Chrysanthemum Chrysanthemum 'Mayford Perfection' (5a)
ABOUT
The Chrysanthemum 'Mayford Perfection' is recognized for its striking floral display. The plant boasts lush, dark green foliage that serves as a backdrop to its impressive blooms. The flowers are the main attraction; they are large and full, with a multitude of overlapping petals that create a dense, dome-like shape. The petal color is vibrant, possibly ranging from whites to pinks, yellows, or rich reds and purples, though the specific hue can vary within the 'Mayford Perfection' cultivar. The blooms present a decorative pompon form, much like a large, plush ball, making them standout features in any floral arrangement or garden setting. These full-bodied flowers exude an elegance that is further enhanced when grouped, as they typically bloom profusely under suitable growing conditions. The Chrysanthemum 'Mayford Perfection' has a bushy habit, with stems that are sturdy enough to support the weight of the large flowers. The plant tends to have good branching, resulting in a rounded, full appearance overall that is visually pleasing and often used for ornamental purposes in gardens or as cut flowers for display indoors.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Garden Mum, Florist's Daisy, Hardy Chrysanthemum.
Common names
Chrysanthemum 'Mayford Perfection'.
ToxicityTo humans
Chrysanthemums, also known as mums, have a low toxicity level to humans. Ingesting parts of the plant might cause mild gastrointestinal upset, including symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, but are not usually considered seriously toxic.
To pets
Mums are considered to be toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. If a pet ingests parts of a mum plant, symptoms of poisoning may include vomiting, diarrhea, hypersalivation, incoordination, and dermatitis. In severe cases, ingestion can lead to more serious conditions like a drop in blood pressure, but such severe reactions are rare. It is recommended to keep mums out of reach of pets and consult a veterinarian if you suspect your pet has consumed any part of the plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Varies
Height
2-3 feet (60-90 cm)
Spread
2 feet (60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: The Chrysanthemum adds vibrant colors and visual interest to gardens and landscapes.
- Versatility: It can be used in borders, flower beds, and pots, making it suitable for various garden designs.
- Long Blooming Period: With a typically lengthy flowering season, it provides extended periods of enjoyment.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers are attractive to bees and butterflies, promoting pollination in the garden.
- Easy to Grow: It is known for being a relatively low-maintenance plant that can thrive with basic care.
- Cut Flower Use: Its blooms are long-lasting when cut, making it great for bouquets and floral arrangements.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography subject: Chrysanthemums, with their complex petal structures and vibrant colors, make for an interesting and beautiful subject for macro and still life photography projects.
- Insectary plant: These plants can be used in gardens to attract beneficial insects, such as ladybugs and lacewings, which help control pest populations.
- Natural dye source: The petals of chrysanthemums can be used to create natural dyes for fabrics and yarns, yielding colors ranging from soft yellows to rich golds.
- Culinary decoration: Petals of the Chrysanthemum may be used to add a splash of color to salads and desserts, although this particular variety is more for decoration as they are not generally recognized as edible.
- Artistic inspiration: The intricate patterns and variety of the Chrysanthemum blooms have long been a muse for artists, inspiring paintings, textiles, and pottery designs.
- Symbolic gifts: In some cultures, Chrysanthemums are given as gifts for specific celebrations or as symbols of longevity and good fortune.
- Educational tool: These flowers can be used in botanical studies and horticulture programs to teach students about plant genetics, hybridization, and flower structures.
- Floral arrangements: Chrysanthemums are a popular choice for autumnal flower arrangements and wreath embellishments because of their seasonal colors and longevity.
- Environmental indicator: Sometimes Chrysanthemums can be used to indicate the health of an ecosystem as they may show signs of distress in polluted areas.
- Event decor: These flowers are commonly used in festivals, particularly in East Asia, where the Chrysanthemum festival, or "Kiku no Sekku," is celebrated to honor the flower.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Chrysanthemum is believed to bring happiness and laughter into the home in Feng Shui practice. It's associated with joy and ease in life. Place Chrysanthemums in the living room or any area where you wish to introduce Yang energy and foster a sense of well-being. It is also used to improve air quality and for its life-affirming energy.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Chrysanthemum is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Longevity and Immortality: Chrysanthemums are often associated with long life and perpetuity. This symbolism stems from the flower's ability to bloom into the late autumn, appearing almost unaffected by the season's onset.
