Chrysanthemum Chrysanthemum 'Myss Madi' (29c)
ABOUT
Chrysanthemum 'Myss Madi' is recognized for its vibrant and lush appearance that often becomes a focal point in gardens and floral arrangements. This particular variety of chrysanthemum, commonly known as "mum," produces an abundance of flowers that have a rich color, generally a shade of pink, purple, red, or even a mix of these hues, depending on the specific cultivar. The flowers are composed of numerous petals that radiate outward from the central disc, creating a dense, cushioned look that is both elegant and eye-catching. The individual blooms typically have a layered appearance, as the petals are arranged in a way that gives them a full and rounded form, much like a pom-pom. These flowers tend to grow in clusters at the end of stems, which are covered with dense, deep-green leaves. The leaves have a distinct shape, with serrated edges, and provide a lush backdrop that makes the flower color pop even more. 'Myss Madi' mums are a popular choice for gardeners and florists alike due to their long-lasting blooms and their role as a classic symbol of autumn. This plant is often used in seasonal displays and can be found both in gardens and as potted plants gracing porches or patios. The overall impression of Chrysanthemum 'Myss Madi' is one of robust beauty and rich color, adding life and vibrancy wherever it is planted or displayed.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Florist's Daisy, Hardy Garden Mum, Mum
Common names
Chrysanthemum 'Myss Madi'
ToxicityTo humans
Chrysanthemums, commonly known as mums, can cause allergic reactions in some individuals when ingested or handled. If consumed, the plant may cause symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea. Skin contact with the sap may result in dermatitis or a rash in people with sensitive skin.
To pets
Chrysanthemums, commonly referred to as mums, are toxic to pets, including cats and dogs. If ingested, they can cause symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, hypersalivation, incoordination, and dermatitis. In severe cases, ingestion could lead to serious conditions such as depression or muscle tremors. It's important to prevent pets from consuming any part of the plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
1-3 feet (0.30-0.91 meters)
Spread
1-3 feet (0.30-0.91 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Adds vibrant color and beauty to gardens and landscapes.
- Diversity: Offers a wide range of colors, shapes, and sizes for various design needs.
- Seasonal Interest: Blooms in late summer through fall, providing late-season floral interest when many other plants have finished flowering.
- Attracts Wildlife: Can attract beneficial insects such as butterflies and bees to the garden, promoting biodiversity.
- Low Maintenance: Generally easy to care for once established, requiring minimal upkeep.
- Durability: Often tolerant of various soil types and some varieties are drought-resistant.
- Versatility: Suitable for use in borders, containers, and as cut flowers for indoor decoration.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Art and Craft: The vibrant petals of the chrysanthemum can be used in dried flower arrangements or to create natural dyes for fabrics and artwork.
- Photography Subject: Due to its striking appearance, the chrysanthemum serves as an excellent subject for botanical photography, contributing to portfolios, stock photos, or photo contests.
- Culinary Garnish: Though not a common practice, the petals, if edible, can sometimes be used to add a splash of color and mild flavor to salads or desserts.
- Teaching Tool: Botany educators can use the chrysanthemum in lessons about plant biology, flower structure, or breeding practices for ornamental horticulture.
- Festive Decor: The flowers can be woven into garlands or wreaths for seasonal or festival decorations, adding color and cheer to events and celebrations.
- Companion Planting: Chrysanthemums can be planted in vegetable gardens as they may help deter certain pests with their natural properties.
- Biodegradable Confetti: Dried petals of the chrysanthemum can be used as eco-friendly confetti for outdoor celebrations, as they will decompose naturally.
- Floral Crafts: The flowers can be incorporated into homemade potpourri mixes, providing a pleasant aroma and colorful addition to the blend.
- Relaxation and Mindfulness: The act of caring for chrysanthemum plants can be a form of horticultural therapy, promoting relaxation and mindfulness.
- Natural Ink: The pigments from the chrysanthemum petals can sometimes be used to make natural inks for calligraphy or painting.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Chrysanthemum is used in Feng Shui practice for attracting good luck and positive energy, as well as purifying the air. It's often recommended to place chrysanthemums in living areas to promote happiness and well-being or in offices to foster calmness and balance. The bright flowers are especially beneficial in adding yang energy and can be used to alleviate negative energies.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Chrysanthemum is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Longevity: Chrysanthemums are often associated with a long and healthy life due to their hardy nature and the fact that they bloom well into the fall when other flowers have ceased.
