Chrysanthemum Chrysanthemum Ernst = 'Yoernst'
ABOUT
The Chrysanthemum Ernst, commonly known as Mum or Chrysanthemum, boasts a stunning display of flowers that are often admired for their vivid and striking appearance. The bloom's petals are arranged in a unique and intricate pattern, radiating from the center of the flower head in a way that can resemble a pompom or a daisy, depending on the variety. The color palette of these flowers can range widely, with hues from soft pastels to bolder shades, including whites, yellows, pinks, and purples, adding to the plant's allure and versatility in gardens and floral arrangements. The leaves of the Chrysanthemum Ernst are equally appealing, typically deep green and possessing a lush, healthy sheen. The foliage contrasts nicely with the bright flowers, and the leaves are often deeply lobed with a somewhat jagged edge, adding texture and interest to the visual composition of the plant. The overall form of the Chrysanthemum Ernst is bushy and full, with a tendency to produce a profusion of bloom heads that create a dense, eye-catching display of color when in season. This makes them a favored choice for both gardeners and florists alike.
About this plant
- Names
Synonyms
Garden Mum, Hardy Chrysanthemum, Florist's Chrysanthemum, Hardy Mum.
Common names
Chrysanthemum × grandiflorum, Dendranthema grandiflora, Dendranthema × grandiflorum.
- Toxicity
To humans
The plant commonly known as the Chrysanthemum may have some toxicity to humans. Ingesting parts of this plant can cause symptoms such as skin rash if touched or gastrointestinal discomfort, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite if ingested due to the presence of compounds such as sesquiterpene lactones, which are irritating. It is recommended to handle Chrysanthemums with care and to avoid ingestion to prevent these symptoms.
To pets
The Chrysanthemum plant is toxic to pets, including dogs, cats, and horses. The ingestion of any part of this plant can result in symptoms similar to those in humans, such as vomiting, diarrhea, hypersalivation, incoordination, and dermatitis due to contact. The toxic compounds in Chrysanthemums can cause these symptoms and may lead to more serious consequences if significant amounts of the plant are ingested. It's important to keep pets away from Chrysanthemums to ensure their safety.
- Characteristics
Life cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Varies
Height
1-3 feet (0.3-0.9 meters)
Spread
1-3 feet (0.3-0.9 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
Varies
Native area
Asia
Benefits
- General Benefits
- Aesthetic Appeal: Chrysanthemums offer a wide variety of colors and forms, adding beauty to garden displays and indoor arrangements.
- Long Blooming Season: They typically bloom in the fall, providing color and interest when many other plants are declining for the season.
- Attracts Pollinators: They attract bees and butterflies, supporting pollinator populations which are essential for ecosystem health and food supply.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, many chrysanthemum varieties can withstand periods of limited water supply.
- Easy to Care For: Chrysanthemums are generally low-maintenance and can be easily grown with basic garden care practices.
- Versatile Plant: Suitable for a variety of garden settings, including borders, containers, and as ground cover, depending on the growth habit of the variety.
- Cultural Significance: Chrysanthemums have cultural relevance in many countries and are often associated with positive attributes like loyalty and honesty.
- Medical Properties
This plant is not used for medical purposes.
- Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
- Other Uses
- Photography Prop: Chrysanthemum flowers, due to their vibrant colors and full blooms, are often used in photography for still life arrangements or as a natural backdrop for portraits.
- Natural Dye: The petals of chrysanthemums can be used to create a natural dye for fabrics, yarn, or paper, offering hues from soft yellows to deep oranges depending on the processing.
- Artistic Inspiration: Artists may use chrysanthemums as a subject for paintings, drawings, and other forms of art to capture their intricate shapes and shades.
- Culinary Garnish: Although not commonly consumed, chrysanthemum petals can be used to garnish desserts or salads, adding a splash of color to the dish.
- Insect Repelling: Chrysanthemums contain compounds that are repellent to certain insects, making them helpful companions in gardens to deter pests from other plants.
- Craft Projects: The dried flowers of chrysanthemums can be incorporated into various craft projects such as making bookmarks, candle decorations, or natural potpourri.
- Event Decor: Chrysanthemum flowers are popular in floral arrangements for events such as weddings, formal parties, and ceremonies due to their longevity and wide range of colors.
- Plant Breeding: Chrysanthemum enthusiasts and horticulturists may use this variety in breeding programs to develop new hybrids with unique characteristics.
- Educational Tool: Botany students and teachers use chrysanthemums to study plant anatomy, genetics, and the life cycle of flowering plants.