- Rebirth and Renewal: The cyclical blooming pattern of chrysanthemums resonates with themes of revival and the start of a new cycle, often paralleling the human journey of growth and starting afresh.
- Nobility and Elegance: In many cultures, particularly in Asia, the chrysanthemum is a noble flower often associated with aristocracy. Its elegant form and presence in royal gardens reinforce this symbolism.
- Loyalty and Devotion: The flower's tendency to bloom toward the sun is paralleled to loyalty and devotion, suggesting a steadfast and faithful nature.
- Death and Mourning: In some European countries, chrysanthemums are symbolic of death and are often used for funerals or to honor the deceased, juxtaposing their life-affirming meanings in other cultures.
WaterMums, like Chrysanthemum 'Mayford Perfection', prefer evenly moist soil, so it's important to water them regularly. Typically, watering should be done when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. You can provide about 1 gallon of water for an outdoor plant every week, making adjustments for rainfall and temperature. During particularly hot or dry periods, you might need to water twice a week, while in cooler or rainy conditions, watering may be less frequent. Always avoid over-watering, as this can lead to root rot.
LightMums thrive in full sun to partial shade. For Chrysanthemum 'Mayford Perfection', a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day is ideal. Though they can handle some shade, too much will result in a less compact plant with fewer flowers. The best spot for these plants would be one where they are exposed to morning sunlight and receive some afternoon shade, especially in regions with intense midday sun.
TemperatureChrysanthemums prefer a temperate climate with ideal growing temperatures between 60°F to 70°F. They can survive minimum temperatures close to freezing, around 32°F, but frost can damage the plants. The maximum temperature for healthy growth is generally around 90°F. Mums are quite hardy, but it's important to protect them from extreme heat and frost whenever possible.
PruningPruning is essential for Chrysanthemum 'Mayford Perfection' to promote bushier growth and more blooms. Pinch back the tips of the stems in early summer to encourage branching. Cut back spent flowers after blooming to maintain plant health and appearance. Mums should also be pruned down to the ground after flowering has finished in late fall to help them overwinter. Pruning should be repeated annually to ensure robust plant growth each year.
CleaningAs needed
SoilChrysanthemums thrive in well-draining soil enriched with organic matter, with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.0. A mixture of equal parts garden soil, peat moss, and perlite or vermiculite is ideal to ensure good drainage and aeration, critical for healthy roots. Adding compost to the mix will provide necessary nutrients for optimal growth.
RepottingChrysanthemums should be repotted annually in the late winter or early spring, before the onset of new growth. This ensures they have fresh soil and adequate room to grow. If the plant becomes root-bound or the soil looks exhausted during the growing season, consider repotting it more frequently.
Humidity & MistingChrysanthemums prefer a moderate humidity level, ranging from 40% to 60%. They can tolerate lower humidity levels, but if the air is too dry, it can stress the plant. Avoid placing them near heating vents or fans that can dry out the air around them.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Use bright, indirect light and keep soil consistently moist.
Outdoor
Plant in well-draining soil, full sun to partial shade.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleChrysanthemum 'Mayford Perfection', commonly known as the Hardy Garden Mum, begins its life cycle from seeds or cuttings, which, once planted, germinate or root in the soil. The seedlings or rooted cuttings grow into vegetative plants with lush foliage, preparing for the flowering stage. During the growing season, with proper care and favorable conditions, the plant develops buds that eventually bloom into colorful flowers, typically in late summer or fall, depending on the local climate. After the blooming period, the flowers set seeds, which can be collected for propagation or left to self-sow if conditions are right. During winter in cold climates, the Hardy Garden Mum enters a period of dormancy, retreating to the root system to survive harsh conditions, though it may die back if not properly protected from frost. With the return of warmer spring temperatures, the plant breaks dormancy, beginning the cycle anew with fresh growth emerging from the roots or basal shoots.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
Propogation: Chrysanthemum 'Mayford Perfection', commonly known as mums, is typically propagated using stem cuttings, which is the most popular method due to its effectiveness and simplicity. This is usually done in spring when new growth appears. Take a 4 to 6 inch cutting just below a leaf node, strip the leaves from the bottom half, and dip the cut end into rooting hormone. Then, insert the cutting into a pot filled with a well-draining soil mix, such as a mixture of peat and perlite. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged and place the pot in a well-lit area without direct sunlight until roots have developed, which usually takes about 3 to 4 weeks. Once the cuttings have rooted, they can be planted in their final location.
