Chrysanthemum Chrysanthemum 'Peach Allouise' (25b)
ABOUT
The Chrysanthemum 'Peach Allouise' is an ornamental plant known for its showy and vibrant blooms. The flowers of this variety have a soft peach hue, blending beautifully into warmer tones at the center, which often appear as deeper shades of orange or yellow. Each bloom is composed of a dense arrangement of petals that radiate outwards, creating a full and lush appearance. The petals have a soft, almost luminous quality that can give the impression of a gentle glow. The foliage, typically a rich green, contrasts with the flowers, emphasizing their warm coloration. The leaves are generally oblong with serrated edges, contributing an interesting texture to the overall aesthetic of the plant. The way the petals overlap combined with the coloring gives the flowers a multidimensional effect, with the interplay of light and shade enhancing their intricate details. In a garden setting, 'Peach Allouise' mums contribute to a palette of autumnal colors, and they often attract butterflies and other pollinators, adding to their appeal as a choice for flower beds and borders. Their overall appearance conveys a sense of abundance and festivity, which makes them popular for decorative displays during seasonal celebrations.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae.
Synonyms
Garden Mum, Florist's Daisy, Hardy Chrysanthemum.
Common names
Dendranthema 'Peach Louise', Chrysanthemum 'Peach Louise'.
ToxicityTo humans
Chrysanthemum, known commonly as mums or Chrysanths, generally have low toxicity to humans. However, some people may experience allergic reactions or skin irritation upon contact with the plant, primarily from the plant's natural chemicals such as sesquiterpene lactones. Ingestion of chrysanthemums can potentially cause mild gastrointestinal upset, vomiting, diarrhea, or salivation. It is important for individuals to avoid eating any part of this plant.
To pets
Chrysanthemum can be toxic to pets such as dogs, cats, and horses. The plant contains pyrethrins, which can cause symptoms if ingested. The symptoms of poisoning in pets can include vomiting, diarrhea, hypersalivation, incoordination, and dermatitis. In severe cases, ingestion could also lead to depression, and muscle tremors. Owners should prevent their pets from accessing and ingesting any part of the chrysanthemum plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Peach
Height
1-3 feet (30-90 cm)
Spread
1-3 feet (30-90 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5-9
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Chrysanthemum 'Peach Allouise', also known as mums, offer decorative appeal with their stunning peach-colored blooms, enhancing the beauty of gardens and landscapes.
- Long Blooming Period: Mums are known for their long flowering season, often providing color from late summer through fall, when many other plants have finished blooming.
- Ease of Care: Mums are relatively easy to grow and maintain, with minimal requirements for watering and fertilization, making them suitable for gardeners of all levels.
- Versatility: They can be planted in garden beds, borders, containers, and also used for cut flowers, offering flexibility in gardening design and personal use.
- Attract Pollinators: Mums are attractive to bees and butterflies, contributing to the pollination of your garden, which is essential for the reproductive success of plants.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, mums have moderate drought tolerance, making them a good choice for gardens in drier climates.
- Cold Tolerance: Mums are hardy in many climates, able to withstand cold temperatures, which makes them a great choice for fall color in cooler regions.
- Fall Celebration: Their typical bloom time aligns with fall festivities, making mums a popular choice for seasonal displays and celebrations like Thanksgiving.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Floral Arrangements: Chrysanthemum 'Peach Allouise' adds a soft peach color and unique texture to floral designs, suitable for weddings and other celebratory events.
- Fabric Dye: The petals can be used to naturally dye fabrics, lending them a peach or light orange hue.
- Natural Insecticide: The plant can be used to create a natural insect repellent solution for gardens without introducing harsh chemicals.
- Companion Planting: Chrysanthemums can be planted alongside certain vegetables to deter pests like nematodes due to their natural repellent properties.
- Garden Aesthetics: This variety can be used in garden design to create color-themed areas or planted in masses for a striking visual effect in the fall.
- Photography Prop: With its vivid colors and full blooms, it serves as an excellent subject for photographers, especially those specializing in botanical and nature photography.
- Artistic Inspiration: Artists may use the distinct shape and color of the Chrysanthemum 'Peach Allouise' as inspiration for paintings, drawings, and other forms of art.
- Biomonitoring Agent: Can serve as an indicator plant for environmental health, as they may exhibit signs of distress in polluted conditions.
- Culinary Decoration: Fresh, pesticide-free petals can be used to decorate desserts or as an ingredient in specialty salads for a touch of color and elegance.
