Mum Chrysanthemum 'Cameo' (28a)
ABOUT
Chrysanthemum 'Cameo' is a flowering plant known for its attractive and distinctive blooms. The flowers are most noted for their unique coloring, which typically features soft, peachy-pink petals. These petals often exhibit a gradient of shades, ranging from a deeper peachy hue at the base to a lighter, almost pastel pink at the tips, giving the impression of a delicate, sunset-like warmth. The overall effect of the flower coloring is both soothing and eye-catching. Each flower is composed of numerous individual petals that are somewhat elongated and arranged in a layered, overlapping fashion. This arrangement gives the flower a full, lush appearance, reminiscent of a pom-pom or a ruffled ball. The center of the flower is often a deeper shade, adding depth and contrast to the blossom’s appearance. The foliage of Chrysanthemum 'Cameo' provides a pleasant backdrop to the showy flowers. The leaves are typically deep green, with a slightly glossy finish that makes them shimmer in the light. They are often deeply lobed with jagged edges, which adds texture to the plant's overall appearance. The contrast between the green foliage and the peach-pink flowers creates a charming display that can brighten up any garden space. The plant itself forms a mound-like shape, contributing to its orderly and tidy appearance in a garden bed or container. It is popular among gardeners who seek to add a touch of soft, yet vibrant color, and it is commonly used in decorative fall displays due to its flowering season and appealing aesthetic.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Hardy Chrysanthemum, Mum, Garden Mum, Florist's Chrysanthemum
Common names
Chrysanthemum 'Cameo'
ToxicityTo humans
Chrysanthemums are not highly toxic to humans, but they can cause irritation in some individuals. If ingested, they may lead to mild gastrointestinal upset, such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Contact with the skin can sometimes cause dermatitis in sensitive individuals.
To pets
Chrysanthemums can be toxic to pets, causing symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, salivation, incoordination, and dermatitis if they come into contact with the skin. In severe cases, ingestion can lead to more serious symptoms, including signs of systemic illness such as increased heart rate and muscle tremors. It's advisable to keep pets away from Chrysanthemums to avoid these potential effects.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
1-3 feet (30-91 cm)
Spread
1-3 feet (30-91 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5-9
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Chrysanthemum 'Cameo' has attractive, peach-pink double flowers that enhance the beauty of gardens and landscapes.
- Variety in Landscaping: Due to its unique color and form, it provides variety and contrast when used in mixed borders or floral arrangements.
- Bloom Season Extension: Blooms in the fall, offering color and interest in the garden when many other plants are no longer in peak condition.
- Attracts Beneficial Insects: Flowers provide nectar and pollen for bees and other beneficial insects, supporting biodiversity.
- Easy to Grow: This chrysanthemum variety is known for being easy to cultivate in a range of conditions, making it suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Drought Resistance: Once established, 'Cameo' can tolerate periods of drought, making it a suitable choice for water-wise gardens.
- Perennial Growth: As a perennial, it returns each year, reducing the need for planting annual flowers.
- Seasonal Festivities: Chrysanthemums are often associated with autumn celebrations, and 'Cameo' can be used to decorate for these occasions.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Chrysanthemum 'Cameo' can be used as a natural fabric dye, providing a range of yellow and golden hues to textiles depending on the mordant used.
- The petals of chrysanthemums can be pressed and incorporated into papermaking for decorative effects in handmade papers and cards.
- Dried chrysanthemum flowers can be used to stuff sachets, creating a fragrant addition to drawers and closets to impart a gentle aroma on linens and clothing.
- Chrysanthemum bloom heads can be used in potpourri mixtures, contributing both fragrance and a touch of color to the blend.
- In Japan, chrysanthemum blooms can be floated in bowls of water to create a simple and elegant decorative feature known as 'Kiku Ningyo'.
- Certain chrysanthemum flowers, when dried, can be used as a natural rodent repellent due to their pungent smell that rodents tend to avoid.
- As a biological pest control agent, chrysanthemum plants can attract beneficial insects such as ladybugs which feed on aphids and other garden pests.
- Chrysanthemum petals can also be incorporated into crafts such as candle making, adding a floral touch to the appearance and scent of homemade candles.
- The robust stems of chrysanthemums can be used in floral arrangements to provide structure and support for more delicate flowers and foliage.
- Chrysanthemum 'Cameo' can be planted as a companion plant in vegetable gardens to help deter certain pests through its natural insecticidal properties.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiChrysanthemums are believed to bring happiness and laughter to the home in Feng Shui practice, as they are associated with positivity and ease. The vibrant colors of the flowers are thought to add yang energy, which contributes to an active and vibrant atmosphere. They may be placed in living areas or offices to attract good luck and suppress negative energies.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityChrysanthemums are not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Longevity and Immortality: Chrysanthemums are often associated with long life and perpetuity. The flower’s ability to bloom in autumn, a time when most other flowers have finished their life cycle, gives it a strong association with resilience and enduring life.
