Chrysanthemum Chrysanthemum Gigi Coral = 'Cifz0019'
ABOUT
The Chrysanthemum Gigi Coral, often simply known as 'mum', is a stunning plant characterized by its vibrant coral-colored flowers. These blooms are notable for their plentiful and densely packed petals that create a full, almost spherical appearance. Each individual flower petal exhibits a unique coral shade with shades ranging from soft peach to a brighter pink-orange tone, contributing to a gradient effect that enhances the overall appeal of the plant. The petals are soft to the touch and slightly ruffled at the edges, giving them an intricate texture. The foliage of the Gigi Coral 'mum' is lush and green, providing a beautiful contrast to the coral flowers. The leaves are typically deeply lobed with serrated edges, and they have a matte finish that emphasizes the glossy sheen of the flower petals. The stems are sturdy enough to support the weight of the blossoms, even when they are in full bloom and at their most luxurious peak. Together, the rich coral blooms and the dark green foliage create a display that is both striking and elegant. The plant has a tendency to form a mounding shape, presenting a compact and well-rounded profile that is perfect for adding a pop of color to gardens, container arrangements, or as part of a festive floral display. The Chrysanthemum Gigi Coral's showy appearance makes it a favorite among garden enthusiasts looking to enhance their landscape with eye-catching and long-lasting blooms.
About this plant
- Names
Family
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Gigi Coral Chrysanthemum, Hardy Chrysanthemum, Mum
Common names
Chrysanthemum Gigi Coral = 'Cifz0019'
- Toxicity
To humans
Chrysanthemum, commonly known as mum, is considered to be of low toxicity to humans. However, ingestion of any part of the plant can lead to mild gastrointestinal upset, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Skin contact with the plant's sap may sometimes cause dermatitis in sensitive individuals.
To pets
Chrysanthemum is toxic to pets, specifically dogs and cats. It contains compounds known as pyrethrins, which can cause symptoms such as drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, incoordination, and dermatitis. In severe cases, ingestion may lead to more serious symptoms such as tremors, seizures, and loss of consciousness. Prompt veterinary care is recommended if a pet ingests any part of a chrysanthemum plant.
- Characteristics
Life cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Varies
Flower color
Coral
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Asia
Benefits
- General Benefits
- Enhances aesthetic appeal: The Chrysanthemum Gigi Coral, also known as Garden Mum, displays vibrant coral-colored blooms that can brighten up any garden space.
- Attracts pollinators: Its flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects that are vital for pollination and maintaining the health of a garden ecosystem.
- Seasonal interest: Garden Mums are known for their late-summer to fall blooming season, providing color when many other plants have finished flowering.
- Easy to grow: This plant is relatively low-maintenance, adaptable to a range of soil types, and is often resistant to pests and disease, making it a good choice for novice gardeners.
- Versatile in landscaping: It can be used in borders, containers, and as a part of mass plantings, offering flexibility in garden design.
- 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
- Art and Craft: The unique color of the Chrysanthemum flowers can be used in dried floral arrangements or for crafting potpourri to add a touch of the autumn palette to home decor.
- Photography: Photographers may use the vibrant Chrysanthemum Gigi Coral blossoms as a subject for macro photography or as a natural backdrop for portraits, leveraging their vivid colors to enhance the visual appeal.
- Educational Tool: Educators can use Chrysanthemum Gigi Coral in biology classes to demonstrate plant growth, flowering stages, and pollination processes to students.
- Culinary Garnish: Petals of the Chrysanthemum Gigi Coral, if confirmed edible, can be used as colorful garnishes to add aesthetic appeal to dishes, although one should always verify edibility before consumption.
- Textile Dye: The petals of Chrysanthemum Gigi Coral may be used to create natural dyes for fabrics, imparting a unique coral hue to textiles.
- Bookmarks: Dried petals or whole flowers can be laminated and used as decorative bookmarks, offering a durable and unique way to mark pages.
- Plant Science Research: The Chrysanthemum Gigi Coral can serve as a specimen in horticultural studies focusing on hybridization, flower longevity, and bloom patterns.
- Special Event Decor: Whole Chrysanthemum plants or cut flowers can be used as centerpieces or decor for autumn events, such as weddings or festivals, complementing seasonal themes.
- Eco-friendly Confetti: When dried and crumbled, petals can be used as biodegradable confetti for outdoor celebrations, reducing environmental impact while still adding a festive touch.
