Chrysanthemum Chrysanthemum 'Candlewick Limelight' (29d)
ABOUT
Chrysanthemum 'Candlewick Limelight', commonly known as mums or chrysanthemums, presents a stunning display with its unique and vibrant appearance. This particular variety is noted for its distinctive flowers that boast a blend of colors. The blossoms exhibit a radiant transition from a cheerful green at the base, reminiscent of fresh lime, which gradually shifts to a creamy white towards the petals' tips. This two-toned effect gives off a softened glow, hence the name 'Limelight'. The flower heads are composed of numerous individual petals that unfold in layers, creating a full and lush look. These petals have a soft texture, and each one elegantly curves and overlaps its neighbors to form the characteristic shape of chrysanthemum blooms. The plant is well-branched and sports an abundance of these eye-catching flowers, creating a dense and vibrant display of color. Its foliage consists of deeply lobed leaves, which maintain a rich green hue and provide an excellent backdrop for the showy blooms. The combination of striking flowers and attractive foliage makes the Chrysanthemum 'Candlewick Limelight' a favorite for adding a splash of lasting color to gardens and landscapes.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Mum, Chrysanths.
Common names
Chrysanthemum 'Candlewick Limelight'
ToxicityTo humans
Chrysanthemums, commonly known as mums, are not highly toxic to humans, but they can cause irritation if their sap comes into contact with the skin or if their parts are ingested. This can lead to dermatitis or skin rashes due to the plant's natural chemicals. If ingested, parts of the mum can cause mild gastrointestinal upset, which can include symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. These symptoms are typically not severe, but it is advisable to consult a medical professional if ingestion occurs or if symptoms persist.
To pets
Mums are considered toxic to pets. If a dog or cat ingests parts of a mum plant, they can experience symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, hypersalivation, incoordination, and dermatitis. In severe cases, ingestion can lead to more serious symptoms such as weakness and signs of an allergic reaction. If you suspect your pet has ingested mums, contact a veterinarian promptly for proper care and treatment.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
2 feet [61 cm]
Spread
2 feet [61 cm]
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Adds vibrant color to gardens with its bright yellow-green blooms, making it a standout choice for landscape design.
- Attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies, which are beneficial for garden health and biodiversity.
- Easy to grow and maintain, which makes it suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Durable and able to withstand cooler temperatures, extending the garden's visual appeal into late fall.
- Can be used in cut flower arrangements, adding longevity and variety to indoor floral displays.
- Works well in container gardening, allowing for flexibility in placement and garden space utilization.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Artistic Displays: The vibrant petals of chrysanthemums can be pressed and used in the creation of botanical artwork or to enhance the aesthetic of handmade paper.
- Natural Dyes: The pigments extracted from chrysanthemum petals can be used as natural dyes for fabrics or in craft projects.
- Garden Borders: Chrysanthemums can be planted in garden borders for their dense and compact growth habit, providing a neat, structured look.
- Photography Subjects: Due to their intricate blossom structures and contrasting colors, chrysanthemums are popular subjects for macro and nature photographers.
- Culinary Garnishes: Although not widely practiced, some chrysanthemum petals can be used as decorative garnishes on cakes and desserts, provided they are free of pesticides and not of a toxic variety.
- Companion Planting: Chrysanthemums can be used in companion planting as they can help deter certain pests with their natural properties.
- Flower Arranging Classes: Chrysanthemums are often used in educational settings for teaching the art of flower arranging due to their variety of colors and forms.
- Fragrance Extraction: Some chrysanthemum species can be used in the production of natural fragrances for perfumes or scented candles, though they are not as commonly sourced as other flowers.
- Theme Gardens: Chrysanthemums can be used in creating specific garden themes, such as a fall garden featuring autumnal colors.
- Sandwich Filler: The edible varieties of chrysanthemums can have their petals used as a colorful, albeit unconventional, addition to sandwiches for a light floral flavor.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Chrysanthemum is known in Feng Shui to bring about happiness and laughter, and it is often used to foster a life of ease. Place the Chrysanthemum in the living room or areas where guests are received to promote joy and good energy, and choose bright colors like yellow to introduce a sense of cheerfulness and vibrant life force into the space.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Chrysanthemum is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Longevity and Immortality: Chrysanthemums, or ‘mums, are often associated with long life and immortality due to their ability to bloom into the late fall and their medicinal properties in some cultures.