- Loyalty and Devotion: Their round shape and layers of petals symbolize the strong core of a relationship, suggesting steadfastness and fidelity.
- Rejuvenation: The flower’s ability to bloom in the fall represents not just longevity but also the idea of rebirth and the renewal of life cycles.
- Death: In some European cultures, chrysanthemums are seen as a symbol of death and are used for funerary bouquets or on graves.
- Nobility: In Asian cultures, particularly in Japan, the chrysanthemum is a noble flower, representing perfection and the emperor, due to its exquisite form.
- Happiness and Optimism: The bright color and cheerful appearance of many chrysanthemums convey a sense of joy and positive outlook.
WaterMums should be watered regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist but not soaking wet. Typically, you should water them deeply once a week with about one gallon per plant, adjusting the frequency depending on weather conditions. During hot, dry periods, watering may be needed more frequently, but always allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again to avoid over-watering. Water at the base of the plant to keep the foliage dry and prevent disease.
LightMums thrive in locations with full sunlight, receiving at least 6 hours of direct sun per day. The best spot for your Chrysanthemum 'Myss Madi' is in a garden bed or container where it's exposed to ample sunlight, but it can also tolerate partial shade. Avoid places with heavy shade as this can lead to weak growth and fewer flowers.
TemperatureMums prefer moderate temperatures and perform best when daytime temperatures are between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They can survive minimum temperatures down to about 32 degrees Fahrenheit, avoiding any prolonged exposure to frost, and maximum temperatures shouldn't exceed 90 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal growth. A spot with some afternoon shade can help protect them from extreme heat.
PruningPrune mums to promote bushy growth and abundant blooms. Pinch back the growing tips of each stem by about an inch when plants are 4-6 inches tall, and repeat the process every 2-3 weeks until early summer. The best time for pruning is late spring through mid-summer. Do not prune mums in late summer or fall as this can remove the developing flower buds.
CleaningAs needed
SoilChrysanthemums thrive best in well-draining soil enriched with organic compost. A balanced mix of two parts loam, one part peat moss, and one part perlite or sand creates an ideal environment. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0 for optimal growth.
RepottingChrysanthemums should be repotted every one to two years to replenish the soil and accommodate root growth. Spring is the best time for repotting, just before the onset of the growing season.
Humidity & MistingChrysanthemums prefer a moderate humidity level, around 40-60%. Consistent humidity within this range helps maintain their overall health and bloom quality.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and maintain moderate humidity.
Outdoor
Full sun with shelter from strong wind; well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life of Chrysanthemum 'Myss Madi', commonly known as Mums, begins with the seed germination stage, where seeds sprout and establish roots and shoots under appropriate conditions of warmth and moisture. After germination, the plant enters the vegetative stage, growing leaves and stems actively during this phase, gathering energy through photosynthesis. As the plant matures, it enters the budding stage, where flower buds develop and are followed by the blooming stage, showcasing fully opened, vibrant flowers. After pollination, which may be facilitated by insects or the wind, the plant may produce seeds, completing the reproductive cycle. At the end of the growing season, Chrysanthemum 'Myss Madi' enters a dormancy phase, where growth slows or stops and the plant may die back to the ground if exposed to frost, only to regrow again from underground structures if it is a perennial variety. With appropriate care and in suitable climates, Mums can be perennial, regenerating for several seasons, or treated as annuals, completing their life cycle within one growing season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagation for Chrysanthemum 'Myss Madi', commonly known as mums, is through stem cuttings. To effectively propagate mums using this method, cuttings should be taken from the parent plant in late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. Choose healthy stems about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) long and snip them just below a leaf node. Strip the lower leaves and dip the cut end into a rooting hormone powder to enhance root development. Then, insert the cutting into a pot filled with a moistened mix of peat and perlite or sand, ensuring at least one leaf node is buried where roots will form. Cover the pot with a plastic bag to create a mini greenhouse effect, keeping the cutting in indirect sunlight until roots establish, which typically takes 2 to 3 weeks. Once rooted, remove the plastic and gradually acclimate the new plant to normal growing conditions before transplanting it into the garden.
