Florist's Daisy Chrysanthemum 'Grandchild' (21c)
ABOUT
The Chrysanthemum 'Grandchild' is a particularly striking variety of mums known for its vibrant and showy flowers. This plant typically features lush, green foliage with leaves that are deeply lobed and have a somewhat coarse texture. The leaves form a dense canopy, creating an attractive backdrop for the blossoms. The flowers are the most notable aspect of the 'Grandchild' mum, blooming in a profusion of color that can add a bright spot to any garden. The blooms themselves are composed of numerous petals that radiate outwards from the center, creating a full and round appearance. They have a pompom-like shape, known for their fluffy and soft consistency, which gives them a striking and pleasing aesthetic. Petals may come in a variety of shades depending on the specific cultivar, ranging from white to various shades of yellow, pink, purple, and red, often with a gradient or varying intensities of color. The center of the flowers, where the petals meet, is typically a deeper or contrasting hue, giving the blooms a two-toned effect that further enhances their visual appeal. In summary, the Chrysanthemum 'Grandchild' is celebrated for its rich, vividly colored flowers that can bring a splash of brightness to any setting. The abundant, cushiony blossoms are set against a backdrop of dark green, lobed foliage, making the plant a favorite among gardeners looking to add some fall interest to their landscapes.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Florist's Daisy, Hardy Garden Mum, Mum
Common names
Chrysanthemum 'Grandchild'
ToxicityTo humans
The Chrysanthemum, which includes the 'Grandchild' variety, can be toxic to humans if ingested. The plant contains compounds such as pyrethrins, which can cause dermatitis on skin contact for sensitive individuals. If parts of the plant are eaten, symptoms could include gastrointestinal upset, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and sometimes salivation. In severe cases, ingestion could lead to more serious conditions such as neurotoxicity, although this is rare and typically associated with consuming large quantities of the plant.
To pets
Chrysanthemums are toxic to pets. If a pet ingests this plant, they could experience symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, hypersalivation, incoordination, and dermatitis. In severe cases, ingestion can lead to depression, and in very rare instances, more significant neurological symptoms such as seizures. It's important to prevent pets from accessing parts of the Chrysanthemum plant to avoid these potential health issues.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Varies
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- Aesthetic Appeal: The Chrysanthemum 'Grandchild' adds vibrant color and decorative beauty to gardens and landscapes with its lush, colorful blooms.
- Seasonal Interest: Typically flowering in the fall, it provides a visual highlight during a season when many other plants are no longer in peak bloom.
- Pollinator Attraction: As a flowering plant, it can attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, supporting local ecosystems.
- Versatility in Landscaping: Suitable for borders, containers, and as cut flowers, offering flexibility in garden design and indoor decoration.
- Durability: Chrysanthemums are known for their hardiness, making them a long-lasting option for gardeners and landscapers.
- Ease of Care: Requires minimal maintenance, making it suitable for both novice and experienced gardeners.
- Cultural Significance: In many cultures, chrysanthemums are a symbol of joy and beauty, adding a layer of cultural meaning to its presence in a garden.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Chrysanthemum 'Grandchild' can be used as a natural dye for fabrics, giving textiles a range of soft yellow to golden hues depending on the concentration and mordant used.
- The petals of this plant can be added to homemade potpourris to provide a subtle floral fragrance and decorative color.
- Gardeners sometimes plant chrysanthemums as companion plants to deter pests from vegetables and other ornamentals due to their natural insect-repelling properties.
- Chrysanthemum 'Grandchild' can serve as an indicator plant, as it can show signs of environmental stress, such as changes in leaf color, alerting gardeners to potential issues with their other plants.
- The dried flowers can be used in crafting, such as in making natural floral arrangements or in wreath-making for decorative purposes.
- Used in art, chrysanthemum petals and leaves can be pressed and included in paper making for creating textured and visually interesting handmade papers.
- The blossoms can be used in floral art, such as Ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arranging, which emphasizes shape, line, and form.
- The vibrant colors of the chrysanthemum 'Grandchild' flowers can be captured in photography projects, exploiting the plant's aesthetic appeal.
- Chrysanthemum plants can be used to teach children about plant growth and reproduction, as they are easy to grow and display the complete cycle from seed to flower.
