Chrysanthemum Chrysanthemum 'Eastleigh' (24b)
ABOUT
The Chrysanthemum 'Eastleigh', commonly known as mum or chrysanthemum, is a captivating ornamental plant that boasts a lush, bushy appearance. The foliage of this cultivar is typically deep green, providing a perfect backdrop for its floral display. The leaves are likely to have a distinctive shape, often lobed or deeply cut, which adds texture to the overall aesthetics of the plant. As for the flowers, which are the main attraction, the 'Eastleigh' variety may feature blooms that exhibit a particular form, such as daisy-like, pompons, or button-shaped, depending on the specific cultivar. The petals could range from being long and slender to more full and rounded, each contributing to the plant's visual interest. The flowers generally come in a vibrant array of colors, possibly including shades of yellow, pink, purple, red, or white. These blooms are known to attract pollinators and are often a source of food for beneficial insects. Additionally, the flower heads are typically prominent, making them a popular choice for cut flower arrangements and garden displays. The overall impression of Chrysanthemum 'Eastleigh' is one of abundant, eye-catching blooms that provide color and life to gardens and landscapes wherever they are planted.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Eastleigh Chrysanthemum, Eastleigh Mum, Eastleigh Daisy
Common names
Chrysanthemum 'Eastleigh'
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Varies
Height
2-3 feet (60-90 cm)
Spread
2 feet (60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Adds vibrant color and ornamental beauty to gardens and landscapes.
- Attracts Pollinators: Brings in beneficial insects like bees and butterflies, which aid in pollination.
- Versatility: Suitable for borders, pots, and as cut flowers for indoor arrangements.
- Seasonal Interest: Blooms in late summer into fall, providing color when many other plants have finished flowering.
- Easy to Grow: Generally robust and does not require advanced gardening skills to maintain.
- Diverse Varieties: Availability of numerous cultivars allows for a range of color and size choices.
- Long Bloom Period: Often has a lengthy flowering time, offering extended visual enjoyment.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Artistic inspiration: Chrysanthemum 'Eastleigh' can be used as a muse for artists and photographers due to its unique form and vibrant colors, serving as a subject for artwork and photography projects.
- Dye production: The petals of chrysanthemums can be used to create natural dyes for textiles, offering an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic dyes.
- Companion planting: Chrysanthemums can be grown alongside other plants in gardens to help deter pests, as some chrysanthemum species are known to repel certain insects.
- Culinary garnish: Petals from the Chrysanthemum 'Eastleigh' can be used to decorate dishes and desserts, adding an elegant touch to culinary presentations.
- Floral crafts: The blooms can be dried and used in potpourri, wreaths, or other decorative crafts, bringing a natural element and fragrance to homemade creations.
- Festive decorations: During specific festivals like the Day of the Dead in Mexico or Chinese New Year, Chrysanthemum 'Eastleigh' can be used in cultural decorations due to its symbolic significance.
- Education and research: This variety of chrysanthemum can be used for educational purposes in horticulture classes or botanical studies, where students analyze its growth patterns and genetic traits.
- Sensory gardens: Chrysanthemum 'Eastleigh' can be incorporated into sensory gardens that focus on stimulating the senses, offering both visual beauty and a distinctive aroma.
- Bioindicators: Chrysanthemums can sometimes be used as bioindicators to monitor environmental conditions like pollution levels, as some plants may exhibit changes when exposed to certain contaminants.
- Natural confetti: Petals of the Chrysanthemum 'Eastleigh' can be tossed as natural, biodegradable confetti at celebrations, reducing environmental impact compared to traditional plastic confetti.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe chrysanthemum is used in Feng Shui to attract positive energy and to symbolize longevity and joy. It can be placed in living areas to introduce yang (active) energy or in bedrooms to promote calmness and a restful sleep. Its bright colors are said to bring a lively chi into the home.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe chrysanthemum is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Longevity and Immortality: Chrysanthemums are often associated with long life and perpetual youth due to their hardy nature and ability to bloom into the autumn when other flowers have wilted.
- Rebirth and Renewal: As these flowers bloom in fall, they symbolize not only the end of a cycle but the start of a new one, embodying the concept of rebirth.
- Loyalty and Devotion: The way chrysanthemums return year after year can represent steadfastness and faithful commitment, often in a familial or personal context.
- Happiness and Joy: With their bright and cheerful appearance, chrysanthemums are often given as gifts to convey well wishes for happiness and cheerfulness in one's life.
WaterMums, the common name for Chrysanthemum 'Eastleigh', generally need to be kept evenly moist. To achieve this, water the plant deeply when the top inch of the soil feels dry to the touch. This could mean watering once a week, but the frequency can change based on temperature and humidity. Aim to provide about one gallon of water for each watering to ensure it reaches the root zone. Avoid overhead watering to prevent disease, and during hot, dry spells, you may need to water more frequently to keep the soil consistently moist.
LightMums thrive in full to partial sunlight. The ideal location is where they can receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight a day. Be sure to place them in a spot that gets morning sunlight and some afternoon shade, especially in hotter climates, to protect them from scorching.
TemperatureMums grow best in temperatures ranging from 55 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They can survive minimum temperatures down to around 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Ideally, you should avoid exposing them to extreme heat above 90 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent stress and damage to the plant.
PruningPruning mums helps encourage bushier growth and more blooms. Pinch back the growing tips of the plant in late spring to early summer. Regularly deadhead spent flowers to promote continuous blooming. The best time for pruning is after the risk of frost has passed but before the plant begins setting buds for fall blooms.
CleaningAs needed
SoilMums prefer well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter. A mix of equal parts peat, perlite, and organic compost is ideal. They thrive in a pH of 6.0 to 7.0.
RepottingMums should be repotted every one to two years to ensure they have enough room to grow and sufficient nutrients.
Humidity & MistingMums do best in moderate humidity levels, around 40-60%. Avoid excessively dry or highly humid environments for optimal growth.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place mums in bright, indirect light, and keep soil evenly moist.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun to partial shade in well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of the Chrysanthemum 'Eastleigh', commonly known as Hardy Garden Mum, begins with seed germination, occurring in well-drained soil with full sun to partial shade exposure. Following germination, the seedling emerges and develops into a vegetative stage, where the plant establishes its root system and foliage through photosynthesis. As maturity progresses, the Hardy Garden Mum enters the flowering stage, typically in late summer to fall, where it produces vibrant flowers that attract pollinators. After pollination, if it occurs, seeds may develop and disperse, repeating the cycle. The plant then goes into a period of dormancy during winter, where growth slows or stops to conserve energy. As temperatures rise in spring, the Hardy Garden Mum resumes growth, completing its perennial cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Chrysanthemum 'Eastleigh,' commonly known as mums, is most effectively propagated using the method of division. This is best done in the spring when new growth begins, which provides the plant with ample time to establish before the blooming season. Division involves digging up the entire plant and separating the clumps into smaller sections, each with their own set of roots and shoots. Using a sharp spade or knife, the gardener should carefully split the parent plant into divisions, ensuring that each new plant has a healthy section of roots and a few shoots. These sections are then replanted in well-draining soil, spaced about 18 to 24 inches (approximately 45 to 60 centimeters) apart to allow for adequate growth and air circulation. Regular watering and a light application of fertilizer will help the new divisions to establish quickly and thrive in their new locations.