- Love and Affection: The Chrysanthemum 'Cameo', with its tender pink hues, can symbolize deep passion and a heart filled with love, conveying sentiments of affection and devotion.
- Loyalty and Honesty: Often given between friends, chrysanthemums represent reliability and the virtue of true, steadfast friends who are honest with each other.
- Recovery and Healing: In some cultures, chrysanthemums are seen as a symbol of recovery or a wish for good health, possibly because of their medicinal properties and their late blooming, suggesting resilience.
- Mourning and Grief: In some European countries, chrysanthemums are symbolic of death and are often used in funerary arrangements to honor someone’s passing.
- Joy and Optimism: Despite some associations with grief, in general, chrysanthemums can also signify joy and the power of cheerfulness to overcome the darkness, largely due to their bright and varied colors.
WaterThe mum, also known as Chrysanthemum, should be watered regularly to maintain evenly moist soil, especially during its growing season in spring and summer. Typically, watering thoroughly once a week should be sufficient, but this may need to increase to twice a week during periods of extreme heat or if the plant is in a particularly sunny spot. When watering, apply water slowly at the base of the plant until it begins to run out from the bottom of the pot, indicating that the soil is fully saturated. In terms of amount, this typically means using approximately 1 gallon of water per week for outdoor plants and less for those in containers, adjusted based on weather conditions and soil drainage.
LightMums prefer a spot that receives full sunlight for at least 6 hours a day. The ideal location would be one that has morning sunlight and some afternoon shade, especially in hotter climates, to prevent scorching. Mums will also thrive in an area that is bright and sunny all day, as long as they are adequately watered to cope with the extra heat.
TemperatureMums are hardy and can survive in a range of temperatures but grow best when daytime temperatures are between 60°F and 75°F. They can handle minimum temperatures down to 32°F, which makes them suitable for fall planting, and maximum temperatures up to around 90°F. However, consistently high temperatures combined with humidity can stress the plant, so providing shade and ample water during hot days is important.
PruningPrune mums to encourage bushier growth and more blooms. Pinch back the tips of the stems in the spring and early summer when they are about 4 to 6 inches tall. Repeat this process every two to three weeks until around mid-July, which helps to build a robust and full plant. After the blooming season, typically in late fall, cut back the spent flowers and stems to prepare the plant for the next year.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Chrysanthemum 'Cameo', commonly known as mums, should be well-draining with a mixture of peat, perlite, and compost. Ideal soil pH for mums is slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0. A balanced, slow-release fertilizer can be incorporated into the mix to provide nutrients.
RepottingMums should be repotted every one to two years to replenish nutrients and prevent root bounding. Repotting is best done in the spring just as new growth begins, allowing the plant to establish itself before the blooming season.
Humidity & MistingMums prefer moderate humidity levels ranging from 40-60%. They thrive in well-ventilated areas where air can circulate freely, which helps to maintain these ideal humidity conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place mums in bright, indirect sunlight and avoid overwatering.
Outdoor
Plant in well-drained soil; partial to full sunlight; water regularly.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleChrysanthemum 'Cameo', commonly known as hardy garden mum, begins its cycle from seed or vegetative cuttings wherein it germinates or roots. The plant then enters a vegetative growth stage, during which it develops a strong root system and lush foliage in preparation for flowering. As temperatures drop and daylight decreases in late summer to early fall, Cameo mums transition into the budding stage, where flower buds form and start to develop. The full bloom stage occurs in late summer or fall, showcasing the plant's vibrant flowers that can be a range of colors including the soft, apricot hue unique to the Cameo variety. After the blooming period, the plant enters senescence or a dormancy phase in response to colder temperatures and shorter days, during which above-ground growth dies back and the plant conserves energy in its root system. Lastly, in the spring, as temperatures warm and days lengthen, the Chrysanthemum 'Cameo' breaks dormancy to begin the cycle anew with fresh growth.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Chrysanthemum 'Cameo', commonly known as the Cameo Mum, is most commonly propagated through the division of established plants. This practice is typically carried out in the spring after the danger of frost has passed but before new growth starts to emerge. To propagate by division, the gardener would carefully dig up the parent plant, ensuring to get as much of the root system as possible. Using a sharp spade or knife, the clump is then divided into smaller sections, each with several shoots and a portion of the root system. These sections are then replanted at the same depth they were growing at before, spaced about 18 inches (approximately 45 centimeters) apart to allow for ample growth. Watering the new divisions thoroughly helps establish them in their new locations, and with adequate care, they will grow into healthy chrysanthemum plants that can be enjoyed during the blooming season.
