Chrysanthemum Chrysanthemum 'George Griffiths' (24b)
ABOUT
The Chrysanthemum 'George Griffiths' is a striking perennial plant with a lush, bushy appearance. It is recognized for its vibrant floral display. The flowers are characterized by a bold, bronzy-red hue which captures the eye. Each bloom forms a decorative fluffy cushion with numerous layered petals, creating a rich and dense texture that adds to its overall attractiveness. The bloom's center is typically darker, providing a beautiful contrast to the lighter tips of the petals which can sometimes present a slightly softer shade or gradation, enhancing its visual depth. The leaves of this variety are a deep green color, with a slightly serrated edge, and they form a dense backdrop that makes the red color of the blooms stand out even more prominently. The foliage is divided into leaflets with lobed margins, contributing to the plant's full and healthy look. Overall, the Chrysanthemum 'George Griffiths' is a celebration of color and form, certain to be a standout in any garden setting where the emphasis is on rich, autumnal tones.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Garden Mum, Florist's Daisy, Hardy Chrysanthemum, Mum
Common names
Dendranthema 'George Griffiths', Chrysanthemum morifolium 'George Griffiths'.
ToxicityTo humans
The common plant known as Chrysanthemum may have compounds that can be irritating to some humans, especially when handled or ingested. However, it is not considered highly toxic to people. If ingested in large quantities, it may potentially cause symptoms such as skin rash, upset stomach, diarrhea, and vomiting. Contact with the skin can sometimes cause dermatitis in sensitive individuals. It is always advisable to handle plants with care and to avoid ingesting any plant material unless it is known to be safe.
To pets
Chrysanthemums are toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. If a pet ingests any part of this plant, it could experience symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, hypersalivation, incoordination, and dermatitis. The plant contains compounds known as pyrethrins, which can lead to these symptoms. In severe cases, ingestion could result in neurological symptoms, including tremors and seizures. If you suspect your pet has ingested Chrysanthemum, seek veterinary care immediately.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
2 feet (60 cm)
Spread
2 feet (60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: Chrysanthemums, including 'George Griffiths', are popular for their bright and abundant flowers, adding color and visual interest to gardens and landscapes.
- Extended Blooming Season: They often have a long flowering period from late summer through autumn, providing a sustained display of blooms when many other plants are declining.
- Variety of Uses: Suitable for use in borders, containers, and as cut flowers, offering versatility in gardening and floral arrangements.
- Attracts Pollinators: Chrysanthemums can attract bees and butterflies, supporting pollinator populations and biodiversity in the garden.
- Drought Tolerance: They are relatively drought-tolerant once established, making them suitable for water-wise gardens and reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Easy to Propagate: Chrysanthemums can be easily propagated through division or cuttings, allowing gardeners to expand their collection or share with others.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care aside from deadheading and occasional feeding, making it a convenient choice for both novice and experienced gardeners.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Dye Production: The flowers of the chrysanthemum can be used to create a natural yellow dye for fabrics and textiles.
- Companion Planting: The chrysanthemum can be planted in gardens to help attract beneficial insects and deter pests from other plants due to its strong fragrance.
- Photography and Art: The vibrant colors and intricate patterns of the chrysanthemum make it a popular subject for photographers and artists.
- Decorative Displays: Dried chrysanthemum flowers are often used in decorative displays, wreaths, or potpourri for their lasting color and shape.
- Floral Arrangements: The long-lasting nature of chrysanthemum blooms makes them ideal for cut flower arrangements and bouquets.
- Culinary Garnishes: Edible varieties of chrysanthemum can be used as a colorful and flavorful garnish on food dishes.
- Cultural Festivals: In many cultures, chrysanthemums are an integral part of festival decorations and symbolize good fortune and happiness.
- Horticultural Shows: Chrysanthemums are common entries in floral and horticultural shows due to their variety of colors, sizes, and forms.
- Educational Tool: The plant can be used in educational settings to teach botany, especially plant reproduction and the life cycle of perennials.
- Feng Shui: In certain cultures, chrysanthemums are placed in homes and gardens to bring balance according to feng shui principles.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe chrysanthemum is often used in Feng Shui to bring happiness and laughter to the home, as well as to foster a sense of ease. It's believed to have potent yang energy, promoting optimism and good spirits when placed in the living room. However, avoid placing chrysanthemums in the bedroom, as their yang energy can be too active for a restful sleep space.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe chrysanthemum is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Longevity: Chrysanthemums, in general, symbolize long life due to their hardiness and medicinal properties.
