Chrysanthemum Chrysanthemum 'Payton Dale' (29c)
ABOUT
The Chrysanthemum 'Payton Dale' showcases a lush, vibrant display of petals that often captivate the senses with their beauty. Commonly referred to as mums, this particular variety boasts full, rounded blooms that are a testament to its careful selection and breeding. The flowers exhibit a rich color palette, ranging from deep reds to bright yellows, making it a versatile choice for any garden display or floral arrangement. Each bloom is made up of numerous smaller petals that unfurl elegantly from the center, creating the classic pompon shape that mums are famous for. The petals are soft to the touch, with a slightly ruffled texture that adds depth and complexity to the flower's appearance. The leaves of 'Payton Dale' are deep green with a matte finish, providing a lush backdrop that further accentuates the brilliance of the flowers. Branches and stems grow sturdy and upright, supporting the generous blossoms and ensuring they stand out prominently within any setting. Overall, the plant exudes a sense of robust vitality and grace, inspiring onlookers with its seasonal charm as a hallmark of autumnal beauty.
About this plant
- Names
Synonyms
Hardy Chrysanthemum, Garden Mum, Florist's Chrysanthemum, Fall Mum
Common names
Chrysanthemum 'Payton Dale'
- Toxicity
To humans
The common name for Chrysanthemum 'Payton Dale' is simply chrysanthemum. Chrysanthemums, in general, are considered to have low toxicity for humans. However, they can cause dermatitis in sensitive individuals upon contact with the skin. Ingesting parts of the plant can potentially cause gastrointestinal upset, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. The flower heads contain pyrethrins, which are used in insecticides and could be toxic in large amounts, though it is rare for incidents to occur from casual contact or normal handling of the plants.
To pets
Chrysanthemums are toxic to pets, including dogs and cats. Symptoms of chrysanthemum poisoning in pets may include vomiting, diarrhea, hypersalivation, incoordination, and dermatitis after contact. The plant contains compounds called pyrethrins, which are harmful if ingested in significant quantities and can lead to more severe reactions including tremors and seizures if consumed in large amounts. It is advisable to keep pets away from chrysanthemums to prevent any risk of poisoning.
- Characteristics
Life cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Varies
Height
1-3 feet (0.3-0.9 meters)
Spread
1-3 feet (0.3-0.9 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5-9
Native area
Asia
Benefits
- General Benefits
- Ornamental Value: Chrysanthemums, or 'mums', are popular for their wide range of colors and varieties which make them ideal for aesthetic purposes in gardens and floral arrangements.
- Long Blooming Season: They typically bloom from late summer through fall, providing color in the garden when many other plants have finished their display.
- Ease of Care: Mums are hardy and relatively easy to grow, making them suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, they are somewhat drought-tolerant, which is beneficial in regions with water limitations or for low-maintenance gardening.
- Pest Resistance: Chrysanthemums are known to be resistant to many types of pests, reducing the need for chemical pest control.
- Attract Pollinators: They can attract beneficial insects such as bees and butterflies to the garden, which are important for pollination.
- Versatility: Mums are versatile in landscaping; they can be used in beds, borders, containers, and as cut flowers.
- Seasonal Festivity: Mums are often associated with fall festivities and are a staple in autumnal decorations and displays.
- 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
- Photographic subject: Chrysanthemums are often used in photography for their vibrant colors and intricate petal arrangements to create stunning compositions.
- Natural dye: The petals of Chrysanthemum can be used to create a natural dye for fabrics, providing a range of colors from yellows to greens depending on the mordant used.
- Artistic inspiration: Artists may use Chrysanthemum as a muse or a subject in paintings, drawings, and other forms of visual art due to their aesthetic appeal.
- Companion planting: Chrysanthemum can be used in gardens to complement other plants, enhancing the overall visual impact of the garden bed.
- Floral crafts: The flowers can be used in dried floral arrangements, wreaths, or potpourri to add color and a pleasant scent to a room.
- Edible garnish: Petals from certain varieties of Chrysanthemum can be used as edible garnishes for salads and desserts, adding a splash of color and mild flavor.
- Scented sachets: Dried Chrysanthemum flowers can be placed in sachets to impart their fragrance to linens and clothing stored in drawers or closets.
- Decoration in cultural festivals: Chrysanthemum is traditionally used in festivals like the Japanese "Festival of Happiness" to decorate homes and public spaces.
- Spiritual symbolism: In some cultures, Chrysanthemum is associated with life and vitality, and it's used in religious or spiritual ceremonies as a symbol of these concepts.