- Seed Harvesting: Hobbyists can harvest seeds from the flowers to try cultivating new plants or to explore plant breeding as an educational hobby.
Interesting Facts
- Feng Shui
Chrysanthemums are used in Feng Shui for attracting positive energy and promoting well-being. They are often placed in the living room or areas where relaxation and social interaction occur to create a serene environment and to purify the air. The vibrant coral color can introduce fiery energy, which might be used to enhance fame and reputation when placed in the southern areas of a space. However, due to their strong yang energy, it is advisable to use them in moderation to ensure balance.
- Zodiac Sign Compitability
Chrysanthemums are not used in astrology practice.
- Plant Symbolism
- Longevity: Chrysanthemums are often associated with long life and health due to their hardiness and medicinal properties in some cultures.
- Rebirth: With their cycle of blooming in the fall when many other plants are fading, chrysanthemums symbolize a renewal or new life.
- Joy and Happiness: Their bright and vigorous blooms convey positivity and are believed to bring joy and happiness to the home.
- Beauty in Retirement: In some cultures, chrysanthemums are associated with retirement, representing a beautiful life after a long career.
- Nobility: In Japan, the chrysanthemum is a symbol of the Emperor and the Imperial family, representing refinement and nobility.
- Water
The Gigi Coral Chrysanthemum, commonly known as the Hardy Mum, prefers consistently moist soil and should be watered deeply once a week, allowing for about one gallon of water per watering session. It's important to avoid overwatering, so ensure that the top inch of soil has dried before watering again. During periods of high heat or extreme drought, increase watering frequency to twice a week, monitoring the soil moisture level closely.
- Light
Hardy Mums thrive in full sun conditions, meaning they should receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Place the plant in a spot where it can enjoy uninterrupted sunlight for the better part of the day to promote strong growth and vibrant blooms.
- Temperature
Hardy Mums perform best within a temperature range of 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit but can survive short periods outside this range, with a minimum temperature tolerance of around 32 degrees Fahrenheit and a maximum of about 90 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal temperature for these plants would be within the aforementioned 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit range to ensure proper growth and flowering.
- Pruning
Pruning Hardy Mums is essential for maintaining a compact shape and encouraging more vigorous blooms. Pinch back the growing tips once they reach about 6 inches in height, and continue this practice every few weeks until mid-July. The best time to prune is in spring, just as new growth begins to show.
- Cleaning
As needed
- Soil
For the Chrysanthemum, or mum, the ideal soil mix is one that is rich, well-draining, with a blend of peat, perlite, and organic compost. A soil pH between 6.0 to 7.0 is suitable for optimal growth.
- Repotting
Mums should be repotted every one to two years, or when they become root-bound to ensure continued health and growth.
- Humidity & Misting
Mums prefer moderate humidity levels; aim to maintain indoor humidity around 40-60% for these plants.
- Suitable locations
Indoor
Place in bright indirect light and provide consistent moisture.
Outdoor
Ensure well-drained soil, full sun, and moderate watering.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
- Life cycle
The Chrysanthemum Gigi Coral 'Cifz0019', commonly known as Hardy Garden Mum, begins its life cycle as a seed or cutting, which when planted, will sprout and develop roots. It then enters a vegetative growth stage, during which the plant forms a rosette of leaves and starts branching out. As it matures and environmental conditions become favorable (usually in late summer to fall), it transitions to the flowering stage, producing vibrant coral-colored blooms that attract pollinators. After pollination, seed heads may form if the flowers are not deadheaded; this marks the beginning of the reproductive stage. As winter approaches, the plant enters dormancy, during which above-ground growth dies back while the root system remains alive. With the return of favorable conditions in spring, the plant will reemerge from dormancy, and the life cycle repeats.
- Propogation
Propogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Chrysanthemum Gigi Coral 'Cifz0019', commonly referred to as the Chrysanthemum, is typically propagated through cuttings, which is the most popular method for this plant. The best time for propagation by cuttings is late spring to early summer, when the plant is actively growing. To propagate, a 4 to 6-inch long cutting with several leaves is taken from a healthy, established Chrysanthemum plant. The lower leaves are removed and the cut end is dipped in a rooting hormone to encourage root growth. The cutting is then placed in a moist potting mix and kept under high humidity conditions with plenty of indirect light. Roots generally develop within a few weeks, after which the new plant can be transferred to a larger pot or the garden. Care should be taken to maintain constant moisture, but not waterlogged conditions, and to protect the new cuttings from extreme temperatures.