Lemon Margaret Chrysanthemum Chrysanthemum 'Lemon Margaret' (29c)
ABOUT
The Chrysanthemum 'Lemon Margaret' is a visually striking plant characterized by its vibrant lemon-yellow flowers. Each flower is composed of a dense array of petals that are neatly arranged around a central disc, giving them a full and lush appearance. The petals have a tendency to curl slightly at the edges, adding texture and depth to the flower's form. As one might infer from its name, the color of the blooms is reminiscent of citrus, providing a bright and cheerful display. The foliage of 'Lemon Margaret' is a deep green, which creates a beautiful contrast against the bright yellow of its flowers. Leaves are typically deeply lobed with a slightly jagged edge, contributing to the plant's overall lush and vibrant appearance. When in bloom, the plant becomes a focal point in the garden, with flowers that tend to be profuse and can cover much of the plant, creating a sea of yellow. Overall, the plant presents itself with an orderly and mounded shape, which adds to its aesthetic appeal. The combination of its striking yellow flowers and rich green leaves makes the Chrysanthemum 'Lemon Margaret' a popular choice for gardeners looking to add a splash of color to their landscape.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Lemon Margaret Chrysanthemum, Lemon Margaret Mum, Lemon Margaret Daisy
Common names
Chrysanthemum 'Lemon Margaret'
ToxicityTo humans
Chrysanthemums can cause dermatitis or skin rashes in sensitive individuals due to the presence of chemicals called sesquiterpene lactones. Ingesting parts of the plant may lead to gastrointestinal discomfort, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and sometimes a sensation of burning in the mouth or throat. It is typically not considered highly toxic to humans, but handling or ingesting large quantities could lead to more severe reactions, particularly in those with allergies to the plant.
To pets
Chrysanthemums are toxic to pets, especially cats and dogs. If ingested, they may experience symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, hyper-salivation, incoordination, and dermatitis. In severe cases, ingestion can lead to more serious consequences, including depression and muscle tremors. Owners should keep their pets away from the plant and seek veterinary care if they suspect their pet has ingested any part of a chrysanthemum.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
2 feet (60 cm)
Spread
2 feet (60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Adds bright yellow color to gardens and landscapes.
- Attracts Pollinators: Invites beneficial insects such as bees and butterflies.
- Seasonal Interest: Blooms in late summer to fall, providing color when other plants may be declining.
- Easy to Grow: Tolerates a wide range of soils and is relatively low-maintenance.
- Versatile: Suitable for borders, containers, and as cut flowers.
- Drought Resistance: Once established, it can tolerate periods of dry weather.
- Frost Tolerance: Can withstand light frosts, extending the blooming season.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Natural Fabric Dye: The vibrant yellow petals of Chrysanthemum can be used to create a beautiful natural dye for fabrics, yielding a range of sunny yellow hues.
- Companion Planting: These plants can be used in gardens to repel certain pests naturally, making it a useful companion plant for vegetables like tomatoes.
- Garden Borders: With their bright color, Chrysanthemum can define the edges of garden paths or flower beds, adding an aesthetic touch to garden design.
- Culinary Decoration: Fresh petals (untreated by chemicals) can be used as a colorful garnish for salads, desserts, and specialty drinks.
- Artistic Inspiration: The distinct form and color of Chrysanthemum flowers make them an inspiring subject for painters and photographers.
- Feng Shui: In the practice of Feng Shui, placing Chrysanthemums in the home is believed to bring happiness and laughter to the household.
- Educational Tool: The flower can be used in schools or educational programs to teach botany and plant reproduction through hands-on gardening activities.
- Potpourri Ingredient: Dried Chrysanthemum petals can be incorporated into potpourri mixtures to add a pleasant aroma and color to your home.
- Eco-Friendly Confetti: Dried petals of Chrysanthemum can serve as a biodegradable confetti option for celebrations, reducing litter and waste.
- Bookmark Embellishments: Pressed Chrysanthemum flowers can be used to decorate or craft unique, hand-made bookmarks.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Chrysanthemum is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Chrysanthemum is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Longevity and Immortality: Chrysanthemums are often associated with long life and perpetuity, stemming from their use in traditional Chinese medicine and their ability to bloom into the late autumn when most other flowers have faded.
