Chrysanthemum Chrysanthemum 'Nantyderry Sunshine' (28b)
ABOUT
Chrysanthemum 'Nantyderry Sunshine' is a flowering plant that is well-regarded for its decorative appeal. Its prominent feature is the vibrant blooms that come in a cheerful shade of yellow, reminiscent of sunshine. These flowers are comprised of numerous petals that radiate outwards from the center, creating a full and lush look. The petals have a smooth texture and can have either a flat or slightly curved appearance that contributes to the overall rounded shape of the flower head. The foliage of the Chrysanthemum 'Nantyderry Sunshine' provides a pleasing contrast to the bright flowers. The leaves are typically deep green, with a slightly serrated edge, giving them a textured look. The plant's overall structure is bushy and compact, providing a dense background of greenery against which the yellow blossoms stand out prominently. This Chrysanthemum variety is popular for its extended blooming period, which allows gardeners and plant enthusiasts to enjoy its vivid display for a longer time compared to other plants. It is favored for garden beds, borders, and as a colorful addition to cut flower arrangements. The cheerful yellow color, along with the plant's lush appearance, makes it a standout in any planting scheme where it's used to create visual interest and bring a touch of brightness to the surroundings.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Garden Mum, Florist's Daisy, Hardy Chrysanthemum
Common names
Chrysanthemum 'Nantyderry Sunshine'
ToxicityTo humans
Chrysanthemums, including the Chrysanthemum 'Nantyderry Sunshine', generally have a low toxicity level to humans. However, they do contain compounds such as pyrethrins, which can cause dermatitis or skin irritation upon contact in sensitive individuals. If ingested, the plant can potentially cause stomach upset, vomiting, and diarrhea. The severity of symptoms largely depends on the amount consumed and the sensitivity of the individual.
To pets
Chrysanthemums are toxic to pets, especially cats and dogs. If a pet ingests parts of a chrysanthemum plant, it may exhibit symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, hypersalivation, incoordination, and dermatitis. In severe cases, ingestion can lead to more serious conditions like depression and muscle tremors. Pet owners should take care to prevent their animals from accessing chrysanthemums to avoid any risk of poisoning.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
2-3 feet (61-91 cm)
Spread
2-3 feet (61-91 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Enhances Garden Aesthetics: Chrysanthemums, including 'Nantyderry Sunshine', are known for their vibrant colors and full blooms which can enhance the visual appeal of gardens and landscapes.
- Attracts Pollinators: These plants are attractive to bees and other beneficial pollinators which are essential for the health of gardens and the ecosystem.
- Extended Blooming Season: Many chrysanthemums, including this variety, have a long flowering period from late summer through fall, providing color and interest when other plants may be declining.
- Low Maintenance: 'Nantyderry Sunshine', like many chrysanthemums, is relatively low maintenance, requiring minimal care once established in the right conditions.
- Versatility in Landscaping: This variety can be used in borders, containers, and as cut flowers, making it a versatile choice for different garden designs.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Artistic Inspiration: Chrysanthemums have been a subject in art for centuries, and 'Nantyderry Sunshine' with its vibrant colors can inspire painters and illustrators in their floral compositions.
- Photography: Due to its unique and bright appearance, Chrysanthemum 'Nantyderry Sunshine' is an excellent candidate for photography projects and floral arrangements.
- Color Dye: The petals of Chrysanthemum 'Nantyderry Sunshine' can be used to create a yellow natural dye for fabrics or paper.
- Floral Crafts: The dried flowers of Chrysanthemum 'Nantyderry Sunshine' can be used in making potpourri, wreaths, or other dried floral arrangements.
- Symbolic Gifts: In many cultures, chrysanthemums symbolize longevity and joy; gift the 'Nantyderry Sunshine' as a living plant to convey this message.
- Decorative Displays: The 'Nantyderry Sunshine' can be used to create eye-catching centerpieces and decoration in home and event settings.
- Companion Planting: Chrysanthemums can be planted alongside vegetables to help deter pests with their strong scent, thus potentially aiding in organic gardening practices.
- Cooking Garnish: Edible varieties of chrysanthemums are used to garnish dishes, and the 'Nantyderry Sunshine' can add visual appeal to culinary presentations with its petals.
- Traditional Crafts: In some cultures, chrysanthemum flowers are used in the creation of traditional handmade paper for its texture and fragrant properties.
