Chrysanthemum Chrysanthemum 'Hazel' (21)
ABOUT
The Chrysanthemum 'Hazel' is a type of flowering plant known for its distinctive and attractive blooms. The flowers of this chrysanthemum variety are the focal point, often showcasing a rich tapestry of colors. Its blossoms can be found in warm hues, potentially displaying shades from deep amber to orange, all of which are intermingled in its petals to create a fiery display reminiscent of autumn colors. These flowers are composed of a multitude of individual petals, each one contributing to the dense and layered appearance that is characteristic of many chrysanthemum varieties. The overall form of the Chrysanthemum 'Hazel' is bushy and full, creating an ample and lush look within a garden setting. Its leaves are typically a deep green, with a shape that may be either slightly serrated or smooth-edged, providing a verdant backdrop against which the vivacity of its floral display stands out. The foliage can be quite dense, adding to the plant's voluminous look. Beyond its striking flowers, the Chrysanthemum 'Hazel' might be appreciated for its longevity in bloom. It tends to flower in the later seasons of the year, often providing a display when many other plants have finished their flowering period. The blooms can last for several weeks, offering a sustained splash of color in gardens or as cut flowers indoors.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Hardy Chrysanthemum, Garden Mum, Florist's Chrysanthemum, Hardy Mum
Common names
Dendranthema 'Hazel', Chrysanthemum morifolium 'Hazel'.
ToxicityTo humans
The common chrysanthemum, including the variety 'Hazel,' may cause dermatitis in sensitive individuals due to the presence of sesquiterpene lactones, which are known to be skin irritants. Ingesting parts of the chrysanthemum plant can cause mild gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. It is not generally considered highly toxic to humans, but it can cause discomfort and negative reactions, particularly in large amounts. If you suspect chrysanthemum poisoning, it's advisable to seek medical attention.
To pets
The chrysanthemum, known simply as mums to many, is toxic to pets, including dogs and cats. This toxicity is primarily due to pyrethrins and other compounds that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, hypersalivation, incoordination, and dermatitis in pets. Signs of chrysanthemum poisoning often appear within a few hours of ingestion. In severe cases, ingestion can lead to more serious conditions such as depression of the central nervous system. If you suspect your pet has eaten chrysanthemum, you should contact your veterinarian immediately.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Varies
Height
2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)
Spread
2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Chrysanthemum 'Hazel' provides aesthetic appeal with its vibrant and colorful flowers, enhancing garden display and landscapes.
- Pollinator Attraction: Attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, supporting biodiversity in the garden.
- Seasonal Interest: Offers late-season blooms when many other plants have finished flowering, extending the garden's visual interest into fall.
- Easy to Grow: Known for being hardy and easy to care for, making it a suitable choice for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Versatile Use: Can be used in borders, containers, and as cut flowers, offering diverse options for garden design and indoor decoration.
- Long-lasting Blooms: The flowers of Chrysanthemum 'Hazel' have a long blooming period, providing color for an extended period of time.
- Diverse Cultivars: Comes in a variety of cultivars with different sizes, shapes, and colors, offering a wide range of options for personal taste and garden themes.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Chrysanthemums can be used as natural insect repellents by placing cut flowers around the home, as they contain a compound that is unappealing to many insects.
- They are often used in companion planting to protect vegetables from pests, leveraging their insect-repelling properties when planted nearby in gardens.
- Dried chrysanthemums are sometimes included in potpourri mixes for their fragrance and variety of colors, adding aesthetic appeal to the mix.
- Certain chrysanthemum flowers are edible and can be used to add a unique flavor and color to salads, teas, and desserts.
- They can be used as a natural dye for fabrics, offering a range of colors from pale yellow to deep gold depending on the variety and processing method.
- Chrysanthemums can be used in art projects, such as pressing flowers for decorative purposes in scrapbooking, card making, or decoupage.
- In some cultures, chrysanthemum petals are sprinkled at special events as confetti due to their bright colors and biodegradable nature.
- The flowers are sometimes used in religious and cultural ceremonies to represent life and vitality or to honor ancestors in Asia.
- Chrysanthemum plants can be given as gifts in pots to convey messages of loyalty and devotion in the language of flowers.
- Gardeners might use the plants to create living sculptures or topiaries in ornamental gardens due to their dense foliage and vibrant blooms.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiChrysanthemums are believed to carry strong Yang energy and can introduce happiness and laughter to the home. Positioning chrysanthemums in the living room is thought to bring good luck and deter negative energy.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityChrysanthemums are not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Life and Rebirth: Chrysanthemums, often called mums, bloom in the fall when many other plants are dying. Thus, they symbolize not only the life that persists as summer ends, but also the cycle of rebirth that comes with the changing seasons.
