Chrysanthemum Chrysanthemum 'Long Island Beauty' (6b)
ABOUT
The Chrysanthemum 'Long Island Beauty' is a captivating plant that boasts a profusion of ornamental flowers. These blooms exhibit a rich, striking hue that can range from a deep pink to a more delicate blush shade, depending on the specific specimen and growing conditions. The center of each flower presents a prominent core of tightly clustered, tiny disk florets, typically a deeper shade or even a contrasting color, often a sunny yellow or greenish hue that adds depth and complexity to the flower's overall appearance. The petals surrounding this core unfold in layers; they are long and slender, with an elegant, slightly curled or quilled form that contributes to the flower's fluffy, full-bodied look. This layering of the petals is one of the hallmarks of this plant's beauty, with the outer petals gracefully bending away from the center, adding to the bloom's overall texture and volume. The foliage of 'Long Island Beauty' is a lush, deep green, providing a rich backdrop to the colorful display above. The leaves are typically shaped with a smooth to slightly toothed edge, which may be slightly glossy in appearance, and they are attached to the stem in an alternate pattern. These leaves vary in size but are generally proportionate to the flower heads, contributing to the plant's overall lush and healthy appearance. The plant's overall presentation is tremendously aesthetic, with the floral display often being abundant enough to create a sea of color. While individual plants may vary slightly in flower color and leaf shape, they all maintain the characteristic charm and allure that make the Chrysanthemum 'Long Island Beauty' a favored choice for gardeners and floral enthusiasts alike.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Garden Mum, Hardy Chrysanthemum, Mum.
Common names
Chrysanthemum 'Long Island Beauty'
ToxicityTo humans
The common name of the Chrysanthemum 'Long Island Beauty' is chrysanthemum. Chrysanthemums are generally considered to have low toxicity to humans. However, they do contain compounds such as pyrethrins, which can cause dermatitis in sensitive individuals upon contact with the skin. Ingestion of the plant, although not common, could potentially lead to mild gastrointestinal upset, including symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, but severe poisoning is rare.
To pets
Chrysanthemum, which is the common name of 'Chrysanthemum Long Island Beauty,' is toxic to pets, especially cats and dogs. The toxicity is due to the presence of pyrethrins, which are commonly used in insecticides. If a pet ingests chrysanthemum, symptoms of poisoning could include drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, incoordination, and dermatitis. In severe cases, ingestion can cause neurological symptoms such as tremors, seizures, and could potentially be life-threatening. It is advisable to seek immediate veterinary care if you suspect your pet has ingested this plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
1-3 feet (0.3-0.9 meters)
Spread
1-3 feet (0.3-0.9 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Provides vibrant color and beauty to gardens and landscapes.
- Attracts Pollinators: Invites beneficial insects like bees and butterflies to the garden.
- Seasonal Interest: Offers autumn bloom, adding color to gardens when other plants have finished flowering.
- Easy to Grow: Adapts well to a variety of soil types and requires minimal care once established.
- Drought Tolerant: Can survive periods of low water availability once fully established.
- Versatile: Suitable for borders, containers, and as cut flowers in floral arrangements.
- Cold Hardy: Tolerates the cold temperatures of zone 6b, making it a resilient choice for cooler climates.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- As a natural fabric dye: The blossoms of Chrysanthemums can be used to achieve a range of yellow and gold hues on natural fibers, offering an eco-friendly alternative to chemical dyes.
- Edible decorations: Petals from the Chrysanthemum 'Long Island Beauty' can be used to add color and a mild, peppery flavor to salads and desserts, as they are edible when grown organically.
- Insect repellent: The plant contains pyrethrin, a compound used in many commercial insect repellents; as such, Chrysanthemum flowers can help deter pests when planted in the garden.
- Photography subject: Due to their vibrant and unique appearance, these flowers are often used as subjects in macro photography to explore the intricacies of flora.
- Companion planting: The Chrysanthemum ‘Long Island Beauty’ can be planted alongside vegetables to help protect them from harmful insects, thanks to its insecticidal properties.
- Biodegradable confetti: Dried petals of Chrysanthemums can be thrown as natural, biodegradable confetti at celebrations, lessening the environmental impact compared to plastic confetti.
- Potpourri ingredient: The dried flowers of the Chrysanthemum 'Long Island Beauty' release a pleasant scent and can be included in potpourri mixes to naturally freshen the air.
- Artistic inspiration: The beauty and form of Chrysanthemums have been celebrated in arts and crafts, often serving as a muse for paintings, drawings, and floral designs.
- Culinary experiments: The petals of Chrysanthemum 'Long Island Beauty' can be used in the making of experimental dishes like floral-infused ice creams or savory pastries, expanding the culinary palette with unique flavors.
