Chrysanthemum Chrysanthemum 'Bronze Mayford Perfection' (5a)
ABOUT
Chrysanthemum 'Bronze Mayford Perfection', also known as a mum, is a cultivar known for its distinctive bronze-colored flowers that add a warm, autumnal hue to any garden setting. Its blooms exhibit a layered array of petals that resemble a pompom or a daisy, depending on how the petals are arranged. The center of the flower usually has a visible disc that is surrounded by these dense, radiant petals. The foliage of the Bronze Mayford Perfection is deep green, with leaves that are typically lobed and can have a somewhat jagged edge. This provides a lush backdrop for the striking flowers, emphasizing their color. As a seasonal bloomer, this variety of mum offers a stunning display that peaks as many other plants are beginning to fade, making it a valuable addition to a garden for extending visual interest into the cooler months. This particular mum exhibits a robust and rounded growth habit, presenting a generous flourish of blooms that contributes to its overall ornamental appeal. A popular choice for gardeners, it can often be found brightening up borders, containers, and is also popular for use in cut flower arrangements due to the vibrant color and longevity of its blooms when clipped.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Mum, Chrysanthemum, Hardy Chrysanthemum, Garden Mum.
Common names
Dendranthema grandiflorum 'Bronze Mayford Perfection', Chrysanthemum grandiflorum 'Bronze Mayford Perfection'.
ToxicityTo humans
Chrysanthemums, including the 'Bronze Mayford Perfection' variety, can be toxic to humans if ingested. The plant contains compounds such as pyrethrins, sesquiterpene lactones, and other potential allergens which can cause poisoning. Symptoms of chrysanthemum poisoning in humans might include skin rashes if touched, and if ingested, it can lead to nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In severe cases or if a person has a significant allergy, it may cause inflammation of the skin, eyes, and lungs. It is important to handle chrysanthemums with care and not consume any part of the plant.
To pets
Chrysanthemums, including the 'Bronze Mayford Perfection' variety, are also toxic to pets, such as dogs and cats. The toxicity is due to compounds like pyrethrins that can be harmful when the plant is ingested. Symptoms of chrysanthemum poisoning in pets can include drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, incoordination, and dermatitis. In more severe cases, ingestion may lead to depression, tremors, hypersalivation, and possibly seizures. Immediate veterinary attention is recommended if a pet has ingested any part of a chrysanthemum plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Bronze
Height
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetically Pleasing - Adds vibrant bronze-colored blooms to gardens, enhancing visual appeal.
- Extended Blooming Season - Offers a long flowering period from late summer through fall.
- Attracts Pollinators - Invites beneficial insects like bees and butterflies, supporting biodiversity.
- Easy to Grow - Known for being hardy and relatively low-maintenance, suitable for gardeners of all levels.
- Versatile Use - Can be used in borders, flower beds, and as cut flowers for indoor arrangements.
- Drought Tolerant - Once established, can withstand periods of low water, helpful in conserving water.
- Cold Hardy - Suitable for growing in USDA zone 5a, can survive cooler climates and frost conditions.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Artistic Inspiration: Chrysanthemums have been a source of inspiration for artists and can be used as a live model for drawing, painting, or photography, capturing their unique bronze coloring.
- Floral Arrangements: Due to their vibrant color and full blooms, chrysanthemums are often used in fresh floral arrangements and can add a touch of autumn to any bouquet or centerpiece.
- Culinary Garnish: The petals of chrysanthemums can be used to add a splash of color and light flavor as a garnish on salads and other dishes.
- Dye Production: The flowers can be used to create a natural dye for fabrics, yielding colors from golden to bronze depending upon the mordant used.
- Educational Tool: In schools or educational gardens, chrysanthemums can be used to teach students about plant biology, life cycles, and horticulture practices.
- Beekeeping: Chrysanthemums can be included in gardens to attract bees and enhance local beekeeping efforts, as they are a good source of pollen and nectar in the fall.
- Festive Decor: They can be displayed in pots or gardens for festive autumn decoration, especially for events like Halloween or Thanksgiving due to their seasonal color.
- Crafts: The dried petals and heads can be used in crafts such as potpourri, floral wreaths, or in creating natural confetti for celebrations.
- Soil Health Indicator: Chrysanthemums can be used as an indicator of soil health, as they may exhibit signs of nutrient deficiency or pH imbalance, signaling the need for soil amendments.