- Rebirth and Renewal: The recurring blooming cycle of Chrysanthemums symbolizes the concepts of rebirth and the renewal of life, reflecting nature's cycles.
- Nobility and Virtue: In some Asian cultures, Chrysanthemums, particularly those with yellow or golden colors, are symbolic of nobility and high virtue, often connected with the sun and its power.
- Happiness and Joy: Chrysanthemums are given as gifts to bring happiness and light to someone's life, reflecting the flower's cheerful appearance.
- Loyalty and Devotion: The flower's tendency to bloom year after year in the same spot is often seen as emblematic of loyalty and steadfastness in relationships.
- Death and Grief: In some European countries, Chrysanthemums are reserved for funerals or memorials, symbolizing mourning and honor for the dead.
WaterMums, including the variety 'Lemon Margaret', prefer evenly moist soil, so watering should be done thoroughly when the top inch of the soil feels dry to the touch. Generally, this would equate to watering once or twice a week, depending on the environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity. Use room temperature water and aim to water around the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, which can encourage disease. In terms of volume, a rule of thumb would be to provide about one gallon of water per square yard of soil each week, adjusting as needed for rainfall and climate conditions.
LightMums thrive best in full sun conditions, which entails placing 'Lemon Margaret' in a spot where it receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. However, in extremely hot climates, some afternoon shade is beneficial to prevent scorching. Ensure the plant is in a well-lit area away from the full, constant shade to promote robust growth and plentiful blooms.
TemperatureThe 'Lemon Margaret' mum does best in a temperature range of 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. While it can withstand brief periods of colder weather, it is important to keep it protected from temperatures below 32 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent frost damage. In high heat conditions, providing some afternoon shade can help keep temperatures more moderate within the plant's preferred range.
PruningPruning 'Lemon Margaret' mums is important for shaping the plant and encouraging bushier growth with more blooms. Pinch back the growing tips of the stems by an inch when they are about 6 inches tall, and repeat this every two to three weeks until early to mid-summer. Avoid pruning in late summer or fall as this can remove developing flower buds. The best time for major pruning is early spring before new growth begins.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for a Chrysanthemum, commonly known as a mum, should be well-draining and fertile, with a mix of two parts peat moss to one part perlite and one part compost. Chrysanthemums prefer a slightly acidic to neutral pH, around 6.0 to 7.0.
RepottingChrysanthemums should generally be repotted every one to two years to prevent overcrowding and refresh the soil, ensuring the plant remains healthy and vibrant.
Humidity & MistingChrysanthemums thrive in moderate humidity levels, around 40-60%, to maintain their health without encouraging fungal issues common in high humidity environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place mums in bright, indirect light and avoid overwatering.
Outdoor
Plant mums in full sun to part shade and well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleChrysanthemum 'Lemon Margaret' begins its life cycle as a seed, which when germinated in spring, develops into a small seedling. As temperatures rise, the plant enters a vegetative stage, focusing on leafy growth until it has established a robust root system and foliage. The vegetative phase transitions to budding as daylight shortens and the plant prepares for flowering in late summer to autumn. During the blooming stage, vibrant yellow flowers characteristic of the 'Lemon Margaret' emerge, attracting pollinators necessary for the reproductive phase. Once pollinated, the flowers produce seeds, completing the sexual reproduction cycle. With the onset of winter or unfavorable conditions, the plant can enter a dormant phase or die back if it is not a perennial variety, potentially regrowing from the roots in the next favorable season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: The Chrysanthemum 'Lemon Margaret', commonly known as the hardy garden mum, can be effectively propagated through stem cuttings. The best time to undertake this method is in the spring when the plant's new growth is about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) in length. To propagate, select healthy, non-flowering stems and cut a 3 to 4-inch (approximately 7.5 to 10 cm) section just below a leaf node. The lower leaves should be removed, and the cutting can then be dipped in a rooting hormone powder to enhance root development. The prepared cutting should be planted in a pot filled with moist potting mix and kept in a bright location without direct sunlight. The cutting needs consistent moisture but should not be waterlogged, and in a few weeks, roots will begin to form, indicating successful propagation.
