Chrysanthemum Chrysanthemum 'Mezzo Bronze Red' (Poppins Series)
ABOUT
The Chrysanthemum 'Mezzo Bronze Red' (Poppins Series) is a visually striking plant characterized by its vibrant and lush floral display. It showcases a rich array of bronze-red petals that radiate from the center of the flower, creating a dense, dome-like appearance. The blooms are composed of numerous small, tightly-clustered petals that unfurl outward, boasting a colorful spectacle that stands out in any garden setting. The foliage of this chrysanthemum, typically a deep green, serves as a contrasting backdrop to the bold red tones of the flowers. This variety is part of the Poppins Series, which is known for its hardy and robust flowering plants. These mums are popular for their splendid, eye-catching colors and their ability to bring late-season interest to the landscape.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Hardy Chrysanthemum, Garden Mum, Florist's Chrysanthemum
Common names
Chrysanthemum 'Mezzo Bronze Red' (Poppins Series)
ToxicityTo humans
The common name for Chrysanthemum 'Mezzo Bronze Red' (Poppins Series) is chrysanthemum. Chrysanthemums are generally considered to have low toxicity to humans. However, some people may experience allergic reactions if they ingest parts of the plant or come into contact with its sap. Symptoms can include skin rashes, itching, or dermatitis. Ingesting chrysanthemum can possibly cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal upset. Contact with the eyes can lead to irritation. If you suspect poisoning, it is important to seek medical attention.
To pets
Chrysanthemums, often simply known as mums, can be toxic to pets, including dogs and cats. The toxic principles in the plant are sesquiterpene lactones, pyrethrins, and other potential irritants. If a pet ingests parts of a mum, they may show symptoms of poisoning which can include vomiting, diarrhea, hypersalivation, incoordination, and dermatitis. In severe cases, ingestion can lead to more significant symptoms such as depression or neurological signs. If you suspect your pet has ingested chrysanthemum, it is advisable to contact a veterinarian immediately.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Bronze Red
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive Blooms: Chrysanthemum 'Mezzo Bronze Red' produces vibrant, deeply colored flowers that add aesthetic appeal to gardens and landscapes.
- Extended Flowering Season: This variety often has a long blooming period, providing color from late summer into fall.
- Low Maintenance: As a hardy perennial, it typically requires minimal care once established, making it a convenient choice for gardeners of all levels.
- Pollinator Friendly: The flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, supporting biodiversity.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, Chrysanthemums are relatively drought-tolerant, making them suitable for areas with water restrictions.
- Versatile Use: This plant is well-suited for use in borders, containers, and as cut flowers for indoor decoration.
- Cold Hardy: Chrysanthemums can withstand cooler temperatures, making them a good option for fall color in temperate climates.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography Prop: Chrysanthemums can be used to add color and texture to autumn-themed photo shoots or as a natural backdrop for portrait photography.
- Artistic Inspiration: Artists may use the striking colors of the 'Mezzo Bronze Red' to create paintings, drawings, or textile designs.
- Educational Tool: Educators can use the plant to teach botany and horticulture, focusing on plant lifecycles, breeding, and hybridization.
- Craft Projects: The dried flowers can be used in scrapbooking, pressed flower art, or making homemade greeting cards.
- Color Dye: Petals may be boiled to extract natural dyes for coloring fabrics, yarns, or even in culinary decoration for desserts.
- Fashion Accessories: Fresh or dried chrysanthemum blooms can be incorporated into wearable art such as headpieces, brooches, or shoe embellishments.
- Table Centerpiece: Its vivid colors and autumnal look make it an ideal focal point for festive table arrangements, particularly for fall celebrations.
- Garden Design: Can be used as a living sculpture in avant-garde garden designs, sometimes trimmed into shapes or patterns to create visual interest.
- Seasonal Festivities: In autumn festivals or events, such as harvest festivals or Thanksgiving, chrysanthemums are used for decoration and theming.
- Culinary Garnish: Although its use should be cautious and rare due to potential allergies, the petals of edible varieties can be used to decorate dishes for a splash of color.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiChrysanthemums are associated with happiness and well-being in Feng Shui, making them ideal for areas that require a boost in good energy, such as living rooms or meeting spaces. They can improve the Chi and promote joy when placed in these areas.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Chrysanthemum is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Longevity: Chrysanthemums are often associated with longevity due to their ability to bloom in the fall when many other plants have ceased to flourish, symbolizing an enduring life.
