Chrysanthemum Chrysanthemum Natalie = 'Yonatalie'
ABOUT
The Chrysanthemum Natalie, commonly known as Mum or Hardy Garden Mum, showcases a beautiful arrangement of petals and a robust display of color. This particular variety has a striking flower form that captures attention in any setting. Each bloom is composed of numerous florets, radiating out from a central disk. The petals tend to be dense and can be either flat, spoon-shaped, or ruffled, depending on the plant's maturity, all contributing to an overall plush appearance. The color of the Chrysanthemum Natalie blooms is particularly noteworthy. The petals exhibit a vibrant hue that can range from pastel shades to more intense, deeply saturated colors. It is not uncommon for the blossoms to have multiple shades or gradients of color, contributing to a dynamic and eye-catching aspect of the plant. The foliage of Chrysanthemum Natalie is likewise lush and contributes to the aesthetic appeal of the plant. The leaves are typically deep green, with a slightly glossy surface, and they can vary in shape. Most often, they are lobed or deeply divided, sometimes with toothed or jagged edges, which adds texture to the visual presence of the plant. Overall, the Chrysanthemum Natalie is admired for its extravagant, showy flowers and rich, verdant foliage that come together to form a delightful display fitting for gardens, decorative pots, or as cut flowers in vibrant arrangements. Its appearance can vary throughout the blooming season, offering an evolving spectacle of floral beauty.
About this plant
- Names
Synonyms
Garden Mum, Florist's Chrysanthemum, Hardy Chrysanthemum.
Common names
Chrysanthemum × morifolium 'Yonatalie'.
- Toxicity
To humans
The Chrysanthemum, commonly referred to as mums, can be mildly toxic if ingested by humans. While not generally considered highly poisonous, eating parts of the Chrysanthemum plant may cause irritation in the mouth, diarrhea, vomiting, or skin rash in some individuals. The plant contains compounds such as pyrethrins, sesquiterpene lactones, and other possible irritants that can lead to these symptoms if ingested.
To pets
The Chrysanthemum is toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. Symptoms of Chrysanthemum poisoning in pets may include drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, incoordination, and dermatitis. These symptoms result from the ingestion of any part of the plant, which contains pyrethrins and other compounds that can be harmful to animals if consumed. Severe cases may require veterinary attention to manage the symptoms effectively.
- Characteristics
Life cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
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
- Aesthetic Appeal: Chrysanthemums are popular for their bright and varied colors, adding beauty to gardens and landscapes.
- Long Blooming Season: They have a relatively long flowering period from late summer to fall, providing color when many other plants are finishing their bloom cycle.
- Easy to Grow: Chrysanthemums are known for being low-maintenance, which makes them suitable for novice gardeners.
- Versatile: The plant is suitable for garden beds, borders, containers, and as cut flowers due to its sturdy stems and vibrant blooms.
- Attracts Pollinators: Their flowers attract butterflies and bees, supporting biodiversity and aiding in the pollination of nearby plants.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, chrysanthemums can withstand periods of drought, making them a good choice for water-efficient gardening.
- Frost Tolerance: Chrysanthemums can survive light frosts, which makes them useful for extending the garden's color display into late fall.
- Symbolic Significance: In many cultures, chrysanthemums are associated with joy, optimism, and the changing seasons, often used in festive decorations.
- 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
- Art and Crafts: The vibrant petals of the Chrysanthemum can be used in dried flower arrangements or pressed flower crafts, providing a lasting splash of color.
- Natural Dyes: Petals from the Chrysanthemum can be boiled to create natural dyes for fabrics or paper, offering a range of colors from yellows to greens depending on the mordant used.
- Garden Companionship: Planting Chrysanthemums in the garden can help deter certain pests, as they are believed to have insect-repellent properties.
- Culinary Garnish: The Chrysanthemum's edible petals can be used to add a colorful garnish to salads, desserts, or cocktails for a floral touch.
- Photography: Chrysanthemums can serve as a photogenic subject for photographers, their intricate blooms providing compelling imagery for floral photography.
- Symbolism: Chrysanthemums are rich in symbolism and can be used in events and ceremonies to convey loyalty, love, or sorrow, depending on the cultural context.
- Bath Additive: The petals of Chrysanthemums can be added to a bath for a fragrant and relaxing experience.
- Bookmarks: Dried Chrysanthemum flowers can be used to create unique and natural bookmarks.
- Natural Confetti: Dried petals of the Chrysanthemum can be tossed as eco-friendly confetti at celebrations such as weddings.
- Plant Teaching Aid: Chrysanthemums can be used in educational settings to teach botany and horticulture, due to their diverse colors, growth patterns, and seasonality.
