Chrysanthemum Chrysanthemum 'Golden Creamist' (25b)
ABOUT
The Chrysanthemum 'Golden Creamist' is a captivating flowering plant renowned for its luscious blooms. The flowers mesmerize with a gradient of color, showcasing sunny golden-yellow hues that fade into softer, creamy tones toward the petals' edges. Each petal is smooth and slightly elongated, contributing to the semi-double form of the blooms. These enchanting flowers are tightly packed, creating a cushion of color that radiates warmth and cheerfulness. The foliage of this chrysanthemum offers a rich backdrop to its vibrant flowers. The leaves are a deep green, divided with a jagged edge, offering a textured contrast to the softness of the blooms. They are arranged along upright stems that provide structure and support to the profusion of flowers above. Together, the golden-creamy flowers and lush green leaves create a display of natural beauty that is characteristic of the 'Golden Creamist'. This plant is a testament to the intricate simplicity of nature's color palette, presenting a visual treat that is both soothing and joyful. Whether planted in a garden or showcased in a container, it invites admiration and brings a sunny presence to any space.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae.
Synonyms
Garden Mum, Hardy Mum, Mum.
Common names
Chrysanthemum 'Golden Creamist' (25b).
ToxicityTo humans
Chrysanthemum 'Golden Creamist', commonly known as mums, is not considered highly toxic to humans, but it can cause skin irritation upon contact in some individuals. If ingested, the plant may cause mild gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and mouth irritation. The plant contains compounds that can elicit an allergic reaction, so it is advisable not to eat any part of mums. If ingested in large amounts, symptoms could be more severe, and medical advice should be sought.
To pets
Mums are considered toxic to pets, including cats and dogs. If a pet consumes any part of this plant, they may exhibit symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, hypersalivation, incoordination, and dermatitis. The most toxic components in mums are the sesquiterpene lactones, which are naturally occurring chemical compounds that can cause these adverse reactions. In severe cases, ingestion could lead to more significant symptoms, including lethargy and neurological signs, so it is important to prevent pets from accessing these plants and seek veterinary attention if ingestion is suspected.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5-9
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: The Chrysanthemum 'Golden Creamist' provides vibrant, golden-yellow blooms that beautify gardens and landscapes.
- Long Blooming Season: Typically offers an extensive blooming period, adding prolonged color to outdoor spaces.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers attract beneficial insects, such as bees and butterflies, which assist in pollination of surrounding plants.
- Low Maintenance: Known for being relatively easy to care for, requiring minimal upkeep when established in suitable conditions.
- Cold Tolerant: Chrysanthemums, including 'Golden Creamist', often withstand cooler temperatures and can survive early frosts.
- Versatile Landscaping Use: Can be used in various landscape designs including borders, flower beds, and container gardening.
- Seasonal Festivity: Chrysanthemums are associated with fall displays and are often featured in seasonal decorations and arrangements.
- Cut Flower Use: Sturdy stems and long vase life make this variety a great option for cut flower arrangements.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Edible Decor: The petals of the chrysanthemum can be used to add a vibrant touch to salads or as an edible decoration on cakes and pastries, contributing a slightly tangy, herbal flavor to dishes.
- Natural Fabric Dye: The petals of chrysanthemums can be boiled to create a golden-yellow dye for fabrics, offering a natural alternative to synthetic dyes for clothing and textiles.
- Companion Planting: Chrysanthemums can be planted in gardens alongside vegetables as companion plants to help deter pests due to their natural insecticidal properties.
- Photography Prop: The flower's unique beauty makes it a popular choice among photographers looking for a natural and striking subject to enhance their botanical-themed photo shoots.
- Festival Decor: In certain cultures, chrysanthemums are used during festivals to adorn homes and temples, as they are associated with good fortune and joy.
- Garden Borders: Due to their bushy and colorful appearance, chrysanthemums can be used to create visually appealing borders in gardens and walkways.
- Craft Material: Dried chrysanthemum flowers are often used in crafting, such as creating potpourri, natural confetti, or incorporated into homemade paper for a floral touch.
- Fish Tanks: The petals can be used in fish tanks to provide a natural and colorful look, as long as they're free of pesticides and thoroughly cleaned.
- Bookmark Creation: Pressed chrysanthemum flowers can be used to create beautiful and unique bookmarks, adding a personal, botanical flair to the reading experience.
