Chrysanthemum 'Happy Jogger' Chrysanthemum 'Happy Jogger' (PBR)
ABOUT
'Happy Jogger' is a compact, mound-forming cultivar to approximately 50cm high bearing a profusion of deep pink to purple flowers from early autumn
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Mum, Chrysanthemum
Common names
Chrysanthemum 'Happy Jogger' (PBR).
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Varies
Height
1-2 feet (30-61 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-61 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive Aesthetics: The Chrysanthemum 'Happy Jogger' adds vibrant color and beauty to gardens with its bright, showy flowers.
- Extended Blooming: The plant is known for having a long flowering period, providing color from late summer into the autumn.
- Landscape Versatility: It can be used in various landscape settings, including borders, containers, and as a focal point.
- Easy to Grow: The plant is generally considered easy to care for, requiring minimal maintenance, which is ideal for novice gardeners.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it has a degree of drought tolerance, making it suitable for gardens in drier climates.
- Attracts Pollinators: Chrysanthemums attract bees and butterflies, supporting pollinator populations and benefiting the garden ecosystem.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- As a natural dye: The petals of Chrysanthemums can be used to create a natural yellow or gold dye for textiles and craft projects.
- Insect repellent: Certain compounds found in Chrysanthemums have insect-repelling qualities and can be used in gardens or on patios to keep pests at bay.
- Photography subject: Chrysanthemums, with their intricate patterns and vibrant colors, possess great aesthetic value and serve as a prime subject for photography enthusiasts.
- Companion planting: Chrysanthemums can be planted near vegetables to help deter harmful insects, serving as a natural means of protecting the garden without the use of pesticides.
- Art and craft inspiration: Artists can take inspiration from the Chrysanthemum's form and color, incorporating its image into various art and craft works such as painting and embroidery.
- Cooking garnish: Petals of certain Chrysanthemum varieties can be used to add color and a mild floral flavor as garnishes in salads and various culinary dishes.
- Educational tool: Chrysanthemums can be employed in educational settings to teach about plant biology, pollination, and horticulture practices.
- Floral arrangements: Their long-lasting and robust blooms make Chrysanthemums ideal for use in floral arrangements and flower shows.
- Cultural symbolism: In some cultures, Chrysanthemums are symbolic and are utilized in festivals, religious ceremonies, and as tokens of goodwill or honor.
- Scented products: The Chrysanthemum's natural fragrance can be captured and used in the production of perfumes, scented candles, and aromatherapy products.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiChrysanthemums are considered powerful in Feng Shui for attracting good luck and lifting the energy of a space. They represent happiness and well-being. Place them in the living room for family harmony or in the home office to boost career luck.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe chrysanthemum is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Life and Rebirth: Chrysanthemums, often called mums, are commonly associated with life and rebirth because they bloom in the fall when many other plants are dying.
- Optimism and Joy: The 'Happy Jogger' variety of mum, with its lively name, emphasizes feelings of happiness, positivity, and the joyous spirit of a leisurely jog on a sunny day.
- Longevity and Immortality: Mums are symbolic of long life and perpetual youth in some Asian cultures due to their longevity and ability to bloom in autumn.
- Loyalty and Devotion: In several cultures, mums represent loyalty and devotion due to their hardy nature and tendency to return each year.
- Friendship: The bright and cheerful appearance of the Chrysanthemum 'Happy Jogger' can symbolize the light-hearted and supportive nature of true friendship.
- Well-being: The name 'Happy Jogger' suggests a connection to health and well-being, resonating with the practice of jogging for maintaining good health.
WaterMums, including the 'Happy Jogger', prefer evenly moist soil, so it's important to water them regularly. Generally, you should water the plant deeply once a week with about one gallon of water, but this can vary based on the weather conditions. During hot, dry periods, you may need to water as often as every other day. Ensure the water penetrates the root zone, about 6-8 inches deep. Avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk of disease and check the soil moisture before watering to prevent overwatering.
LightMums thrive in full sunlight, so be sure to place your 'Happy Jogger' in a spot where it can receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. If it's not getting enough light, the plant may produce fewer flowers and become leggy. A southern exposure is ideal for optimum growth and flowering.
TemperatureMums, including 'Happy Jogger', perform best in cooler temperatures and can generally tolerate a range from about 32°F to 70°F. They are hardy to frost and can survive a light freeze, but sustained temperatures below freezing will damage the plant. The ideal temperature range for promoting flowering is between 60°F and 70°F.
PruningPruning mums like 'Happy Jogger' is important to encourage bushy growth and abundant flowers. Pinch back the growing tips when the plant is about 6 inches tall, and repeat every few weeks until midsummer. This will prevent leggy growth and produce a more compact, dense plant. The best time to prune is early in the growing season, before the plant begins setting buds.
CleaningAs needed
SoilMums thrive in well-draining, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 to 7.0. A mix containing peat, vermiculite, and perlite with added compost is ideal to provide nutrients and good drainage.
RepottingMums should be repotted every one to two years to replenish soil nutrients and encourage healthy growth. Preferably, repot them in the spring.
Humidity & MistingMums prefer moderate humidity levels around 40-60%. They can tolerate some variation but avoid overly dry or highly humid environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright indirect light with moderate watering.
Outdoor
Grow in full sun, sheltered from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of the Chrysanthemum 'Happy Jogger', commonly known as a garden mum, typically begins with seed germination in spring, where the plant initiates growth from seeds under suitable temperature and soil conditions. As it enters the vegetative stage, it develops a foliage mass with characteristic deeply lobed leaves, focusing energy on establishing a robust root system and foliage before flowering. The garden mum then enters the budding phase, where flower buds form at the tips of the stems as daylight decreases, usually in late summer to early autumn. Full bloom commences when the flower buds open to reveal the Chrysanthemum 'Happy Jogger's' signature blossoms, often in hues of pink, red, or yellow, attracting pollinators to its nectar-rich blooms. After pollination, the plant produces seeds, completing the reproductive stage, though many cultivars are propagated vegetatively. As winter approaches, the garden mum goes into dormancy, with above-ground plant parts dying back, and it may require protection to survive until the next growing season where the cycle begins anew.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Chrysanthemum 'Happy Jogger', commonly known as the mum, is often propagated by cuttings, which is the most popular method for this particular variety. This process usually takes place during the spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. To propagate mums by cuttings, one would cut a 4 to 6-inch piece (10 to 15 cm) from the tender, new growth of an existing plant. The bottom leaves are removed, and the cut end is dipped in rooting hormone before being placed into a well-draining soil mix. The cutting should then be kept moist and in a warm spot with indirect sunlight until roots have developed, which typically takes about three to four weeks. After rooting, the young plant can be transplanted into a larger pot or directly into the garden.
