Chrysanthemum [Morgan] Chrysanthemum Morgan = 'Yomorgan' (PBR)
ABOUT
[Morgan] is a cultivar that, grown as a cushion cultivar, forms a domed mound to around 40cm high. Deep pink semi-double flowers with golden-yellow centres are borne in autumn
About this plant
- Names
Synonyms
Morgan Chrysanthemum, Yomorgan Chrysanthemum.
Common names
Chrysanthemum Morgan = 'Yomorgan' (PBR)
- Characteristics
Life cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Varies
Height
2 feet (61 cm)
Spread
2 feet (61 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
Varies
Native area
Asia
Benefits
- General Benefits
- Attracts Pollinators: The Chrysanthemum 'Yomorgan' flowers are attractive to beneficial insects such as bees and butterflies, which are essential for pollination.
- Low Maintenance: It has a reputation for being easy to care for, requiring minimal attention once established in the right conditions.
- Long Blooming Season: This variety boasts a long flowering period, offering color and vibrancy in gardens from late summer into autumn.
- Drought Resistance: Once established, they have moderate drought tolerance, making them suitable for gardens with less frequent watering schedules.
- Versatile Use: Suitable for use in beds, borders, and containers, providing flexibility in garden design and space utilization.
- Aesthetic Appeal: 'Yomorgan' has a distinctive appearance with its vibrant and colorful blooms that enhance the visual appeal of any garden.
- Hardy Nature: The plant is hardy in a range of climates and can withstand relatively cold temperatures, making it suitable for many regions.
- Medical Properties
This plant is not used for medical purposes.
- Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
- Other Uses
- Natural Dye: The flowers of chrysanthemums can be used to create a natural yellow or gold dye for fabrics and textiles.
- Culinary Garnish: Petals from chrysanthemums can be used to add a splash of color and a mild floral flavor to salads, soups, and desserts.
- Biological Pest Control: Chrysanthemums can be planted in gardens to naturally repel certain insects, like aphids and spider mites, due to their pyrethrin content.
- Art and Craft: Dried chrysanthemum flowers can be used in potpourri, or be incorporated into paper making for decorative paper products.
- Photography: Chrysanthemums, with their vibrant colors and diverse forms, are popular subjects for photographers seeking to capture the beauty of flowers.
- Fish Ponds: Chrysanthemum leaves can be used in small quantities to reduce algae growth in fish ponds without harming the fish.
- Companion Planting: When planted alongside crops, chrysanthemums can help enhance the overall growth and health of vegetables by repelling common pests.
- Livestock Bedding: Dried chrysanthemum plants can provide an aromatic and absorbent bedding material for small pets and livestock.
- Cultural Festivals: Chrysanthemums are an essential part of many cultural celebrations and festivals around the world, particularly in Asia where they symbolize longevity and rejuvenation.
- Landscape Design: They can be used as living seasonal sculptures in landscape design, providing a unique focal point with their mound-like growth habit and dense flower coverage.
Interesting Facts
- Feng Shui
The plant Chrysanthemum is not used in Feng Shui practice.
- Zodiac Sign Compitability
The plant Chrysanthemum is not used in astrology practice.
- Plant Symbolism
- Longevity and Immortality: In many cultures, particularly in Asia, chrysanthemums are symbolically tied to life and longevity, often given on birthdays and other celebrations as a wish for a long life.
- Rejuvenation and Revival: The unfolding of the flower's petals symbolizes new life and growth, suggesting the renewal of the spirit and the body.
- Nobility: In Japan, the chrysanthemum is a noble flower, representing the sun and the imperial family. It's a symbol of perfection and divinity.
- Loyalty and Devotion: Their long-lasting nature is often associated with steadfastness and loyalty in relationships.
- Water
The garden mum, also known as Chrysanthemum Morgan, should be watered regularly to maintain evenly moist soil, especially during active growth in the spring and summer. Typically, watering once a week with one gallon of water per plant is sufficient, but this can vary depending on climate conditions and soil drainage. Increasing to twice a week during hot, dry periods may be necessary. It’s crucial to avoid overhead watering to prevent mildew and to water at the base of the plant instead. Reduce watering in the fall as the plant prepares for dormancy.
- Light
Garden mums thrive in full sunlight and should be placed in a spot where they receive at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. Ensuring adequate light is crucial for the development of vibrant flowers. Partial shade is acceptable, particularly in hotter climates, to prevent scorching, but too much shade can result in leggy plants and reduced blooming.
- Temperature
Garden mums prefer a temperature range between 70°F and 75°F during the day and between 60°F and 65°F at night for optimal growth. They are hardy in colder temperatures and can survive brief periods as low as 20°F to 30°F. However, extended exposure to temperatures outside the range of 32°F to 85°F can be detrimental to the plant’s health.
- Pruning
Pruning, or pinching, garden mums is essential for creating a bushier plant with more flowers. Start pinching back the growing tips when new growth reaches about 6 inches tall and continue every two to three weeks until early summer. The best time for the last pruning is around July 4th. This encourages the development of side branches and more flowering sites.
- Cleaning
As needed
- Soil
Mums thrive in well-draining soil with a pH between 6.5 and 6.7. A mix of loam, peat, and perlite or coarse sand is ideal, ensuring nutrients and proper aeration.
- Repotting
Mums should be repotted annually, preferably in the spring, to refresh the soil and accommodate growth.
- Humidity & Misting
Garden Mums prefer moderate humidity levels; aim for a range of 40-60% to promote healthy growth without encouraging fungal issues.
- Suitable locations
Indoor
Place in bright, indirect light with room to breathe.
Outdoor
Full sun, sheltered spot, well-draining soil preferably.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
- Life cycle
Chrysanthemum 'Yomorgan', begins its life cycle as a seed or more commonly as a vegetative cutting taken from a mature plant. After planting, the cutting roots and grows into a young plant with a rosette of leaves at the soil surface. In the vegetative stage, the plant focuses on producing a strong stem and foliage. As it enters the flowering stage, flower buds develop and bloom into the characteristic colorful flowers of the chrysanthemum. Following pollination, which may not always be necessary for cultivated varieties, the plant can produce seeds, completing its reproductive cycle. After flowering, the plant may go dormant or die, depending on the climate and care, but gardeners often propagate new plants from cuttings to repeat the life cycle.
- Propogation
Propogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: The most popular method of propagating the Chrysanthemum, also known as mums, is through division. This process is best carried out in spring when new growth appears. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the entire plant, ensuring you preserve as much of the root ball as possible. Use a sharp spade or knife to cut through the root mass, splitting it into smaller clumps. Each section should have a healthy amount of roots and several shoots. Afterward, replant the divisions promptly at the same depth they were growing previously, spacing them about 18 inches to 2 feet apart (approximately 45 to 60 centimeters), and water them thoroughly to help establish the new plants.