Mum Chrysanthemum 'Denise' (28b)
ABOUT
Chrysanthemum 'Denise' is a cultivated variety known for its ornamental qualities and vibrant blooms. This particular type of chrysanthemum boasts a dense cluster of flowers that exhibit a rich, warm color palette, often featuring hues of deep orange to yellowish bronze. The individual blossoms are characterized by numerous layered petals that radiate from the center, creating a lush, full appearance. The petals may have a velvety texture and are typically tightly arranged, which gives the flowerhead a pompon-like effect. This spherical shape of the bloom is highly appreciated in gardens and floral arrangements for its aesthetic appeal. The contrast between the dark green foliage and the bright flowers helps to accentuate the colors of the blooms, making them stand out vividly. As for growth habit, Chrysanthemum 'Denise' forms a bushy and rounded mound of leaves that provide a dense backdrop for the profusion of flowerheads that appear in the blooming season. The leaves are typically deeply lobed, with a slightly serrated edge, and they may possess a certain thickness and rigidity, adding to the robust nature of the plant. When in full bloom, the plant is covered in a spectacular display of its characteristic flowers, drawing the attention of onlookers and providing a colorful highlight to the planting area.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae.
Synonyms
Mum, Chrysanthemum, Hardy Chrysanthemum, Garden Mum.
Common names
Chrysanthemum 'Denise'.
ToxicityTo humans
Chrysanthemums, commonly known as mums or chrysanths, are not highly toxic to humans, but they can cause mild irritation and discomfort when ingested or if the sap comes into contact with skin. The symptoms of chrysanthemum ingestion in humans might include dermatitis, diarrhea, and vomiting. It is advisable to keep chrysanthemums out of reach of children who might accidentally ingest the plant.
To pets
Chrysanthemums are toxic to pets, especially to cats and dogs. The toxic principle is pyrethrins and sesquiterpene lactones, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, salivation, incoordination, and dermatitis upon ingestion. In severe cases, the toxicity could lead to neurological symptoms such as seizures. It is important to prevent pets from ingesting any part of the plant and to seek veterinary care if they do.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
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: Chrysanthemum 'Denise' adds vibrant color and beauty to gardens and landscapes with its showy flowers.
- Seasonal Interest: It blooms in the fall, providing color and interest during a season when many other plants are fading.
- Pollinator Attraction: The flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, supporting biodiversity.
- Easy to Grow: This variety of chrysanthemum is known for being relatively easy to cultivate, requiring minimal maintenance under the right conditions.
- Versatile Use: Can be used in borders, as bedding, in containers, and as cut flowers for indoor decoration.
- Durability: It is generally resistant to pests and diseases, making it a hardy choice for many gardeners.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography subjects: The ornate petals of Chrysanthemums can provide an excellent subject for macro photography, allowing photographers to capture intricate details and vibrant colors.
- Art inspiration: The unique patterns and colors of the Chrysanthemum can serve as inspiration for artists and can be used in paintings, drawings, and textile designs.
- Natural dye: The flowers of the Chrysanthemum can be used to produce a natural dye for fabrics, offering a range of yellows and greens depending on the mordant used.
- Crafting: Dried Chrysanthemum flowers can be used in scrapbooking, card making, or as part of a potpourri mix to add color and texture to crafts.
- Garden aesthetics: As an ornamental plant, Chrysanthemum 'Denise' can be strategically planted to enhance garden designs and aesthetic displays with its colorful blooms.
- Culinary garnish: Although not specific to the 'Denise' variety, some species of Chrysanthemums are edible and can be used as colorful garnishes on food.
- Fragrance extraction: Chrysanthemum flowers can be used in the production of natural fragrances for perfumery or scented products, through methods such as steam distillation.
- Companion planting: Chrysanthemums can be used in gardens as companion plants to deter pests from more vulnerable crops due to their natural insecticidal properties.
- Symbolism and gifts: Chrysanthemums carry cultural and symbolic meanings in various countries and are thus given as gifts to convey messages of loyalty, friendship, or well-wishing.
- Edible landscapes: While 'Denise' may not be a variety used for consumption, Chrysanthemums can contribute to edible landscapes for those varieties that are safe to eat, while also providing visual appeal.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Chrysanthemum is believed in Feng Shui to bring happiness and laughter into the home, hence it is often recommended to place Chrysanthemums in areas where energy, known as chi, needs to be lifted. Specifically, placing them in the living room can encourage relaxation and social interaction, contributing to a more harmonious environment.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Chrysanthemum is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Longevity: The Chrysanthemum is often associated with long life and well-being, which can be traced back to its use in traditional Chinese medicine.