- Culinary presentations: Fresh Chrysanthemum flowers can be frozen in ice cubes to create an attractive and unique addition to cold beverages.
Interesting Facts
- Feng Shui
The Chrysanthemum is associated with happiness and well-being in Feng Shui. It's often recommended to place Chrysanthemums in living areas or the health section of a space, which is the Tai Qi area, to promote good health and dissipate negative energy.
- Zodiac Sign Compitability
The Chrysanthemum is not used in astrology practice.
- Plant Symbolism
- Longevity and Immortality: Chrysanthemums have been associated with long life and perpetual youth in many cultures, particularly in Asian traditions where they are often featured in art and festivals celebrating longevity.
- Rebirth and Renewal: The cycle of the chrysanthemum as it blooms each year has made it a symbol of rejuvenation and the power of life to renew itself.
- Nobility and Virtue: In some Eastern cultures, the chrysanthemum is considered noble and is often associated with people of high status or moral integrity.
- Love and Affection: In certain parts of the world, giving chrysanthemums represents a gesture of love and deep passion, often in a platonic sense towards friends or family.
- Death and Grieving: In European countries, particularly in France and Italy, chrysanthemums are symbolic of death and are traditionally used in funeral arrangements and to honor those who have passed away.
- Water
Mums, including the Chrysanthemum 'Payton Dale', prefer evenly moist soil, so water them deeply once a week with about one gallon per plant, ensuring the water penetrates the soil to reach the roots. During hot, dry periods, you may need to water them twice a week. However, during cooler weather or if rainfall is sufficient, reduce the watering frequency to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot. Always check the top inch of soil for dryness before watering, and aim to keep the soil moist but not soggy.
- Light
Mums thrive in full sun conditions, which means they need at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. The best spot for Chrysanthemum 'Payton Dale' is a location where it can receive uninterrupted morning sunlight and some partial shade during the intense afternoon heat, ensuring vibrant blooms and healthy growth.
- Temperature
The Chrysanthemum 'Payton Dale' prefers a temperature range between 60°F and 70°F, which is ideal for encouraging bud development and flowering. They can tolerate minimum temperatures down to about 32°F, but frost can damage the plant. Ensure they are protected from extreme cold and keep the plants out of temperatures exceeding 80°F, as mums do not fare well in excessive heat.
- Pruning
Pruning Chrysanthemum 'Payton Dale' is essential for maintaining a bushy, compact shape and encouraging more blooms. Pinch back the tips and remove the first set of buds to enhance branching. Prune them regularly until early to mid-summer, which means around July, after this, allow the plants to grow untouched so they can set buds for fall blooming.
- Cleaning
As needed
- Soil
The best soil mix for Chrysanthemum, commonly known as mums, is well-draining, fertile loam with a pH between 6.5 and 6.7. Amend heavy soil with compost or peat moss to improve drainage.
- Repotting
Mums should be repotted every 1-2 years to refresh the soil, preferably in the spring. More frequent repotting may be necessary if they become root-bound.
- Humidity & Misting
Mums prefer average household humidity levels, around 40-60%. They can tolerate some fluctuation but avoid overly dry or high humidity environments.
- Suitable locations
Indoor
Ensure bright light, well-drained soil, and consistent watering.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun to partial shade, in well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
- Life cycle
The life cycle of the Chrysanthemum 'Payton Dale' typically begins with seed germination, where the seeds require warm temperatures and proper light conditions to sprout. As a juvenile plant, it develops its roots and foliage, growing vegetatively before reaching maturity. Upon reaching maturity, the chrysanthemum enters its flowering phase, producing vibrant blooms that are the hallmark of the species. After the flowering stage, the plant sets seeds if pollinated, which can be collected for the next generation or left to self-sow. As the growing season ends, Chrysanthemums, being perennials, enter a dormancy phase in response to shorter days and cooler temperatures. The cycle repeats when the plant emerges from dormancy with new growth in the following spring, provided it is cared for adequately over winter.
- Propogation
Propogation time
Spring-early summer
The Chrysanthemum 'Payton Dale', commonly known as the Hardy Mum, is typically propagated through division, which is the most popular method for this plant. Propagation is best done in the spring after any threat of frost has passed and new growth is just starting to appear. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the entire plant and shake or wash off the excess soil to reveal the root system. Then, using a sharp knife or spade, divide the clump into smaller sections, ensuring that each section has a good amount of roots and at least a few shoots. Replant these divisions immediately at the same depth they were growing before and water them well, providing an inch (about 2.5 cm) of water per week until they are established. This method of propagation helps rejuvenate older plants, encourages more vigorous growth, and increases the number of plants in a garden.