- Education: Chrysanthemum 'Nantyderry Sunshine' can be used as an educational tool in botany and horticulture to teach about plant care, propagation, and the diversity of flora.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiChrysanthemums are associated with happiness and well-being in Feng Shui, making them beneficial for areas of the home where you want to promote positive energy, such as the living room or family areas. Their rounded shape and bright flowers symbolize life and vitality, and they are often used to encourage balance.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Chrysanthemum is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Longevity and Immortality: Chrysanthemums have long been associated with longevity due to their hardiness and ability to bloom well into the fall months when most other flowers have wilted.
- Rebirth and Renewal: As the flowers that bloom in the autumn, chrysanthemums symbolize the idea of rebirth and the cycle of life as they herald the coming of spring after winter.
- Joy and Optimism: With their bright, sunny appearance, chrysanthemums are often associated with happiness and a positive outlook on life.
- Fidelity and Honesty: In some cultures, giving someone a chrysanthemum is a way of showing trust and sincerity in the relationship.
- Death and Mourning: In some European countries, chrysanthemums are symbolic of death and are used as offerings on graves or as funerary flowers.
WaterThe Chrysanthemum 'Nantyderry Sunshine', commonly known as the Hardy Mum, should be watered deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch; this will roughly be about once a week depending on environmental conditions. During the growing season, you may need to water more frequently, especially in dry, hot weather. Provide enough water to soak the roots without leaving the plant in standing water, using approximately one gallon per watering session for an established plant. Reduce watering in the fall and winter when the plant is dormant. Monitor soil moisture regularly, as overwatering can lead to root rot.
LightHardy Mums thrive best in full sun conditions, where they can receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. An ideal spot would be in a south-facing garden that receives ample sunlight throughout the day. However, in very hot climates, some light afternoon shade may help protect the blossoms from burning.
TemperatureHardy Mums prefer a temperature range between 55°F and 75°F for optimal growth. These plants can survive minimum temperatures down to about 32°F, but prolonged exposure to freezing conditions can be detrimental. They can handle up to about 90°F, but extreme heat can stress the plant, so providing some shade during the hottest part of the day in warm climates is beneficial.
PruningHardy Mums should be pruned to encourage bushy growth and more abundant blooms. Prune in early spring when new growth begins by cutting back last year's stems to about 6 inches above the ground. Pinch back the tips of the stems through the early summer to promote side branching, stopping around July to allow flower buds to form. The best time for heavy pruning is in the spring, while lighter, regular pinching can be performed into midsummer.
CleaningAs needed
SoilMums prefer well-draining soil with good fertility and a pH of 6.5 to 6.7. A soil mix for Chrysanthemums, often called mums, should ideally consist of equal parts garden soil, peat moss, and perlite or vermiculite to ensure proper drainage and aeration.
RepottingMums should generally be repotted every one to two years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth. They benefit from being divided at this time to maintain plant vigor and size.
Humidity & MistingMums thrive in moderate humidity levels around 40-60%. They do not require high humidity environments; however, they should be protected from overly dry air that can occur indoors during winter heating.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place mums in bright indirect light, maintain moderate humidity.
Outdoor
Grow in well-draining soil, full to partial sunlight.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleThe Chrysanthemum 'Nantyderry Sunshine', commonly known as the Hardy Garden Mum or Florist's Daisy, begins its life as a seed or more typically from cuttings or division of mature plants. Once planted, it undergoes germination or root establishment, emerging as a seedling or a new growth shoot, respectively. The plant then enters a vegetative stage, characterized by vigorous leaf growth and stem development, preparing for the flowering phase. As the days shorten, usually by late summer to early fall, the plant initiates bud formation leading to the blossoming of its characteristic bright yellow flowers. After pollination, which can occur through insects or wind, the plant may produce seeds that complete the reproductive cycle. The Hardy Garden Mum is a perennial, dying back to ground level at frost and re-emerging from its root system in spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Early Spring
Propogation: The most popular method of propagating Chrysanthemums, commonly known as mums, including 'Nantyderry Sunshine', is through the division of established plants. This process is typically done in the spring, just as the new growth begins to appear. To propagate by division, the gardener should carefully dig up the parent plant, making sure to keep a substantial amount of roots intact. Soil should be gently shaken off to reveal the natural divisions within the clump. Each division should have several shoots and a healthy portion of roots. These divisions can then be replanted at the same depth they were growing at previously, spaced approximately 18 to 24 inches (45 to 60 cm) apart to allow for adequate air circulation and growth. Newly planted divisions should be watered in well and kept consistently moist to encourage establishment.