- Rejuvenation: Because it blooms in the autumn, the flower signifies the idea of rebirth and recovering from adversity, as nature prepares for the winter only to bloom again.
- Loyalty: In certain cultures, particularly in Japan, where it's the flower of the Emperor, the Chrysanthemum stands for loyalty and devotion.
- Happiness: The bright and varied colors of Chrysanthemums are often linked to happiness and joy, making it a popular gift in celebratory contexts.
- Nobility: Particularly in Asia, the flower is associated with nobility and elegance due to its sophisticated form and deep cultural connections.
WaterMums, including the Chrysanthemum 'Denise', should be watered regularly to maintain evenly moist soil, especially during their growing season. They typically require watering every other day, but this can vary depending on climate conditions. Generally, aim to provide about one inch of water per week, measured through rainfall and supplemental watering combined. Adjust your watering schedule during periods of high heat or drought by checking the soil moisture. Ensure that the plant is in well-draining soil to prevent root rot, and avoid overhead watering to minimize the risk of foliar diseases.
LightMums thrive in full sunlight, which means they require at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. The best spot for the Chrysanthemum 'Denise' is in an area that receives unobstructed sunshine for the majority of the day. If the light is too intense in hot climates, they can benefit from some afternoon shade to prevent scorching.
TemperatureMums, such as the Chrysanthemum 'Denise', perform best in temperatures ranging from 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They can survive brief periods outside this range, but prolonged exposure to temperatures below 32 degrees Fahrenheit can be damaging. Ideal growing conditions involve moderate daytime temperatures with cooler nights, promoting healthy growth and vibrant blooms.
PruningPruning mums, including the Chrysanthemum 'Denise', is necessary to encourage bushier growth and more blooms. Pinch back the tips of the stems in late spring or early summer when they are about 4 to 6 inches tall. Remove spent flowers to encourage continual blooming. The best time for major pruning is after the blooming period, cutting back the plants to maintain a tidy shape and prevent them from becoming too leggy.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for garden mums, including Chrysanthemum 'Denise', is well-draining and fertile with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.0 to 7.0. A mixture of loam, peat moss or compost, and perlite or vermiculite is recommended.
RepottingGarden mums like Chrysanthemum 'Denise' should be repotted every one to two years, ideally in the spring, to refresh the soil and allow for growth.
Humidity & MistingChrysanthemum 'Denise' does well in average indoor humidity levels between 40% and 60%.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright light, well-draining soil, and regular water.
Outdoor
Full sun, well-drained soil, and regular watering.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of the Chrysanthemum 'Denise' begins with germination, where seeds sown in well-draining soil and consistent moisture sprout to form seedlings. The vegetative growth stage follows, during which the seedlings develop into young plants with a dense foliage of deeply lobed leaves, and this stage can be enhanced with regular fertilization and appropriate watering. As the plants mature during the flowering stage, they produce a profusion of decorative flower heads that come in shades of pink, red, yellow, or white, often initiated by shorter day lengths as the season transitions from summer to fall. After blooming, seeds form in the spent flower heads which can be collected for propagation or left to self-sow if environmental conditions permit. The plants then enter a dormant phase, especially in colder climates, where they may die back to the ground and go through a period of rest during the winter. With the return of favorable conditions in spring, the Chrysanthemum 'Denise' can regrow from surviving rootstock or seeds, completing its life cycle and beginning anew.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Chrysanthemum 'Denise', commonly referred to as mums, can be propagated through the method of cuttings, which is the most popular approach. To propagate mums by cuttings, one should ideally take the cuttings in spring when the new growth is about 6 inches (15 cm) long. Using a sharp, sterile cutting tool, cut just below a leaf node, and remove the lower leaves to expose a clean stem. Dip the cut end into rooting hormone powder to encourage root development. Place the stem in a moist, sterile potting mix and ensure the environment is humid by loosely covering the cutting with a plastic bag or placing it in a greenhouse. Roots typically develop within three to four weeks, after which the new plants can be gradually acclimatized to outdoor conditions and then transplanted into the garden.
