Chrysanthemum 'Daphne Davis' Chrysanthemum 'Daphne Davis' (29d)
ABOUT
'Daphne Davis' is a half-hardy perennial with white flowers flushed with pink, with a distinct yellow centre
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Mum, Chrysanthemum
Common names
Chrysanthemum 'Daphne Davis'.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Chrysanthemums are known for their beautiful and diverse flowers, with 'Daphne Davis' offering vibrant color and visual interest to gardens.
- Seasonal Interest: Typically blooming in late summer to fall, 'Daphne Davis' helps extend the flowering season in gardens when many other plants have finished blooming.
- Pollinator Attraction: They attract bees and butterflies, which are beneficial for pollination in the garden, helping to encourage biodiversity.
- Low Maintenance: 'Daphne Davis' is a relatively low maintenance plant that requires minimal care once established, making it suitable for various landscape settings.
- Versatility: This cultivar can be used in borders, containers, or as cut flowers for indoor arrangements, providing flexibility in garden design and use.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, they are fairly drought-tolerant, requiring less watering than many other garden plants.
- Cultural Significance: Chrysanthemums have cultural importance in several countries, where they may be used in festivals and celebrations, adding another layer of interest.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography: The vivid colors and unique structure of Chrysanthemum flowers make them excellent subjects for photographers, particularly in macro photography where their details can be showcased.
- Artistic Inspiration: Artists may use Chrysanthemums as a muse for paintings, drawings, and textile designs, capturing the beauty and variety of the flowers in their work.
- Floral Art: Chrysanthemum blooms can be used in floral art competitions, where their diverse forms and colors provide a wide palette for creating stunning arrangements.
- Education: Botany teachers can use these plants to demonstrate plant growth, flower anatomy, and pollination to students.
- Tattoo Design: Chrysanthemums are popular motifs in tattoo art, symbolizing life and rebirth in some cultures.
- Food Decoration: Edible varieties of Chrysanthemums can be used to decorate cakes and pastries, adding a splash of natural color and elegance.
- Festivals: In various cultures, these flowers are used during festivals; for example, the Chrysanthemum Festival in Japan, or “Kiku no Sekku,” celebrates the flower's significance.
- Dyeing Fabric: The petals can be used to naturally dye fabrics, providing a range of colors from yellows to deep reds depending on the Chrysanthemum variety.
- Embroidery: The Chrysanthemum can serve as inspiration for intricate embroidery patterns on garments and home textiles due to its appealing symmetry and layers.
- Scented Products: These flowers can be used in the production of scented sachets, candles, and natural room fresheners, although they are often synthetically replicated.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiChrysanthemums are associated with happiness and well-being in Feng Shui, so you could place Chrysanthemums in areas of your home where you want to foster a sense of joy and ease, such as the living room or garden.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Chrysanthemum is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Longevity: Chrysanthemums are often associated with long life and well-being, as in many cultures they're considered a symbol of longevity due to their hardy nature and ability to bloom into the late autumn.
- Loyalty and Devotion: The Chrysanthemum, through its full and vibrant bloom, represents fidelity and strong relationships which are qualities reflected in the name 'Daphne Davis', suggesting a connection to love and dedication.
- Rebirth and Renewal: As these flowers often bloom in the fall, they can signify the idea of rebirth and a new beginning or the cycle of life, embracing change as part of nature's course.
- Nobility: In some Asian cultures, chrysanthemums are associated with nobility and elegance, representing the virtues of a noble character, and their intricate and dignified form supports this symbolism.
- Death: In certain European countries, chrysanthemums are symbolic of death and are often used for funerals or to honor the lives of the deceased, showing reverence and remembrance.
WaterMums, including the Chrysanthemum 'Daphne Davis', should be watered consistently to keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy. During active growth, water them with approximately 1 gallon per week depending on weather conditions; in hot, dry weather, you may need to water more frequently. Establish a watering schedule that allows the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. Avoid overhead watering to keep the foliage dry and minimize the risk of disease. Always use room temperature water and water early in the morning to allow any moisture on the foliage to dry during the day.
LightMums thrive in full sun conditions, so place your Chrysanthemum 'Daphne Davis' in a location where it will receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. An east or west-facing location is ideal as it provides ample light without the intense heat of the midday sun, which can sometimes be too harsh. Avoid placing them in deep shade as this can impede flowering and promote leggy growth.
TemperatureChrysanthemums, including 'Daphne Davis', prefer cooler conditions with ideal temperatures ranging between 60°F to 70°F. They can tolerate a minimum temperature of 32°F, protecting them from frost, and a maximum temperature of around 90°F, although prolonged heat can be stressful. For the best growth and flowering, keep 'Daphne Davis' in an area that doesn't experience extreme temperature fluctuations.
PruningPruning mums, like Chrysanthemum 'Daphne Davis', encourages bushier growth and more abundant blooms. Pinch back the tips of the stems in early summer when the plants are about 6 inches tall to encourage branching. Prune any dead or diseased stems throughout the growing season. The best time for major pruning is after the flowering has finished, usually in late fall or early winter, but before a hard freeze.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Chrysanthemum should be rich, well-draining, and have a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. A combination of garden soil, peat moss, and perlite or vermiculite works well to provide the necessary drainage and nutrient content.
RepottingMums, including the Chrysanthemum 'Daphne Davis', should be repotted every one to two years or when they outgrow their current pot. Spring is the ideal time for repotting to support the forthcoming growing season.
Humidity & MistingMums prefer average household humidity levels, around 40-60%. Extreme variations should be avoided, as very high humidity can lead to fungal issues and too low can cause stress.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright indirect light and consistent watering for indoor growth.
Outdoor
Plant in well-draining soil with access to full or partial sun.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleThe Chrysanthemum 'Daphne Davis', commonly known as Mum, begins its life cycle as a seed or more commonly from cuttings or division due to its cultivated nature. The plant then enters a vegetative stage where it develops roots, stems, and leaves through the process of germination and growth. After a period of vegetative growth, the Mum enters the budding stage where flower buds start to form, usually triggered by shorter day lengths. The blooming stage follows, with vibrant flowers fully opening and showcasing their beauty for several weeks in late summer to fall. Post-bloom, the Mum enters a period of senescence where the flowers wilt and the plant prepares for dormancy; in colder climates, the plant may die back to the ground to survive winter. Mums complete their cycle in the next growing season by either re-sprouting from the root system or being replanted from new cuttings.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: The Chrysanthemum 'Daphne Davis', commonly known as mums, is typically propagated through stem cuttings. The best time to take cuttings is during the spring when the plant is producing new, vigorous growth. For successful propagation, cut a 4 to 6 inch (about 10 to 15 cm) section from a healthy, disease-free stem. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end into a rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a pot filled with a soilless potting mix, ensuring that the bottom half of the cutting is buried. Keep the soil consistently moist and place the pot in a bright area with indirect sunlight. Roots should develop within a few weeks, and once they have, the new plant can be transplanted into the garden or into a larger pot for further growth.