- Rebirth and Renewal: As they bloom in the fall, ‘mums are connected to the idea of rebirth and the cycle of life, representing the transition into a new phase or season.
- Joy and Happiness: Their bright and varied colors convey cheerfulness, making them a popular choice for celebrations and to lift spirits.
- Loyalty and Devotion: They often symbolize strong, lasting relationships and fidelity, thus being ideal for showing commitment in friendships and romantic partnerships.
- Beauty and Perfection: The intricate layers of the ‘mum petals are seen as a representation of beauty and the idea of an ideal or perfect life. This comes from their appealing aesthetic and balanced form.
WaterMums, including the 'Candlewick Limelight', prefer evenly moist soil; thus, frequent watering is necessary, especially during dry spells. Water the plant thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which typically means once or twice a week depending on weather conditions. When watering, avoid wetting the foliage and flowers, as this can encourage disease. Instead, water at the base of the plant, allowing the water to seep deeply into the soil, promoting healthy root growth. Provide about 1 gallon of water per plant during each watering session to ensure adequate soil moisture for optimal health and flowering.
LightMums thrive in full sunlight, so the 'Candlewick Limelight' should be placed in a location where it receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. The ideal site for the plant is one that offers bright morning light, which will help to maximize bloom production and plant vigor. Be mindful that in extremely hot climates, some afternoon shade can be beneficial to prevent scorching.
TemperatureThe 'Candlewick Limelight' mum does best in cooler conditions and can survive temperatures down to about 32 degrees Fahrenheit, making it suitable for growth in many temperate regions. The ideal temperature range for mums is between 55 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit, as this promotes strong growth and flowering. It’s also important to note that these plants can be damaged by temperatures above 85 degrees Fahrenheit, especially if combined with high humidity.
PruningPruning mums like the 'Candlewick Limelight' is essential for promoting a bushier growth habit and more prolific flowering. Pinch back the growing tips when plants are about 6 inches tall, and continue to do so every few weeks until mid-summer, which encourages branching and can result in a fuller plant with more blooms. The best time for the last pruning is by the Fourth of July, to allow flower buds to form for fall blooming.
CleaningAs needed
SoilMums thrive best in well-draining soil enriched with compost. A soil pH between 6.0 and 6.7 is ideal. Mix in organic matter and peat moss to improve drainage and fertility.
RepottingMums should be repotted every one to two years or when they outgrow their current pot. Spring is the best time for repotting to encourage healthy growth.
Humidity & MistingMums prefer moderate humidity levels, around 40-60%. They can tolerate lower humidity but may need more frequent watering under those conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright indirect light, avoid excess heat, and maintain moderate humidity.
Outdoor
Plant in well-draining soil, full sun to partial shade, protect from harsh elements.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleChrysanthemum 'Candlewick Limelight', commonly known as Mums, start their life cycle when seeds germinate in the spring, given warm temperatures and sufficient light. Seedlings emerge and grow into vegetative plants with lush foliage, which then begin to form tight clusters of buds in late summer or early fall as day length shortens. These buds bloom into the characteristic colorful flowers that may vary in shape and size, depending on the variety, in response to cooler temperatures and longer nights. After flowering, Mums enter a period of senescence; if not perennial in the region, the plants die back with the onset of winter conditions. In areas where they are perennial, Mums will undergo dormancy during the cold months, storing energy in their underground structures. With the return of favorable conditions in the subsequent spring, the plants will break dormancy, sprouting new shoots from the base or roots and restarting the cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Chrysanthemum 'Candlewick Limelight,' commonly known as mum, is best propagated through stem cuttings. This technique is typically performed during the spring to early summer, coinciding with the plant's active growth phase. To propagate by stem cuttings, a healthy, non-flowering shoot about 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) long is selected. The lower leaves of the cutting are removed, and the stem is cut just below a leaf node. The cut end is then dipped in rooting hormone to enhance root development and inserted into a pot filled with a mixture of peat and perlite or sand. The cutting is kept under high humidity, either by placing a clear plastic bag over the pot or keeping it in a humid environment, and maintained at a temperature of around 70°F (21°C). After a few weeks, when the cutting has rooted, it can be transplanted to its permanent location.
