Chrysanthemum Chrysanthemum 'Filmstar'
ABOUT
The Chrysanthemum 'Filmstar', commonly known as a mum or chrysanthemum, is a cultivar that is renowned for its striking appearance. This particular variety boasts a lush display of flowers, which can vary in color but often exhibit vibrant hues. The blooms are full and rounded, with layers of petals that unfurl from a central button, sometimes showing a different shade or a contrasting eye which adds to their appeal. Each individual flower is made up of numerous long, slender petals that radiate outward. When in full bloom, the flowers create a dense, cushion-like shape due to their abundance and the way they cluster together. The leaves of the Chrysanthemum 'Filmstar' are deep green with a glossy texture and have a distinct shape. They are typically lobed or divided, and the edges are often serrated, giving them a somewhat feathery appearance. These leaves can provide an attractive background, enhancing the visibility of the bright flowers. Overall, the Chrysanthemum 'Filmstar' plant gives off a lush and generous display, characterized by its vivid floral display and healthy foliage. It is a popular choice for gardens and ornamental arrangements due to its memorable and impressive blooms.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Garden Mum, Florist's Chrysanthemum, Hardy Chrysanthemum, Mum
Common names
Dendranthema grandiflorum 'Filmstar', Chrysanthemum morifolium 'Filmstar'
ToxicityTo humans
The Chrysanthemum 'Filmstar', commonly known as the mum, is considered to have low toxicity to humans. However, ingestion of any part of the plant can potentially lead to mild gastrointestinal issues, such as vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal pain. Contact with the skin can sometimes cause dermatitis in sensitive individuals. It is generally not considered highly toxic but should still be treated with caution to avoid any potential negative effects.
To pets
The mum is toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. If ingested, it can cause symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, hypersalivation, incoordination, and dermatitis. In severe cases, ingestion could lead to depression and loss of coordination. It is advisable to keep this plant out of reach of pets to prevent accidental ingestion and ensure their safety.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
2-3 feet (60-90 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Enhances Garden Aesthetics: The Chrysanthemum 'Filmstar', commonly known as mums, offers a variety of colors to beautify garden spaces.
- Prolonged Blooming Season: Mums have a long flowering period, providing vibrant color from late summer through fall.
- Easy to Grow and Maintain: Mums are known for their hardiness and low maintenance requirements, making them suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, supporting local ecosystems.
- Versatile Usage: Mums are suitable for container gardening, borders, and as cut flowers for indoor decoration.
- Drought Resistance: Once established, mums can withstand periods without water, making them suitable for drier climates.
- Tolerance to Different Soil Types: Mums are adaptable to a variety of soil conditions, as long as the soil is well-draining.
- Frost Resistance: They can survive light frosts, making them one of the last blooms remaining in the garden at the end of the growing season.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photographic Biomonitoring: Can be used as a biomonitor for environmental pollution by analyzing the effects of airborne chemicals on its growth and bloom patterns.
- Artistic Dye: Petals can be used to make a natural yellow dye for fabrics, paper, or in art projects for eco-friendly coloring options.
- Biodegradable Confetti: Dried petals can serve as an environmentally friendly confetti alternative for celebrations that easily decompose.
- Culinary Garnish: Petal fragments, due to their vivid color, can be sprinkled on salads and desserts for aesthetic appeal.
- Thematic Decorations: Can be used in film or theatre productions as part of the set design to create a certain time of year or mood.
- Eco-Friendly Insect Repellent: Certain compounds in the plant can be used as a natural insect deterrent in the garden.
- Fragrance: Petals can be included in potpourri mixes or used to create natural scents for sachets without the use of synthetic fragrances.
- Indicator Plant: Chrysanthemums can indicate the start of the cooler season when they begin to bloom, useful for traditional agricultural practices.
- Scientific Education: Can be used in educational settings for students to study botany, plant physiology, and genetics due to its well-researched background.