- Companion Planting: While not a direct use of the flowers themselves, chrysanthemums can be planted alongside other plants to help deter pests due to their natural insect-repelling properties.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Chrysanthemum is often used in Feng Shui as a symbol of longevity and happiness. Its energy is considered very positive, so placing Chrysanthemums in your home can welcome good health and drive away negative energy. They're especially beneficial when placed in the living room or in the center of your home.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Chrysanthemum is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Longevity and Immortality: Chrysanthemums are often associated with long life and immortality in many cultures, particularly in Asia, due to their hardiness and ability to bloom in the autumn when other flowers have wilted.
- Rebirth and Renewal: The cycle of the chrysanthemum's blooming season symbolizes the idea of rebirth and the renewal of life, echoing the transition of the seasons from fall to winter and then back to spring.
- Happiness and Joy: Chrysanthemums can signify happiness and joy because of their bright and cheerful appearance, and they are often given as gifts to encourage cheerfulness.
- Friendship and Well-being: The flower can represent friendship and well-being, and it is shared between friends in certain cultures as a gesture of goodwill and a wish for the friend's health.
- Loyalty and Devotion: In some contexts, the chrysanthemum is a symbol for loyalty and devotion, reflecting the flower's ability to withstand the colder weather and bloom when other plants might not.
WaterMums, including the Chrysanthemum 'Bronze Mayford Perfection', prefer evenly moist soil, so it's best to water them thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. This may translate to watering once every 3-7 days, depending on weather conditions and soil drainage, with increased frequency in hotter, drier months. Use a gentle stream to avoid dislodging soil around the roots and aim for the base of the plant rather than the foliage to reduce disease risk. A newly planted mum may require about 1 gallon of water per plant during each watering session, and established plants will need more, depending on their size and the environmental conditions.
LightMums thrive in full sun, which means the Chrysanthemum 'Bronze Mayford Perfection' should receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. They can tolerate partial shade, but too little light can lead to weak stems and fewer flowers. The best spot for these mums would be an area that is bright and sunny for the majority of the day to ensure vibrant blooms and healthy growth.
TemperatureThe ideal temperature range for Chrysanthemum 'Bronze Mayford Perfection' is between 60°F and 75°F during their growing season. Mums can generally tolerate temperatures down to 32°F, but frost can damage them, so it's crucial to protect them in colder weather. During the blooming period, keeping them in the ideal temperature range can prolong the display of their striking bronze flowers.
PruningPruning is essential for the Chrysanthemum 'Bronze Mayford Perfection' to encourage bushier growth and more plentiful blooms. Pinch back tips and remove spent flowers to stimulate branching. Start pruning in early spring as new growth appears and continue pinching back every 2-3 weeks until midsummer. Do not prune mums in the fall as this can spur new growth that will not survive the winter.
CleaningAs needed
SoilMums thrive best in well-draining soil enriched with compost and peat moss to ensure adequate nutrient availability and moisture retention. The ideal soil pH for mums is slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0. A balanced potting mix with added perlite or vermiculite can enhance drainage, critical for preventing root rot.
RepottingMums should be repotted every one to two years to replenish the soil and provide additional space for root growth. The best time to repot is in the spring before the onset of the growing season, which allows the plant to establish itself in the new soil.
Humidity & MistingMums prefer a moderate humidity level, ideally between 40-60%. They can tolerate some variation, but consistently high humidity can lead to fungal diseases, so ensuring good air circulation is important to minimize excess moisture around the foliage.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place mums in a bright spot and water regularly.
Outdoor
Plant mums in sun, water often, and protect from frost.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleThe 'Bronze Mayford Perfection' chrysanthemum, also known simply as 'Bronze Mayford', begins its life as a seed, which, when sown, germinates to produce a small seedling. This seedling grows through a vegetative stage, developing a sturdy stem and a lush foliage. As it matures, the chrysanthemum enters the budding stage, where flower buds start to form. These buds bloom into the characteristic bronze-colored flowers that the cultivar is known for, marking the reproductive stage where pollination can occur. After pollination, the plant may produce seeds, which can be dispersed to give rise to new plants. Finally, as the growing season concludes, if not maintained as a perennial, the 'Bronze Mayford' will enter a dormancy or senescence stage where the above-ground portion dies back, although in controlled environments the plant can be overwintered or propagated through cuttings to continue its cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagating the Chrysanthemum 'Bronze Mayford Perfection', commonly known as mums, is through division. This method should ideally be performed in the spring after the risk of frost has passed. It involves digging up the parent plant, carefully separating the clump into smaller sections with roots attached, and replanting these divisions into well-draining soil. Each division should be spaced about 18 inches to 2 feet (approximately 45 to 60 centimeters) apart to allow adequate room for growth. Care should be taken to ensure the divisions are planted at the same depth they were growing previously and watered thoroughly after planting to alleviate transplant shock. This method allows for a quick and easy way to create new plants that are true to the parent's characteristics.
