Chrysanthemum Chrysanthemum 'Nathalie' (19c)
ABOUT
Chrysanthemum 'Nathalie' is a flowering plant known for its striking blooms. This cultivar typically showcases large, vibrant flowers with an impressive display of petals that can come in a variety of colors, including shades of pink, red, yellow, and white. The petals may have a spoon-shaped appearance, curving elegantly outward from the center, creating a full and lush look. The flower heads often feature a prominent, raised center, where the smaller, disc florets cluster together, contrasting with the surrounding ray florets that make up the majority of the visible petals. The foliage of Chrysanthemum 'Nathalie' is equally noteworthy, characterized by deeply lobed leaves with a slightly rough texture. The leaves are usually a rich, dark green, which highlights the flowers and offers an attractive background that emphasizes their colors. These leaves are arranged alternately along the sturdy stems, contributing to the overall bushy and rounded habit of the plant. Chrysanthemum 'Nathalie' has a strong and pleasant scent that can be noticed when close to the plant, inviting not only human admirers but also beneficial pollinators such as bees and butterflies to the garden. The overall appearance of Chrysanthemum 'Nathalie' exudes a sense of vibrancy and abundance, making it a popular choice for garden displays, borders, and floral arrangements, where its dramatic flowers can truly shine.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Mums, Chrysanths, Hardy Garden Mum, Florist's Chrysanthemum
Common names
Chrysanthemum 'Nathalie' (19c).
ToxicityTo humans
The Chrysanthemum, which includes Chrysanthemum 'Nathalie', is considered to have a low level of toxicity to humans. However, if any part of the plant is ingested, it can cause symptoms such as nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and skin rashes if there is contact with sensitive skin. People with allergies, particularly those who are sensitive to other plants in the Asteraceae family, may be more susceptible to a reaction.
To pets
The Chrysanthemum, including the 'Nathalie' variety, is toxic to pets, including dogs and cats. If ingested, the main symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, hypersalivation, incoordination, and dermatitis. In severe cases, ingestion can lead to more serious reactions such as depression and loss of muscle coordination. It is advised to keep pets away from this plant to prevent any potential toxic effects.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Varies
Height
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Adds aesthetic appeal to gardens and landscapes with its vivid and colorful flowers.
- Extended Blooming Season: Offers a long flowering period, typically from late summer to frost.
- Cut Flower Use: Suitable for floral arrangements due to its sturdy stems and long-lasting blooms.
- Attracts Pollinators: Provides nectar and pollen for bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.
- Garden Variety: Adds diversity to plant compositions with its unique 'Nathalie' cultivar characteristics.
- Easy to Grow: Known for being a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for.
- Cold Tolerant: Can survive cooler temperatures, making it suitable for a range of climates.
- Adaptability: Able to thrive in various soil types, provided they have good drainage.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Natural Dye: The petals of Chrysanthemum 'Nathalie' can be used to create a natural yellow or gold dye for fabric and yarn.
- Artistic Inspiration: Artists may use the vibrant colors and intricate patterns of the Chrysanthemum's petals as inspiration for paintings, textiles, or patterns.
- Garden Pest Control: Chrysanthemums contain a substance called pyrethrin, which can help naturally deter pests when planted in a garden.
- Photography: As an attractive flower, Chrysanthemum 'Nathalie' is often used as a subject for botanical photography and photo composition tutorials.
- Floral Displays: Dried Chrysanthemum 'Nathalie' flowers can be used in decorative dried floral arrangements that last much longer than fresh bouquets.
- Plant Companion: Chrysanthemum 'Nathalie' can be planted alongside certain vegetables to improve plant health and growth through companion planting practices.
- Educational Model: The Chrysanthemum 'Nathalie' can be used by educators to teach students about plant biology and the life cycle of flowering plants.
- Culinary Garnish: Edible varieties of Chrysanthemum can be used to add color and a slight tangy flavor to salads and other dishes.
- Bookmarks and Craft: Pressed flowers of Chrysanthemum 'Nathalie' can be used to create personalized bookmarks or included in paper craft projects.
- Fragrance Essence: The scent of the Chrysanthemum 'Nathalie' can be captured and used in the making of perfumes or scented oils, although it's not as commonly used as other aromatic flowers.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiChrysanthemums are considered symbols of longevity and joy in Feng Shui. To leverage their positive energy, you can place chrysanthemums in your living room to create a relaxing atmosphere or in areas where you want to promote well-being and good health for the residents.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe chrysanthemum is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Longevity: In many cultures, chrysanthemums are seen as a symbol of long life and enduring vitality due to their robust nature and ability to endure cold climates.