- Flower pressing: The blooms can be pressed and preserved to create lasting artwork or to embellish personal journals and handmade greeting cards.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiChrysanthemums are used in Feng Shui to bring happiness and joy into the home. They are believed to carry strong Yang energy. Place chrysanthemums in the living room or main gathering area of the home to foster a sense of well-being, balance, and positive energy. Their bright flowers are said to symbolize life and vitality, and can also be used to lift the energy of an area and improve mood. Choose a color that corresponds with the bagua area you wish to enhance; for instance, yellow chrysanthemums can be placed in the center of a space or in the health area to promote good health.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe chrysanthemum is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Longevity: Chrysanthemums are often associated with longevity due to their robust nature and ability to withstand colder temperatures.
- Rebirth: Their tendency to bloom in the fall, when many other plants are dying off, symbolizes rebirth and the power of life through adversity.
- Joy and Happiness: In general, the bright and cheerful appearance of chrysanthemums brings joy and is often a symbol of happiness in various cultures.
- Loyalty and Devotion: The lasting nature of their blooms is frequently seen as a representation of loyalty and steadfastness in relationships.
WaterMums, including the 'Long Island Beauty', prefer evenly moist soil, so it’s essential to water them thoroughly whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Generally, this might mean watering once every 3-7 days depending on the weather and soil drainage. Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot. A deep soak is preferable, using approximately one gallon of water per plant for each watering session. During hot, dry periods, increase the frequency as needed to maintain consistent soil moisture. Be sure to direct water at the base of the plant to keep the foliage dry and prevent disease.
LightThe 'Long Island Beauty' Mum thrives in full sun conditions, meaning it requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. The best spot for this plant is in an area where it can receive unfiltered sunlight throughout the day, which will promote vigorous growth and vibrant blooms. Partial shade is also acceptable, but it may result in a leggier plant with fewer flowers.
TemperatureMums like 'Long Island Beauty' prefer temperate conditions and perform best when daytime temperatures are between 60°F and 75°F. They can survive in temperatures as low as 32°F but are susceptible to damage if exposed to frost. To encourage fall blooms, cooler nighttime temperatures around 55°F to 60°F are ideal. Avoid exposing the plant to extreme heat above 85°F for extended periods.
PruningPrune your 'Long Island Beauty' Mum to maintain its shape, encourage bushier growth, and enhance blooming. Start pinching back the tips when the plants reach about 6 inches in height and repeat every 2 to 3 weeks until mid-summer. This will encourage branching and result in a fuller plant. After flowering, cut back the stems to 1 or 2 inches above the ground to prepare for winter. The best time for major pruning is early spring when new growth begins.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Chrysanthemums, commonly known as mums, should be well-draining with high organic matter content. A mixture of two parts potting soil, one part peat moss or compost, and one part perlite or sand enhances drainage. Mums prefer a slightly acidic to slightly alkaline pH range of 6.0 to 7.5.
RepottingMums typically require repotting every one to two years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth. It's best to repot them in the spring before the onset of the growing season to minimize stress on the plants.
Humidity & MistingMums thrive in moderate humidity levels. The ideal range for these plants is between 40% and 60% relative humidity. They can tolerate some variation outside this range but perform best within it.
Suitable locationsIndoor
For mums, ensure bright indirect light, moderate humidity, and good air circulation.
Outdoor
Place mums in full sun with well-draining soil and space for air flow.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleChrysanthemum 'Long Island Beauty', more commonly known as Hardy Mum, begins its life cycle as a seed or more commonly from a division or cutting, which when planted, germinates and develops into a young plant. The seedling quickly grows into a vegetative state, where it develops a sturdy stem and a robust root system along with foliage. As it matures during spring and summer, it enters the bud formation stage, typically when daylight starts to decrease, leading to the flowering phase in late summer to fall, boasting vibrant blooms that attract pollinators. After flowering, the Hardy Mum sets seeds, although many cultivars are sterile and thus primarily propagated vegetatively. Once winter arrives, the plant enters dormancy, often dying back to the ground in colder climates of zone 6b, relying on its root system to survive the cold. With the return of warmer weather in spring, the cycle begins anew with the emergence of fresh growth from the plant's base.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Chrysanthemum 'Long Island Beauty', commonly known as mums, can be propagated by cuttings, which is the most popular method for this variety. To propagate by cuttings, in late spring to early summer, cut a 4-6 inch (10-15 cm) stem from a healthy plant just below a leaf node. Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the stem and dip the cut end into a rooting hormone powder to encourage root development. Plant the stem in a pot filled with a moistened mixture of half perlite and half peat moss. Cover the pot with a plastic bag to create a humid environment, making sure the plastic does not touch the leaves, and place it in indirect light. Roots will typically develop within a few weeks, after which the new plant can gradually acclimate to less humid conditions before being planted in the garden after all danger of frost has passed.