- Happiness: In many cultures, chrysanthemums are seen as a symbol of joy and cheerfulness, perhaps due to their bright and varied colors.
- Loyalty: The chrysanthemum is also recognized as a symbol of fidelity and devotion, reflecting the flower's enduring nature.
- Rejuvenation: This plant signifies rejuvenation as it returns year after year with lively blooms, often linked to the idea of rebirth and recovery.
- Friendship: Chrysanthemums, especially the red ones, can denote affection and friendship, making them a popular gift between friends.
- Well-being: In some traditions, the chrysanthemum is a token of good health and well-being, aligning with its medicinal uses in various cultures.
- Peace: The flower is sometimes used to express a wish for peace and serenity, likely due to its calming presence in gardens.
WaterMums should be watered thoroughly whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. In general, this might mean watering once every week, but the actual frequency can vary depending on environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity. Make sure to water directly at the base of the plant, avoiding wetting the foliage to prevent disease. Provide about 1 gallon of water per plant during each watering session to ensure the soil becomes moist but not waterlogged. During particularly hot or dry periods, watering frequency should increase to maintain consistent soil moisture.
LightChrysanthemums thrive in full sun, with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight a day. The 'Mezzo Bronze Red' should be placed in a spot where it can receive ample morning light and some partial shade in the afternoon, especially in areas with very hot summer sun, to prevent scorching. An east-facing location that avoids the harsh late-day sun is ideal for the healthiest growth and bloom.
TemperatureMums prefer moderate temperatures and can generally survive in conditions ranging from 32°F to 86°F. The ideal temperature for Chrysanthemum 'Mezzo Bronze Red' is between 60°F and 70°F. They can tolerate light frosts, but temperatures below freezing may damage the plant. Similarly, extreme heat above 86°F can cause stress and may require additional watering to keep the plant cool.
PruningPruning mums promotes bushier growth and more abundant blooms. Pinch back the tips of the 'Mezzo Bronze Red' stems in early summer, when they're about 6 inches tall, to encourage branching. Continue to pinch once more, about a month later, to maximize flowering potential. The best time for major pruning is after the blooming season, usually in late fall or early winter, to prepare the plant for the next year's growth.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFor the best growth, mums like the Chrysanthemum 'Mezzo Bronze Red' prefer well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A suitable soil mix would consist of equal parts garden soil, peat moss or compost, and perlite or vermiculite. Aim for a soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0.
RepottingChrysanthemums, including the 'Mezzo Bronze Red' variety, should be repotted every one to two years to replenish the soil and allow for root growth. It's best done after the blooming cycle, in late winter or early spring.
Humidity & MistingChrysanthemum 'Mezzo Bronze Red' prefers moderate humidity levels, ranging from 40% to 60%. This level of humidity mimics the natural conditions the plant thrives in and supports healthy growth.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and provide moderate watering.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun to part shade in well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleChrysanthemums, including Chrysanthemum 'Mezzo Bronze Red' (Poppins Series), start their life as seeds or more commonly as cuttings from mature plants. When planted, they quickly form roots and a small rosette of leaves in the vegetative stage. As the plant matures, stems elongate, and leaves develop fully during the growth phase. The chrysanthemum enters the budding stage when flower buds begin to form, often triggered by shorter daylight hours, depending on the variety. It then blooms, displaying the characteristic bronze red flowers, which attracts pollinators, although many cultivated varieties are sterile and do not produce viable seeds. After blooming, the plants enter a period of senescence; they can be pruned and overwintered in milder climates or, in colder regions, they may die back and require replanting the following season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagation for the Chrysanthemum 'Mezzo Bronze Red' (from the Poppins Series) is through cuttings. This process typically takes place during the late spring to early summer when the plant is actively growing. To propagate by cuttings, gardeners cut a piece of the stem around 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7.6 centimeters) long from a healthy parent plant, just below a leaf node. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end of the stem is often dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root growth. The cutting is then placed in a moist growing medium such as potting soil or a perlite-vermiculite mix and kept under appropriate conditions of warmth and indirect light until roots have developed, which can take several weeks. Once the roots are established, the new plant can be transplanted to its final location.