- Nobility: Historically in Japan, the chrysanthemum is a noble flower, often associated with the emperor and Imperial family, symbolizing dignity and elegance.
- Rejuvenation: The blooming of chrysanthemums in autumn, at a time when many other plants are fading, gives them the symbolic meaning of rebirth and the ability to bounce back from adversity.
- Loyalty and Devotion: In some cultures, the chrysanthemum is given as a token of loyalty and devoted love, due to its persistence and the longevity of its blooms.
- Death: In some European countries, chrysanthemums are used to honor the dead and are a common sight at funerals and on graves, symbolizing lamentation or grief.
- Joy and Optimism: Despite the more somber associations in Europe, in general, bright and cheerful varieties of chrysanthemums can also represent joy and optimism due to their vibrant colors and full blossoms.
- Friendship: The gift of a chrysanthemum can symbolize a strong and healthy friendship. The flower is often given to friends as a way of wishing them well and honoring mutual respect.
WaterMums, including the Chrysanthemum 'Nathalie', should be watered regularly to maintain evenly moist soil, particularly during hot and dry periods. Aim to water deeply once a week, providing about one gallon of water per plant, which allows moisture to reach the roots. During periods of high heat or if the mum is planted in a container, check the soil moisture every few days as you may need to water more frequently. Reduce watering in the fall and do not let the mums sit in waterlogged soil as this can lead to root rot.
LightMums require plenty of sunlight to thrive. The ideal spot for Chrysanthemum 'Nathalie' is where it can receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Avoid areas that are overly shaded, as insufficient light can lead to poor blooming and a leggy growth habit. If natural sunlight is limited, consider supplementing with grow lights to ensure adequate light exposure.
TemperatureMums like Chrysanthemum 'Nathalie' prefer moderate temperatures and can typically handle temperatures between 32°F and 90°F. However, the ideal growing conditions are between 60°F and 75°F. They can tolerate light frosts, but hard freezes below 32°F will damage or kill the plant. It's important to protect mums from extreme temperatures to promote healthy growth and vibrant blooms.
PruningPruning is essential for maintaining a bushy and compact shape in mums like the Chrysanthemum 'Nathalie'. Pinch back the tips of the stems in late spring to early summer to encourage branching and more blooms. After flowering, cut back the stems to about 4-6 inches above the ground to tidy up the plant and promote new growth for the next season. The best time for major pruning is just after the risk of frost has passed in the spring.
CleaningAs needed
SoilMums prefer well-draining soil with a pH of around 6.5. A mix of loam, peat moss, and perlite in equal parts can provide the ideal growing medium for Chrysanthemum 'Nathalie'.
RepottingMums should be repotted every 1-2 years to promote healthy growth. Ensure you use fresh potting mix and handle roots gently when repotting Chrysanthemum 'Nathalie'.
Humidity & MistingMums thrive in average room humidity levels, between 40-60%. Chrysanthemum 'Nathalie' does not require excessively high humidity to flourish.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright indirect light and water when topsoil feels dry.
Outdoor
Full sun to part shade, protect from strong winds, mulch base.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of the Chrysanthemum 'Nathalie' begins with seed germination, where the seed must be sown in well-draining soil and provided with warmth and moisture to sprout. The seedling emergence is followed by the vegetative stage, where the plant focuses on leaf growth and root development to establish a strong foundation. Once mature enough, the Chrysanthemum enters the bud development phase, typically encouraged by shorter day lengths and cooler temperatures, during which buds form at the tips of the stems. This leads into the flowering stage, where the Chrysanthemum 'Nathalie' displays its vibrant blooms, usually in the fall, attracting pollinators and fulfilling its reproductive role. After flowering, the plant enters a period of senescence if it's an annual; however, if it's treated as a perennial, it may undergo a dormancy phase during cold months, conserving energy for the next growing season. Finally, the cycle may conclude with the plant setting seed if conditions are favorable, allowing for dispersal and the beginning of a new life cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Chrysanthemum 'Nathalie', commonly known as mums, can be effectively propagated through stem cuttings. This method is widely popular due to its simplicity and high success rate. The optimal time for taking cuttings is in the spring, when the plant is producing new, vigorous growth. To propagate, a gardener should select a healthy stem with several sets of leaves, snip it off just below a leaf node approximately 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) in length, and remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting. The cut end is then dipped into a rooting hormone to encourage root development and inserted into a moist potting mix. The cutting should be kept in a well-lit area but out of direct sunlight, and the soil should be consistently kept moist. Roots typically form within a few weeks, at which point the new chrysanthemum plants can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the garden.