- Literary Inspiration: The flower's distinct look and cultural significance often inspire poets and writers, finding its way into literature as a symbol of autumn and the passing of time.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Chrysanthemum is often associated with bringing happiness and laughter to the home in Feng Shui, and it's believed to carry strong Yang energy. Its bright yellow flowers can be used to introduce a sense of optimism and joy in the living space, especially when placed in the center of the house or the living room.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Chrysanthemum is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Longevity: The chrysanthemum, often known as "mum," is commonly associated with long life and immortality due to its hardiness and ability to bloom into the autumn, a time when other flowers have withered.
- Rejuvenation: Since mums bloom in the fall, they symbolize a refreshing and revitalizing phase of life, a reminder that endings can herald new beginnings.
- Joy & Happiness: The bright and cheerful appearance of mums, particularly the 'Golden Creamist', brings to mind feelings of joy and happiness, making them a popular gift to brighten someone's day.
- Loyalty: In many cultures, the chrysanthemum is a symbol of loyalty and devoted love, perhaps due to its strong vitality and reliability in blooming year after year.
- Nobility: In Asian cultures, particularly China and Japan, chrysanthemums are considered noble flowers, often associated with royalty and with the virtue of maintaining dignity under duress.
WaterMums, including the variety Chrysanthemum 'Golden Creamist', need consistent moisture and should be watered when the top inch of soil feels dry. They should not be allowed to sit in waterlogged soil or they risk developing root rot. Ideally, water mums thoroughly once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions, with enough water to soak the roots, which would usually be about 1 gallon for an outdoor garden plant. In hotter, drier climates, watering may need to be more frequent, while in cooler, wetter climates, less water may be necessary. Monitor the soil moisture regularly and adjust your watering schedule accordingly to maintain a consistent level of moisture.
LightThe Chrysanthemum 'Golden Creamist', commonly known as a mum, thrives best in full sun conditions. This plant will perform optimally when placed in a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight a day. However, in extremely hot climates, some afternoon shade can help protect the plant from intense heat stress. Avoid overly shady spots as insufficient light can lead to poor bloom development and a leggy growth habit.
TemperatureMums, including the Chrysanthemum 'Golden Creamist', prefer temperate conditions and grow best when daytime temperatures are between 60°F and 75°F. They can tolerate a range from just above freezing to about 90°F, but temperatures outside this range may stress the plant. During the growing season, keeping them in their ideal temperature range will promote healthy growth and abundant flowering.
PruningMums, such as Chrysanthemum 'Golden Creamist', should be pruned to encourage bushier growth and more blooms. Pinch back the tips of the stems in the early growing season, removing about an inch to stimulate branching. Pruning should be done from spring until about mid-July to allow time for flower buds to develop for fall blooming. No pruning is recommended after the flowering period begins.
CleaningAs needed
SoilMums like well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter, a pH of approximately 6.5, and a mix of two parts peat moss to one part perlite is ideal.
RepottingMums should be repotted every one to two years, ideally in the spring before the onset of vigorous growth.
Humidity & MistingMums prefer moderate humidity levels, ranging between 40% to 60%.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright indirect light, avoid drafts, keep soil consistently moist.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun to partial shade, protect from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life of Chrysanthemum 'Golden Creamist' begins with the germination of seeds, which typically occurs in a well-drained, fertile soil with adequate moisture. Upon sprouting, the seedlings develop into juvenile plants with a rosette of leaves close to the soil surface. As the plants mature, they enter a vegetative stage characterized by rapid leaf and stem growth, preparing for the flowering phase. During the flowering stage, the distinctive golden cream blooms emerge, attracting pollinators and potentially leading to cross-pollination if other chrysanthemum varieties are present. After pollination, the flowers fade, and the plant may produce seeds that fall to the ground, completing the life cycle if they germinate successfully. In many cultivated environments, Chrysanthemum 'Golden Creamist' may be propagated vegetatively from cuttings to maintain desirable traits, bypassing the seed stage.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Chrysanthemum 'Golden Creamist', more commonly known as mums, are most commonly propagated through division. This is a straightforward technique where the parent plant is carefully dug up and the root ball is split into smaller sections, ensuring each new section has a share of roots and shoots. It is best done in the spring when new growth begins to emerge, offering the divided plants a full growing season to establish themselves. To divide, start by watering the plant thoroughly the day before to ensure the soil is moist, making division easier and less stressful for the plant. After gently prying the plant apart with your hands or a spade, replant the divisions promptly, spacing them at least 18 inches (about 46 centimeters) apart to provide ample room for growth. It's important to water the new divisions regularly until they are well-established and showing signs of new growth.