- Companion Planting: Can be strategically placed in gardens to help protect other plants through their natural repellent properties against certain pests.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Chrysanthemum is used in Feng Shui to attract positive energy, promote happiness and relaxation, and symbolize longevity and well-being. It can be placed in the living room or in areas where you need to introduce yang energy to create balance and encourage good health.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Chrysanthemum is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Longevity and Immortality: Chrysanthemums are often associated with long life and immortality due to their hardiness and ability to bloom into the late autumn, beyond the time when most flowers have wilted.
- Rejuvenation and Recovery: Because chrysanthemums bloom in the fall, they are seen as a symbol of revival and overcoming adversity, as they bring color to the dying garden.
- Joy and Optimism: With their bright and varied colors, chrysanthemums represent happiness and a positive attitude toward life.
- Loyalty and Devotion: In certain cultures, chrysanthemums are given to show loyalty and deep devotion between friends or family members.
- Nobility: In countries such as Japan, the chrysanthemum is a noble flower, often associated with royalty and refinement.
WaterMums, the common name for Chrysanthemum 'Filmstar', prefer evenly moist soil, meaning the plant should be watered thoroughly whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Typically, this results in watering once or twice weekly, depending upon the climate and weather conditions. Apply about one gallon of water per plant each time you water, ensuring it reaches the roots without flooding the plant. During periods of high heat or dryness, more frequent watering may be necessary to keep the soil moist. It's critical to avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot.
LightMums thrive best in full sunlight conditions. The ideal spot for Chrysanthemum 'Filmstar' is where it can receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Although it can tolerate light shade, the blooms might not be as prolific or vibrant. Avoid too much shade, as it could result in a leggy plant with fewer flowers.
TemperatureMums are best suited to temperate conditions and can survive in temperatures ranging from 32°F to 90°F. However, the ideal growing temperature for Chrysanthemum 'Filmstar' is between 60°F and 70°F. Excessive heat can stress the plant and affect blooming, while frost can damage or kill the plant.
PruningMums benefit from pruning to encourage bushier growth and more blooms. For Chrysanthemum 'Filmstar', pinch back the tips of the stems in early summer, repeating the process every 2 to 3 weeks until mid-July. The best time to prune is before the flower buds have formed, ensuring that energy goes into producing a denser, more compact plant with a greater number of blooms in the fall.
CleaningAs needed
SoilMums thrive best in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter, so a mix of garden soil, peat, and perlite in equal parts is ideal. They prefer a soil pH of 6.0 to 7.0.
RepottingMums should be repotted every one to two years or when they appear to be pot-bound to ensure healthy growth.
Humidity & MistingMums fare well in average household humidity levels, but they do appreciate increased humidity and benefit from occasional misting.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright indirect light with good airflow for best indoor growth.
Outdoor
Ensure full sun to part shade and protect from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleChrysanthemum 'Filmstar', commonly known as mums, starts its life cycle as a seed or more commonly as a cutting taken from a mature plant. Upon planting in well-draining soil with adequate sunlight, the cutting develops roots and sprouts foliage, entering into the vegetative stage where it grows leaves and stems. As the plant matures, it enters the budding phase in late summer wherein flower buds start to form. Upon the arrival of shorter days and cooler temperatures in early fall, the plant blooms, showcasing its vibrant flowers which can last for weeks. After the flowering period, mums enter a dormancy phase during winter where growth slows down or halts completely; in regions with cold winters, the plant may die back to the ground. In spring, if the plant survived the winter or is perennial in the planting zone, it will renew its growth cycle, eventually leading back to the vegetative state to start the process anew.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: The Chrysanthemum 'Filmstar', commonly known as mums or chrysanths, is best propagated through division, a method that can be employed in the late winter or early spring just before new growth begins. To propagate Chrysanthemum 'Filmstar' by division, a mature plant should first be gently dug up, and the root ball should be carefully broken apart into smaller sections, ensuring that each new section has a portion of the roots and some shoots. These divisions can then be immediately replanted into pots or back into the garden, spaced adequately apart to allow for growth. It's crucial to water the new plants thoroughly after planting to help establish them. As they are resilient plants, they should soon start to thrive, producing new foliage and, eventually, the delightful blooms that Chrysanthemums are known for.