- Rejuvenation: The blooming of chrysanthemums in the fall, when many other flowers are fading, symbolizes rebirth and the power to overcome obstacles.
- Loyalty and Devotion: Given their enduring nature, these flowers often represent fidelity and committed affection in relationships.
- Death: In several European cultures, chrysanthemums are symbolic of death and are often used for funerals or to honor those who have passed away.
- Joy: Chrysanthemums are traditionally given on Mother's Day and other festive occasions in Australia, symbolizing joy and optimism.
- Nobility: In Japan, the chrysanthemum is a noble flower, often associated with the emperor and the imperial family, as part of the country's cultural heritage.
WaterMums, including the Chrysanthemum 'George Griffiths', require consistent moisture, so it's important to water them thoroughly whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Generally, this means watering at least once a week, but this can vary depending on climate conditions and soil type. During hot, dry periods, you may need to water mums every other day. When watering, avoid wetting the foliage and flowers as this can lead to disease; focus on the soil around the plant's base instead. Provide about one gallon of water per plant each time you water, ensuring that the moisture reaches the deep roots. Adjust the amount if you notice water runoff or if the soil is not drying out between waterings.
LightMums thrive in full sunlight, needing at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. The best spot for your Chrysanthemum 'George Griffiths' is in an area where it can receive uninterrupted morning light and some partial shade during the intense afternoon sun, although they can tolerate full sun all day. Too little light can lead to leggy plants and poor flowering, so ensure they're placed where light is abundant.
TemperatureThe Chrysanthemum 'George Griffiths' prefers a temperature range between 60°F and 70°F during the day and slightly cooler temperatures at night, around 55°F to 60°F. This plant can survive short periods outside of this range, but frost can be detrimental, and extreme heat can stress the plant. Mums are hardy to about 20°F but will suffer if exposed to temperatures below this threshold for extended periods.
PruningPruning mums like the Chrysanthemum 'George Griffiths' is essential for maintaining a compact, bushy shape and promoting a more prolific bloom. Pinch back the tips of the stems in late spring when they are about 6 inches tall, removing about an inch to encourage branching. Continue pinching new growth every few weeks until midsummer. The best time for the last pruning is around the Fourth of July to ensure plants have time to form flower buds for fall blooms.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for garden mums is well-draining and fertile, with a pH of around 6.5. A mix of garden soil, peat moss, and perlite in equal parts works well to provide the necessary drainage and nutrients.
RepottingGarden mums should be repotted every one to two years, preferably in the spring before the onset of the growing season to allow the roots to establish well.
Humidity & MistingGarden mums prefer moderate humidity levels, around 40-60%, which reflects the average outdoor humidity where they thrive best.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place garden mums in bright, indirect light, with regular watering.
Outdoor
Plant in well-drained soil, full sun to partial shade.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleChrysanthemum 'George Griffiths' (24b), commonly known as Mum, begins its life cycle as a seed, which, when planted and given the right conditions, will germinate and emerge as a seedling. The seedling then develops into a vegetative state, producing stems, leaves, and a robust root system, becoming a mature plant. During this stage, the plant undergoes vegetative growth until environmental cues such as daylight length and temperature signal it to initiate the budding process. Buds form and eventually bloom into the characteristic colorful flowers of the Mum in the flowering stage. After pollination, which may be facilitated by insects, the flowers produce seeds, completing the reproductive cycle. Finally, the plant enters senescence where it may die back, especially in colder climates, or it may become dormant until the next growing season, depending on the specific care and environment it is in.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Chrysanthemum 'George Griffiths' can be propagated through the division of established plants, which is the most popular method. Division is typically best performed in spring after the risk of frost has passed, when the plant begins to show new growth. To propagate by division, gardeners should carefully dig up the plant, ensuring to keep a generous amount of roots on each division. The clumps should be divided into smaller sections, each with several shoots and a portion of the root system. These divisions can then be replanted in well-draining soil at the same depth they were previously growing. This method allows for a quick and effective way to expand your collection of these vibrant flowers or share them with fellow gardeners.