- Soil Health Indicator: The plant’s growth patterns and health can signal soil conditions, helping gardeners know when to adjust soil nutrients or pH.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Chrysanthemum is used in Feng Shui practice to encourage happiness and longevity. To incorporate it into your space, place chrysanthemums in areas where you wish to introduce Yang energy, such as the living room, to invite positive energy and uplift the mood.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Chrysanthemum is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Optimism and Joy: Chrysanthemums are often associated with happiness and positivity. The bright color of 'Peach Allouise' can evoke a sense of joy and lightheartedness.
- Longevity: In many cultures, especially in Asia, chrysanthemums are a symbol of long life and well-being. This belief stems from the flower's ability to withstand the fall and bloom vibrantly.
- Friendship: Giving chrysanthemums can signify a message of friendship and well-wishing, making them a popular choice for gifts among friends.
- Loyalty and Devotion: The hardiness of the chrysanthemum also symbolizes loyalty and the willingness to stand strong in the face of adversity.
- Rest and Recovery: In Victorian flower language, chrysanthemums represent rest and recovery, perhaps due to their soothing appearance.
WaterMums, including the Chrysanthemum 'Peach Allouise', prefer evenly moist soil, but they do not like to be overwatered. Water them thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which typically means watering once every week, with adjustments made for particularly hot or dry conditions. Generally, it's better to water deeply and less frequently rather than little and often, to encourage deeper root growth. Provide about one gallon of water per plant each time you water, ensuring that it is distributed evenly across the root zone.
LightMums thrive in an area that receives full sunlight for at least six hours a day. Ensure that the Chrysanthemum 'Peach Allouise' is placed in a spot where it can enjoy bright, direct light for most of the day to promote vigorous flowering. Avoid too much shade, as this can result in fewer flowers and a leggy plant.
TemperatureMums, such as the Chrysanthemum 'Peach Allouise', prefer cooler temperatures, ideally between 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. They can tolerate temperatures as low as 32 degrees Fahrenheit, but not for prolonged periods. Maximum temperatures should ideally stay below 90 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent heat stress.
PruningPrune mums in the early spring, and pinch back the tips of the stems through the growing season to encourage bushy growth and more blooms. The best time for pruning Chrysanthemum 'Peach Allouise' is when new growth appears in the spring up to mid-July, which is when you should stop to allow flower buds to form for fall.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Chrysanthemum, commonly known as mums, should be well-draining and fertile with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Mix loamy garden soil with peat, perlite, and compost to improve drainage and fertility.
RepottingMums should typically be repotted every one to two years to refresh the soil and accommodate growth. Spring is the best time to repot, just before the active growing season begins.
Humidity & MistingChrysanthemums thrive in moderate humidity conditions, ideally between 40-60%. Avoid overly humid environments to prevent disease in these plants.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place mums in bright, indirect light indoors and keep soil lightly moist.
Outdoor
Plant mums in sunny spots with afternoon shade and well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleChrysanthemum 'Peach Allouise', commonly known as garden mum, begins with seed germination where warm temperatures and consistent moisture are necessary for the seeds to sprout. Following germination, the seedling stage is characterized by the development of a set of true leaves after the initial cotyledons. As the plant enters the vegetative stage, it develops a robust network of stems and leaves, increasing in size and creating the necessary structure for future flowering. The next critical phase is the budding stage, where flower buds start to form, often triggered by shorter day lengths as the plant is a short-day plant. The flowering stage sees the garden mum displaying vibrant, full blooms in its namesake peach color, which is a prime period for ornamental display. Finally, after pollination and senescence, the plant reaches the end of its annual cycle, setting seeds if conditions allow, or it may be propagated through cuttings to continue its growth cycle in cultivation.
PropogationPropogation time
Early spring
Propogation: The most popular method of propagation for the Chrysanthemum 'Peach Allouise' is through cuttings. To propagate, select a healthy stem from the mother plant and make a clean cut just below a leaf node, typically about 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) in length. Remove the lower leaves, leaving only a few at the top to ensure adequate light absorption while minimizing water loss. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder to stimulate root growth. Then, insert the cutting into a well-draining soil mix, ensuring that the leaf nodes where the leaves were removed are buried. Place the cutting in a warm, brightly lit area but out of direct sunlight and maintain consistent moisture without saturating the soil. Roots usually establish within a few weeks, after which the new Chrysanthemum can gradually be acclimated to its permanent growing conditions.
