Chrysanthemum Chrysanthemum 'Dark Pink Gin' (9c)
ABOUT
The Chrysanthemum 'Dark Pink Gin' is a vibrant and captivating plant known for its stunning flower display. This variety boasts a lush and dense foliage that serves as a rich green backdrop to its prominent flowers. The leaves of the plant are deeply lobed, with each segment neatly carved out, giving them a decorative, fern-like appearance. The true spectacle of this chrysanthemum lies in its blossoms. The flowers are a vivid, deep pink color that exudes radiance and warmth. Each bloom is composed of a multitude of petals that are tightly packed together, creating a pom-pom-like effect that is both fluffy and visually enticing. The petals have a certain velvety texture that enhances their luxurious appearance and makes them especially alluring when they catch the light. As the plant matures, the blossoms continue to unfurl from tight buds to full flowers, creating a dynamic display of various pink tones that range from soft to intense hues. This floral array is especially striking when the plant is in full bloom, as the contrast between the dark green foliage and the rich pink blossoms makes for a show-stopping visual. Whether planted in a garden bed, border, or as part of a container arrangement, the Chrysanthemum 'Dark Pink Gin' is sure to be a focal point, drawing the eye with its dazzling flowers that have the power to brighten any space with their vivid color and lush texture.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Dark Pink Gin Chrysanthemum, Mum, Decorative Mum
Common names
Dendranthema 'Dark Pink Gin', Chrysanthemum morifolium 'Dark Pink Gin'.
ToxicityTo humans
Chrysanthemums, including the 'Dark Pink Gin' cultivar, contain pyrethrins and other potential irritants that can be toxic to humans if ingested. Symptoms of poisoning can include gastrointestinal upset, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In some cases, contact with the skin can cause dermatitis.
To pets
Chrysanthemums are toxic to pets as they contain compounds called pyrethrins, as well as sesquiterpene lactones, which can be harmful if ingested. Symptoms of poisoning in pets can include vomiting, diarrhea, hypersalivation, incoordination, and dermatitis. Cats may be especially sensitive to these toxins and can suffer more severe reactions.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Dark pink
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- Aesthetic Appeal: The Chrysanthemum 'Dark Pink Gin', commonly known as a mum, adds vibrant dark pink color to gardens and landscapes, creating a visually appealing display.
- Seasonal Interest: Mums are known for their robust blooms in late summer through fall, providing color and interest when many other plants are fading.
- Bee and Butterfly Attraction: These plants are excellent for attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies, contributing to the health of local ecosystems.
- Low Maintenance: Mums generally require minimal care, making them a convenient choice for both novice and experienced gardeners.
- Long Blooming Period: The long blooming season of mums extends the colorful display in gardens and provides extended enjoyment.
- Versatility in Landscaping: Mums can be used in a variety of garden designs, including borders, containers, and as ground cover plants.
- Cold Tolerance: Being hardy plants, mums can withstand colder temperatures and are well-suited for fall gardening.
- Propagation: Mums can be easily propagated from cuttings or by division, allowing gardeners to increase their stock and share with others.
- Event Decorating: Due to their showy and festive appearance, mums are often used in decorations for events and celebrations, particularly in the autumn.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Natural Fabric Dyes: The petals of the Chrysanthemum can be used to create a range of pink to violet colors for dyeing fabrics.
- Plant Companion: This variety may help in companion planting, as Chrysanthemums are known to repel certain harmful insects and could protect neighboring plants.
- Photography and Art: Due to their vibrant color, 'Dark Pink Gin' Chrysanthemums are often used as subjects or backdrops in photography and botanical illustration.
- Edible Decorations: The flowers can be crystallized or used fresh to decorate desserts and other dishes, adding color and a touch of elegance.
- Craft Projects: Dried petals and blooms can be incorporated into potpourri mixes, or used in homemade papermaking for textural and visual interest.
- Aesthetic Aquarium Additions: While not a common practice, dried chrysanthemum petals can sometimes be added to aquariums for aesthetic purposes and to provide hiding spaces for small fish.
- Garden Mulch: After the blooming season, the plants' foliage and stems can be chopped up and used as mulch to enrich garden soil and retain moisture.
- Floral Arrangements: They are commonly used in floristry for creating vibrant and long-lasting floral arrangements.
- Special Events Decor: Chrysanthemums are often used in event decoration, such as weddings or parties, due to their bold color and large blossoms.
- Symbolism and Gifts: In various cultures, Chrysanthemums symbolize joy, longevity, or love and are often given as gifts in different forms, from living plants to floral arrangements.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiChrysanthemums are associated with happiness and well-being in Feng Shui, bringing positive energy when placed in the home. The 'Dark Pink Gin' variety, known simply as Chrysanthemum, can be used to introduce yang energy due to its vibrant color. Positioning them in the living room or as part of a color-coded bagua area, such as the southwest for love and marriage or the east for family and health, can help enhance those life aspects.