- The robust nature of the chrysanthemum 'Grandchild' makes it suitable for use in public landscaping projects where low maintenance and seasonal color are desired.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Chrysanthemum is used in Feng Shui to foster happiness and ease and is believed to bring good luck into the home. It's especially useful in areas of the home that require the Metal element, as its yang nature can balance the overall energy.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Chrysanthemum is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Longevity: Chrysanthemums have a strong association with a long life due to their hardiness and ability to bloom into the cooler months.
- Rejuvenation: Because they bloom in the fall, chrysanthemums symbolize the idea of a life and vibrancy that can flourish even as winter approaches.
- Loyalty and Devotion: In many cultures, chrysanthemums represent fidelity and devotion, reflecting the flower's enduring nature.
- Joy and Beauty: Their full, rounded blossoms are associated with joy, beauty, and the power of positivity.
- High Honor: In Japan, the chrysanthemum is a noble flower, symbolizing dignity and elegance, and often used in official ceremonies and to honor the throne.
WaterMums, including the Chrysanthemum 'Grandchild', prefer evenly moist soil, so it's important to water them regularly but ensure the soil is not waterlogged. Water them deeply about once a week with 1 gallon of water per plant, allowing the water to seep into the ground rather than just wetting the surface. During hot, dry spells, you might need to water them more frequently to maintain soil moisture. Reduce the frequency of watering once the flowers have died back and the plant is dormant, but do not allow the soil to completely dry out.
LightMums thrive best in full sun conditions where they can receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. The ideal spot for a Chrysanthemum 'Grandchild' would be a south-facing garden bed or a location that receives ample morning and early afternoon light. Avoid placing them in deep shade since insufficient light can lead to fewer blooms and a leggy growth habit.
TemperatureThe Chrysanthemum 'Grandchild' prefers temperatures ranging from 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and between 55 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit at night. They can tolerate a minimum temperature of 32 degrees Fahrenheit but are at risk of damage from frost. To encourage blooming, mums require a period of cooler temperatures between 50 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
PruningPruning mums, such as the Chrysanthemum 'Grandchild', encourages a bushier growth and more blooms. Pinch back the tips of the stems by about an inch when they are 6 inches tall, which usually occurs in late spring. Repeat this process every 2 to 3 weeks until midsummer to keep the plant compact and to stimulate more flowering buds. The best time for the final pruning is by July 4th to ensure they bloom in the fall.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for mums, including Chrysanthemum 'Grandchild', should be well-draining and fertile, with a pH around 6.5 to 6.7. A mix of loamy garden soil, peat, and perlite or sand in equal parts is ideal, ensuring good aeration and moisture retention while avoiding waterlogging.
RepottingMums like the Chrysanthemum 'Grandchild' generally need repotting every one to two years or when they outgrow their current container. They should be repotted in the spring before the onset of active growth.
Humidity & MistingMums, such as the Chrysanthemum 'Grandchild', prefer moderate ambient humidity levels, around 40-60%. They can tolerate some fluctuation in humidity but should not be subjected to extremely dry conditions for prolonged periods.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright indirect light, away from drafts, and maintain moderate humidity.
Outdoor
Ensure full sun to part shade, shelter from strong winds, and well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleChrysanthemum 'Grandchild' (21c), commonly known as Hardy Mum or Garden Mum, begins its life cycle when the seeds germinate in late spring after the last frost. The seedlings soon develop into young plants with a dense foliage of deeply lobed leaves. By mid-summer, these plants enter a vegetative growth stage, focusing on developing strong stems and leaves to prepare for flowering. As the days shorten towards the end of summer, the Hardy Mum enters the budding stage, which ultimately leads to its famous profuse blooming period in late summer to fall. During this stage, the plant displays a vibrant array of colorful flowers, which, if properly deadheaded, can last until the first hard frost. After flowering, the plant goes into dormancy during the winter, with the roots surviving underground; in spring, the cycle begins anew as new growth emerges.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: The Chrysanthemum 'Grandchild', commonly known as mums, is most commonly propagated through vegetative cuttings. This method is favored for its ability to reproduce the same qualities as the parent plant. To propagate mums by cuttings, one would typically take 2 to 6 inch-long (5 to 15 cm) stem cuttings from the parent plant in spring when the plant is producing new growth. Each cutting should have several sets of leaves and is snipped just below a leaf node, where the concentration of growth hormones is highest. The cut end is often dipped in rooting hormone powder to encourage root development and then planted in a moist soilless potting mix. The cuttings are then kept in a warm, brightly lit area out of direct sunlight until they root, usually within a few weeks. Once roots have developed, the new plants can be transplanted to individual pots or directly into the garden.
