Chrysanthemum Chrysanthemum 'Creamist' (25b)
ABOUT
The Chrysanthemum 'Creamist' is a captivating variety characterized by its luxurious creamy white blooms. Each flower showcases an array of densely-packed petals that unfurl elegantly from a central button, creating a full and rounded appearance. These petals have a smooth and velvety texture, and their color can be described as an exquisite shade of soft, pale cream, often with subtle hints that can veer towards a gentle yellow under certain light conditions. The overall effect of these blossoms is one of sophistication and grace. The foliage of the 'Creamist' chrysanthemum provides a lush backdrop to its flowers. The leaves are rich green, deeply lobed, and have a slightly coarse texture, which contrasts nicely with the smoothness of the petals. The plant exhibits a bushy and mounded growth habit, which allows the blooms to be prominently displayed above the greenery. This garden mum, as it's commonly known, is a favorite for its showy flowers and its ability to add a pop of brightness to any garden display or floral arrangement without the need for excessive colors. It is often celebrated for its extended blooming period, during which it provides a continuous splash of its creamy hues. The 'Creamist' variety is a timeless choice for those seeking elegance and a touch of classic beauty in their outdoor spaces or as cut flowers indoors.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae.
Synonyms
Garden Mum, Hardy Chrysanthemum, Florist's Chrysanthemum, Mums.
Common names
Chrysanthemum 'Creamist' (25b).
ToxicityTo humans
Chrysanthemums, commonly known as mums, are considered to have low toxicity to humans when ingested. However, some individuals may experience allergic reactions or dermatitis upon contact with the plant. Regarding ingestion, if large amounts are consumed, symptoms like gastrointestinal upset, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, may occur. If you suspect poisoning from any plant, including chrysanthemums, seek medical attention.
To pets
Chrysanthemums, commonly known as mums, are toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. The toxins present in mums can cause symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, hypersalivation, incoordination, and dermatitis. In severe cases, ingestion can lead to more serious conditions such as depression or loss of coordination. If you suspect your pet has ingested mums, contact a veterinarian immediately.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Cream
Height
1-3 feet (0.3-0.9 meters)
Spread
1-3 feet (0.3-0.9 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: Chrysanthemum 'Creamist' adds aesthetic value to gardens and spaces with its cream-colored blooms.
- Long Blooming Season: It typically has a long flowering period which allows for extended enjoyment of its beauty.
- Attracts Beneficial Insects: The flowers can attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, which are essential for the health of a garden.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, these chrysanthemums are relatively low maintenance, requiring only basic care to thrive.
- Variety in Landscaping: They can be used in borders, containers, or as cut flowers, offering versatility in garden design.
- Cultural Significance: Chrysanthemums have various cultural meanings and are often used in festivities and celebrations.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Floral Arrangements: Chrysanthemum flowers can be used in floral arrangements for their lush appearance and creamy color, adding sophistication to bouquets and centerpieces.
- Photography Subjects: Due to their attractive form and creamy color, chrysanthemums can be excellent subjects for botanical photography enthusiasts seeking to capture the delicate details of flowers.
- Educational Tool: Horticulture students may use the Chrysanthemum 'Creamist' to study plant breeding, growth patterns, and flower structure in a controlled environment.
- Craft Projects: The petals can be used in craft projects such as making natural flower confetti or for decorating homemade candles and soaps.
- Color Inspiration: The unique creamy hue of the Chrysanthemum 'Creamist' can serve as inspiration for artists and designers looking for a soft color palette in their work.
- Fabric Dye: While not a common use, the petals could potentially be used to create a light, natural dye for fabrics, though the color payoff may be subtle.
- Garden Display: These chrysanthemums can be planted to create aesthetic seasonal displays in gardens, particularly in areas where a softer color palette is desired.
- Companion Planting: Chrysanthemums can be used in companion planting to enhance the growth and health of certain vegetables by deterring pests with their scent.
- Culinary Decoration: Edible chrysanthemum varieties can be used to delicately garnish plates and add a floral touch to elegant dishes, although one should verify if the 'Creamist' variety is edible before consumption.