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 Asian cultures they are a symbol of immortality and life extension.
- Loyalty: The chrysanthemum is also seen as a symbol of loyalty and devoted love, often given to express the wish for the recipient to be with loved ones.
- Rejuvenation: As the flower blooms in autumn, a period when most flowers wither, it symbolizes the idea of rebirth or rejuvenation amidst adversity.
- Nobility: In some historical contexts, chrysanthemums were associated with nobility and elegance, especially in Japan where the flower is revered and known as 'kiku'.
- Beauty: The full and vibrant petals of the chrysanthemum suggest beauty in life, and it is often given as a compliment to someone's charm or attractiveness.
- Friendship: Due to its bright and cheerful appearance, chrysanthemums can denote genuineness in friendship and are used to honor relationships.
WaterMums, including the Chrysanthemum 'Dark Pink Gin', should be watered deeply and thoroughly, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. They typically need watering once a week, but this can vary based on climate conditions and soil type; during hot, dry spells, watering frequency might increase. The method should be to water at the base of the plant, avoiding wetting the leaves to prevent fungal diseases. An estimated 1 to 1.5 gallons per plant per watering session is often sufficient to moisten the soil to an adequate depth.
LightMums thrive in bright, indirect sunlight. They should be placed in a spot where they can receive at least six hours of sunlight per day. Avoid placing the Chrysanthemum 'Dark Pink Gin' in direct, harsh afternoon sun as it may cause the flowers to fade.
TemperatureMums prefer cooler temperatures and can thrive in conditions ranging from 55 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They can tolerate minimum temperatures down to 32 degrees Fahrenheit for short periods but cannot withstand frost. The ideal temperature range is between 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit, where they will produce the most blooms.
PruningPruning mums encourages a more compact growth habit and increases the number of blooms. The Chrysanthemum 'Dark Pink Gin' should be pinched back when the new growth reaches 4 to 6 inches, typically in late spring or early summer. Regular deadheading of spent flowers will prolong the blooming period. The best time for major pruning is after the blooming season and before new growth starts in the spring.
CleaningAs needed
SoilMums prefer a rich, well-drained soil with good organic content. The best soil mix for Chrysanthemum 'Dark Pink Gin', commonly known as garden mum, would consist of equal parts garden soil, peat moss, and perlite or vermiculite to ensure drainage and aeration. The ideal soil pH for this plant is slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0.
RepottingGarden mums should be repotted every 1-2 years to replenish the soil and provide space for growing roots. It's best to repot Chrysanthemum 'Dark Pink Gin' in the spring before the new growth starts.
Humidity & MistingGarden mums like Chrysanthemum 'Dark Pink Gin' thrive in average household humidity levels, which range between 40-60%. They do well in environments that are not too dry and can benefit from occasional misting if the air is very dry.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright indirect light, ensure good airflow.
Outdoor
Full sun to partial shade, protect from harsh weather.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleThe Chrysanthemum 'Dark Pink Gin', commonly known as mums or chrysanthemums, starts its life cycle when a seed germinates in soil with the correct environmental conditions—warm temperatures and ample moisture. From the seed emerges a seedling, which develops true leaves and grows into a young plant through the vegetative stage; it is during this time that gardeners often pinch back the stems to encourage a bushier growth habit. As the plant matures and environmental cues such as shorter daylight hours and cooler temperatures occur, it enters the flowering stage, during which buds form and blossom into the characteristic vibrant dark pink flowers. After pollination, which is often facilitated by insects, the flowers may produce seeds that, if they fall to the ground, can begin a new life cycle. Following their bloom period, if the conditions are not favorable or the plant is not pruned and maintained, chrysanthemums can enter a period of senescence and die, completing their life cycle. However, with proper care, chrysanthemums can be perennial in some climates, die back to the ground during winter, and regrow from their root systems the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: The Chrysanthemum, commonly known as mum, finds its best propagation time usually in the spring or early summer. The most popular method of propagation for the 'Dark Pink Gin' cultivar is through cuttings. This involves selecting a healthy, non-flowering stem and cutting it to a length of about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters). The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end of the stem is dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. The stem is then planted in a moist potting mix, ensuring that the leaf nodes where the leaves were removed are buried as these areas are where roots are most likely to emerge. The cutting should be kept in a well-lit area but out of direct sunlight and the soil should be kept consistently moist. Roots typically begin to form within a few weeks, after which the young plant can be gradually acclimated to outdoor conditions if desired.