- Feng Shui: In some cultural practices like Feng Shui, chrysanthemums are used in the home or office to attract positive energy and promote a sense of well-being.
Interesting Facts
- Feng Shui
The Chrysanthemum is used in Feng Shui practice to promote happiness and well-being. It is believed to carry Yang energy, which can help to introduce more positivity into a space. The plant is often recommended to be placed in living areas to encourage joy and uplift the mood. The bright flowers are also associated with longevity and the energy of autumn, making them a symbol of balance during change.
- Zodiac Sign Compitability
The Chrysanthemum is not used in astrology practice.
- Plant Symbolism
- Loyalty and Devotion: Because chrysanthemums return year after year, they symbolize constancy and the reliability of friendship.
- Longevity: In Chinese culture, the chrysanthemum is associated with a long life and well-being.
- Happiness and Joy: Their bright and cheerful appearance makes chrysanthemums a symbol of happiness and positivity.
- Grieving and Endurance: In some European countries, chrysanthemums are a common grave flower, representing grief but also endurance and the beauty of life.
- Rebirth: Because they bloom in the fall, chrysanthemums can symbolize rebirth and a life well-lived.
- Water
Mums should be watered regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. A good rule of thumb for mums is to water them with about one gallon of water per week, but this can vary based on environmental conditions like heat and humidity. During hot, dry periods, they may need water more frequently, possibly every other day. Always water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to disease. It's best to water in the morning to allow any splashed leaves to dry out over the course of the day.
- Light
Mums thrive best in full sun conditions, which means they need at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. The ideal spot for a mum would be in an area that gets the morning sun and is possibly shaded from the more intense afternoon sun, especially in hot climates. However, they are versatile and can also tolerate partial shade, but flowering may not be as prolific.
- Temperature
Mums prefer moderate temperatures and can generally survive in temperatures ranging from 32°F to 90°F. The ideal temperature range for growing mums is between 60°F and 70°F. It's important to protect them from frost and extreme heat, as temperatures below freezing can kill the plant, and high heat can stress them.
- Pruning
Pruning mums promotes a more compact plant with more blooms. Pinch or cut off the tips of the stems in late spring to early summer, when the plants are about 6 inches tall, repeating every few weeks until mid-July. Do not prune after this time as it can interfere with flower bud development. The best time for significant pruning is after the blooming cycle when you can cut back the old stems to ensure healthier growth for the next season.
- Cleaning
As needed
- Soil
Mums prefer well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter. A mix of two parts garden soil to one part peat moss and one part perlite or sand is ideal. Target a soil pH between 6.0 to 6.7 for optimal growth.
- Repotting
Chrysanthemums, commonly known as mums, should be repotted every one to two years to replenish soil nutrients and to accommodate root growth. It's best to repot in the spring before the growing season begins.
- Humidity & Misting
Mums thrive in moderate humidity conditions, ideally between 40-60%. They can tolerate lower humidity levels, but consistently dry air can cause stress and leaf dessication.
- Suitable locations
Indoor
Ensure bright light, moderate humidity, and good air circulation.
Outdoor
Full sun, shelter from strong winds, and well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
- Life cycle
The Chrysanthemum 'Ernst' begins its life cycle as a seed, which upon germination develops into a seedling with a basic root system and initial leaves. As it enters the vegetative stage, the plant focuses on leaf and stem growth, eventually forming a bushy structure. During the budding phase, flower buds appear and gradually develop. These buds bloom into the characteristic flowers of the Chrysanthemum during the flowering stage, showcasing a display of colors and attracting pollinators. Following pollination, seeds are produced, completing the reproductive cycle. Finally, in many climates, the Chrysanthemum may enter a period of dormancy during colder months before resuming growth in the next season.
- Propogation
Propogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: The most popular method of propagating the Chrysanthemum, commonly known as Mum, particularly the Chrysanthemum Ernst = 'Yoernst', is through cuttings. This process typically begins in the spring when the new growth is about 3 to 6 inches (7.5 to 15 centimeters) long. Gardeners select healthy, non-flowering shoots and cut them just below the leaf node. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end may be dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. These cuttings are then inserted into a moist, sterile growing medium, such as a mix of peat and perlite. The environment is kept humid by covering the cuttings with a plastic dome or using a mist system, and within a few weeks, they should root successfully, ready to be transplanted to their final growing location. This method is favored for its simplicity and effectiveness, ensuring genetic uniformity among offspring.