- Happiness and Optimism: Due to their bright and cheerful appearance, mums are commonly associated with joy and a positive outlook on life.
- Longevity: In some cultures, notably Chinese, chrysanthemums are symbols of longevity and immortality due to their long-lasting nature and medicinal properties.
- Loyalty and Devotion: The strong and sturdy nature of the chrysanthemum flower is often equated with steadfastness, suggesting unwavering loyalty and deep devotion in relationships.
- Grieving and Condolence: In some European countries and America, white chrysanthemums are sometimes used in funerals and are symbolic of grief and sympathy, offering condolence when someone passes away.
- Nobility: In Japanese culture, the chrysanthemum is a noble flower, often associated with the imperial family and appearing on the Imperial Seal of Japan.
- Cleansing: The chrysanthemum has associations with cleansing and purification, possibly due to its use in traditional medicine and its ability to clean the air from pollutants.
- Truth: As a bloom that withstands the fall weather, the mum also symbolizes the virtue of honesty, maintaining integrity and clarity as the year wanes.
WaterMums, including the variety 'Hazel', prefer evenly moist soil, which means the watering frequency can vary depending on the environmental conditions but generally should be done when the top inch of soil feels dry. Water these plants with approximately 1 gallon of water per week, ensuring that water penetrates deeply into the soil to encourage strong root development. During hotter, drier periods, mums may require more frequent watering, possibly every other day. Conversely, in cooler, wetter conditions, watering might be reduced to once a week or less. Avoid overhead watering to minimize the risk of leaf spot diseases, and instead water at the base of the plant early in the day to allow any splashes on the foliage to dry out.
LightMums flourish in full sunlight, meaning they require at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. Choose a spot in the garden or on your property that receives ample morning light and direct sunlight throughout the day for optimal growth and blooming. Although they can tolerate some light shade, insufficient light can cause Chrysanthemums to become leggy and reduce their prolific blooming nature.
TemperatureChrysanthemums do well in a temperature range of 60°F to 70°F during the day and prefer night temperatures between 50°F and 60°F to promote optimal growth and flowering. They can handle slight frost and survive in temperatures as low as 32°F, but prolonged exposure to temperatures below this point can be damaging. On the other end, temperatures above 80°F may stress the plant and inhibit bud development.
PruningPruning chrysanthemums encourages a bushier growth habit and more abundant blooms. Pinch back new growth in early summer by removing the top 1 inch of each stem to promote side branching. This process can be repeated every few weeks until mid-July for mums. Pruning should cease by late summer to avoid removing developing buds. The best time for more extensive pruning is after the flowering season, cutting back stems to about 6 inches to prepare the plant for winter.
CleaningAs needed
SoilMums grow best in well-drained soil with a pH between 6.5 and 6.7. A mix of equal parts peat, vermiculite, and perlite can provide the aeration and drainage they need.
RepottingMums should be repotted every one to two years to replenish the soil and provide space for growth.
Humidity & MistingMums prefer moderate to high humidity levels, around 60% to 70%, but are adaptable to average home humidity.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright indirect light and ensure good air circulation.
Outdoor
Full sun to partial shade, shield from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleThe Chrysanthemum 'Hazel', commonly known as mums, begins its life cycle with seed germination, typically in the early spring, where the embryo within the seed emerges as a seedling. Following germination, the seedling grows into a young plant with a set of true leaves and develops a root system. This vegetative growth stage is characterized by the expansion of foliage and the establishment of a robust plant structure capable of supporting flowers later in the season. As the days shorten and temperatures drop in late summer to early fall, the mum enters the budding stage, where flower buds form and prepare for blooming. The blooming stage sees the most visual transformation, as the 'Hazel' showcases its vibrant flowers, attracting pollinators and fulfilling its reproductive purpose. After flowering, the plant sets seeds if the flowers were successfully pollinated, and as the weather cools further, the plant enters dormancy, completing its annual cycle, ready to begin anew come next spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Chrysanthemum 'Hazel', commonly referred to as Mum, can be propagated most popularly through the division method, usually performed in the spring. This involves carefully splitting the plant's root ball into smaller sections, ensuring that each new section has an adequate number of shoots and root mass to establish a new plant. Once divided, the sections should be planted in well-draining soil enriched with compost to encourage strong root development. It is crucial to maintain consistent moisture after planting to support the establishment of the divisions. Dividing not only helps propagate new plants but also invigorates the parent plant, promoting more vigorous growth and flowering.
