms have a long vase life, making them excellent choices for fresh floral arrangements and bouquets.
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 Crafts: The petals of the Chrysanthemum can be used in dried flower arrangements or pressed flower art, thanks to their vibrant color and sturdy structure.
- Natural Dye: The bronze-colored petals can be boiled to create a natural dye for fabrics, giving them a unique and earthy hue.
- Photographic Subjects: Due to their distinctive appearance, Bronze Elegance Chrysanthemums are excellent subjects for botanical photography and plant portraiture.
- Landscape Design: These Chrysanthemums can serve as a seasonal focal point in a garden design, especially in the fall when their color peaks.
- Culinary Decoration: Petals of the Chrysanthemum can adorn dishes and desserts, offering an edible decoration that's especially popular in fine dining.
- Symbolic Use: In some cultures, Chrysanthemums are symbolic and are used during certain festivals or ceremonies, such as the Day of the Dead in Mexico.
- Teaching Tool: The plant can be used in educational settings to teach about plant biology, hybridization, and the lifecycle of perennials.
- Mood Enhancement: The bright and cheerful nature of the Bronze Elegance Chrysanthemum can be used for improving the ambiance of a room or workspace.
- Potpourri Ingredient: Dried Chrysanthemum petals can be included in potpourri mixes for a natural and subtle scent in the home.
- Companion Planting: Chrysanthemums can be planted alongside other fall-blooming plants to extend the blooming season and create a more diverse garden ecosystem.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiChrysanthemums are believed to bring happiness and laughter into the home, according to Feng Shui. They represent longevity and joy, so placing them in areas of the home where family members gather, like the living room, can enhance positive energy and foster healthy relationships.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityChrysanthemums are not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Loyalty and Devotion: Chrysanthemums are often given as a gift to represent loyalty and the strong wish to maintain a deep bond.
- Honesty: This flower is also associated with truth and the conveyance of honest feelings.
- Longevity and Immortality: In some cultures, the Chrysanthemum is a symbol of life and rebirth, hence its connection to long life.
- Recovery: Due to its healing properties in traditional medicine, the Chrysanthemum is also a symbol of recovering from adversity or ill health.
- Grief and Sorrow: In European cultures, chrysanthemums are often associated with grief and used in funerals.
- Beauty and Elegance: As suggested by the cultivar name 'Bronze Elegance', this type of chrysanthemum is linked to the ideas of beauty and graceful living.
- Joy and Optimism: Chrysanthemums, in general, can carry a meaning of joy and the power of positivity.
WaterMums, including the 'Bronze Elegance', prefer evenly moist soil, so water them deeply enough so that water reaches the roots. Aim to water them with about 1 inch of water per week, taking into account rainfall and adjusting accordingly. Water the plants at the base to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to disease. During hot, dry weather, water mums once or twice a week. In cooler, wetter conditions, watering may only be necessary once every 10 days to 2 weeks. Always check the soil moisture; if the top inch of soil is dry, it's time to water.
LightMums like the 'Bronze Elegance' thrive in full sun conditions, which means they need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. The best spot for growing mums is an area where they will receive plenty of morning sunlight and some partial shade during the intense heat of the afternoon. Ensure they are planted in a location where light is unobstructed by buildings or tree cover to promote healthy growth and abundant flowering.
TemperatureThe 'Bronze Elegance' mum does well in a range of temperatures but prefers conditions between 55°F and 75°F. They can survive light frosts, but temperatures below 32°F can damage the plant. During the growing season, maintain night temperatures around 60°F and day temperatures under 75°F for optimal growth.
PruningPruning 'Bronze Elegance' mums helps to maintain their shape, encourage bushier growth, and improve air circulation. Pinch back the tips of shoots in the spring and early summer to stimulate branching, stopping around mid-July to allow flower buds to form. Remove any dead or diseased stems anytime as part of regular maintenance. The best time for heavy pruning is early spring when new growth begins to show.
CleaningAs needed
SoilMums thrive best in well-draining soil enriched with organic matter. A mix of garden soil, peat moss, and perlite would be ideal for Chrysanthemum 'Bronze Elegance', ensuring good aeration and moisture retention. The optimal soil pH for this plant ranges from 6.0 to 7.0, slightly acidic to neutral.
RepottingChrysanthemums should be repotted every one to two years to replenish the soil and provide room for growth. Repot Chrysanthemum 'Bronze Elegance' in spring before the onset of active growth.
Humidity & MistingChrysanthemums like Chrysanthemum 'Bronze Elegance' prefer moderate humidity levels. Aim for a humidity range of 40-60% for these plants to flourish indoors or in a greenhouse environment.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in well-lit area, keep soil moist, and provide moderate humidity.
Outdoor
Full sun to part shade, shelter from wind, and well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleThe Chrysanthemum 'Bronze Elegance', commonly known as mums, starts its life cycle as a seed or a clump divided from a parent plant. After planting, the seed germinates or the division establishes roots, emerging as seedlings or new shoots in early spring. The plant enters a vegetative growth phase where foliage expands and stems elongate, eventually forming a bushy structure by late spring to early summer. As daylight hours shorten towards the end of summer and into fall, the Chrysanthemum 'Bronze Elegance' begins its flowering stage, producing vibrant bronzey blooms that attract pollinators and provide aesthetic value. Post-flowering, the plant starts to senesce, leaves may yellow, and petals wilt; however, in milder climates or with proper care, the plant can overwinter and re-emerge the following spring. Finally, the cycle can be perpetuated by collecting seeds from spent flowers or dividing the plant and starting the process again.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Chrysanthemum 'Bronze Elegance,' often known just as mums, is typically propagated through division. This process usually takes place in the spring, just before the new growth starts. To propagate mums by division, the gardener would dig up an established clump of mums and carefully separate the plant into smaller sections, making sure each division has a good portion of roots and several shoots. These divisions are then replanted into well-draining soil, maintaining the same depth they were originally growing at, and kept well-watered until the new plants are established. This method is favored for its simplicity and effectiveness, allowing gardeners to rapidly expand their collection of mums or renew older plants that may have become woody and less vigorous.