- Chrysanthemum Tea: In some cultures, chrysanthemum flowers are dried and used to make a soothing tea, known for its earthy flavor; however, for the 'Creamist' variety, its edibility should be confirmed beforehand.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Chrysanthemum is associated with well-being and happiness in Feng Shui practice. This flower can be used to bring positive energy into the home. Place Chrysanthemums in the living room to promote good health, or in the home office to enhance mental clarity and concentration. Their yang energy will also introduce uplifting vibes into your space, making them suitable for social areas where you aim to invite liveliness and joy.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Chrysanthemum is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Longevity and Immortality: Chrysanthemums are often associated with long life and well-being in many cultures, particularly in China.
- Joy and Optimism: The bright creamy colors of the 'Creamist' variety evoke feelings of happiness and positive energy.
- Loyalty and Devotion: Giving chrysanthemums can symbolize a strong loyalty and commitment between friends or family members.
- Nobility: In some societies, such as Japan's, chrysanthemums are a noble flower, often associated with the royal family.
WaterMums should be watered regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. For a potted Chrysanthemum 'Creamist', water with about 1 gallon of water once every week, but adjust the frequency according to weather conditions—water more often during hot, dry periods and reduce during cooler, wetter periods. It's important not to let the mums dry out completely, as this can stress the plant and affect flowering. When watering, aim for the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to disease.
LightMums require full sunlight to thrive, so place your Chrysanthemum 'Creamist' in a spot where it will receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. Avoid overly shaded areas, as insufficient light can lead to poor bloom development and a leggy, stretched appearance of the plant. Locations with morning sunlight and some afternoon shade during the hottest part of the day are ideal to prevent overheating.
TemperatureThe ideal temperature range for growing mums is between 60°F and 70°F. Chrysanthemum 'Creamist' can withstand temperatures down to about 32°F, but they should be protected from frost. The maximum temperature for healthy growth is around 90°F. To encourage blooming, mums require a period of cool temperatures at night, preferably between 50°F and 60°F.
PruningPrune mums to encourage bushier growth and more robust flowering. Pinching back the tips of shoots when they are 4-6 inches tall in late spring can promote branching. After the Chrysanthemum 'Creamist' blooms, cut back the foliage to around 1-2 inches above the soil to prepare the plant for dormancy. Prune again in early spring to remove any dead or damaged tissue and to shape the plant for the upcoming season.
CleaningAs needed
SoilMums thrive in well-draining, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. A mix of two parts garden soil, one part peat moss or compost, and one part perlite or sand is ideal to provide the necessary drainage and nutrients.
RepottingMums should generally be repotted every 1-2 years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth. Best done in the spring before active growth begins.
Humidity & MistingMums prefer moderate humidity levels, ranging from 40% to 60%. Avoiding excessively high humidity is key to prevent fungal diseases.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Keep mums in bright, indirect light, with well-draining soil.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun to partial shade in fertile, well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life of the Chrysanthemum, commonly known as mums, begins with seed germination, where the 'Creamist' variety will sprout from a seed in a warm, adequately moist environment. After germination, the seedling grows into a young plant with a set of true leaves and roots that establish themselves in the soil. As the plant matures, it develops a robust root system and foliage, entering a vegetative stage where it grows actively during the spring and summer. Once the plant experiences shorter daylight hours and cooler temperatures in late summer to fall, it enters the flowering stage where it produces creamy colored flowers that give it its 'Creamist' designation. After blooming, seeds can be harvested from the spent flowers if pollination has occurred, or the plant may be propagated through cuttings. In winter or unfavorable conditions, the plant may enter a period of dormancy, dying back to its roots, to then re-emerge in the following spring and continue its life cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Chrysanthemum 'Creamist', commonly known as mums, can be propagated most popularly through the method of stem cuttings. This technique involves taking a 4 to 6-inch (10 to 15 cm) cutting from a healthy, disease-free mother plant during the spring or early summer when the plant's growth is most vigorous. The lower leaves of the cutting should be removed, and the base dipped in rooting hormone before planting the cutting in a well-draining soil mix. The soil should be kept consistently moist, and the cuttings should be placed in a bright area with indirect sunlight. Rooting usually occurs within a few weeks, after which the rooted cuttings can be transplanted to their final growing location.