Interesting Facts
- Feng Shui
Chrysanthemums are used in Feng Shui to bring happiness and laughter to the home, and are often placed in the living room to enhance joy and well-being.
- Zodiac Sign Compitability
The chrysanthemum is not used in astrology practice.
- Plant Symbolism
- Longevity: Chrysanthemums are often associated with long life due to their hardiness and ability to bloom into the late fall.
- Rebirth: As a flower that blooms in the autumn, the Chrysanthemum symbolizes the idea of rebirth and renewal.
- Joy and Happiness: Often given as gifts during festive times, the Chrysanthemum represents joy and the celebration of life.
- Loyalty and Devotion: In some cultures, the Chrysanthemum is a symbol of commitment and steadfastness in relationships.
- Nobility: In many Eastern cultures, the Chrysanthemum is considered a noble flower, often associated with aristocracy and elegance.
- Death: In some European countries, Chrysanthemums are symbolic of death and are used to honor the deceased.
- Water
Mums, including the Chrysanthemum 'Natalie' or 'Yonatalie', prefer even moisture. Water the plant thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which typically would be about once a week, although more frequent watering may be necessary during hot, dry spells. When watering, provide enough water so that it seeps out of the drainage holes—approximately 1 to 1.5 gallons depending on the size of the pot or plant. Avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk of disease, and aim to water early in the day so the foliage has time to dry.
- Light
Mums thrive best when they are placed in a location that receives full sun, which means at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Ensure your Chrysanthemum 'Natalie' is located in a spot where it can enjoy morning sunlight, which is less intense, and is not shaded during the afternoon. Partial shade is acceptable, particularly in regions with very intense afternoon sun, as it helps prevent scorching of the leaves.
- Temperature
The ideal temperature range for Chrysanthemum 'Natalie' is between 60°F and 75°F. These plants can tolerate a minimum temperature of around 32°F and are frost hardy, but they should be protected from extreme cold. Mums prefer cooler temperatures at night and in the fall during their blooming period, so avoid placing them where nighttime temperatures remain consistently high.
- Pruning
Prune Chrysanthemum 'Natalie' to encourage branching and compact growth, which will result in a bushier plant with more blooms. Pinch back the tips when the plant is about 6 inches tall, and repeat every few weeks until midsummer. Avoid pruning after July or early August as this can remove developing flower buds. The best time for heavy pruning is after the flowering has finished in late fall.
- Cleaning
As needed
- Soil
Mums prefer a well-draining soil with high organic matter content. A good mix for Chrysanthemum would be equal parts peat, perlite, and potting soil. They thrive best with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0.
- Repotting
Chrysanthemums should be repotted annually to ensure healthy growth, preferably in the spring just before the new growth starts.
- Humidity & Misting
Mums prefer moderate humidity levels. The best humidity range for Chrysanthemum is between 40% and 60%.
- Suitable locations
Indoor
Place in bright indirect light, keep soil moist and provide good airflow.
Outdoor
Plant in sun to part shade, protect from harsh elements.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
- Life cycle
The life of a Chrysanthemum, commonly known as a mum, begins with a seed or cutting, which is planted and eventually germinates or roots to form a seedling. This seedling develops into a young plant through vegetative growth, which includes development of stems, leaves, and a root system. As the plant matures, it enters the vegetative stage where foliage expands and the plant grows larger. When environmental conditions are suitable, particularly in the fall with short days and cooler temperatures, the Chrysanthemum enters the flowering stage, producing vibrant blossoms in various colors. After flowering, if the flowers are left on the plant, they can produce seeds that complete the cycle if collected and sown the following season. Finally, in areas with cold winters, the Chrysanthemum enters a dormant period, and without adequate protection, it may die back and require replanting the next year or it can be an annual depending on the climate.
- Propogation
Propogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Chrysanthemums, including the variety Chrysanthemum Natalie 'Yonatalie', are most commonly propagated through cuttings. This is often done in early spring before the plants start to bud, ensuring that the cuttings have sufficient time to root before the main growing season. To propagate by cuttings, take a 4 to 6-inch (approximately 10 to 15 centimeters) stem cutting from the mother plant, which should include several pairs of leaves. Strip the leaves from the lower half of the cutting and dip the cut end into rooting hormone powder to encourage root development. Plant the cutting in a pot filled with a well-draining soil mix, ensuring that the leafless part of the stem is buried. The pot should be kept moist and placed in a warm, bright location without direct sunlight until roots have developed, which usually takes a few weeks. After the roots have formed, the new plant can be transplanted into the garden or a larger container.