Chrysanthemum Chrysanthemum 'Pennine Gambol' (29a)
ABOUT
Chrysanthemum 'Pennine Gambol' is a perennial plant that typically displays a bushy habit with lush green foliage. Its leaves are deeply lobed with a somewhat coarse texture, creating a backdrop for the showy flowers it produces. The flowers of this variety are particularly striking, featuring multiple layers of petals that can be described as having a fluffy or frilly appearance, much like a pompom. The blooms boast a vibrant color, often a shade of yellow or gold, which adds a burst of brightness to gardens and landscapes. The flower heads are shaped like buttons or domes and tend to cluster together, creating a dense floral display that can be quite eye-catching when in full bloom. Throughout its blooming period, the Chrysanthemum 'Pennine Gambol' serves as a magnet for pollinators such as bees and butterflies, which are attracted to its colorful and abundant flowers. This plant can be a stunning addition to flower borders, beds, and even as a focal point in a variety of garden settings, contributing a touch of elegance and a splash of color wherever it is planted.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Chrysanthemum, Mum, Hardy Garden Mum, Florist's Chrysanthemum.
Common names
Dendranthema 'Pennine Gambol', Chrysanthemum 'Pennine Gambol'.
ToxicityTo humans
The common name for Chrysanthemum 'Pennine Gambol' is chrysanthemum. Chrysanthemums contain pyrethrins, which may be toxic to humans if ingested in large quantities. However, poisoning from chrysanthemums is generally rare in humans. If a significant amount of the plant is ingested, symptoms could include gastrointestinal upset, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and possibly skin irritation if handled extensively. In severe cases, more serious symptoms like changes in heart rate, loss of coordination, or neurological effects could occur, but such extreme reactions are uncommon. It is important to handle chrysanthemums with care and ensure that they are not ingested by young children or individuals who might mistakenly eat the plant.
To pets
The common name for Chrysanthemum 'Pennine Gambol' is chrysanthemum. Chrysanthemums are toxic to pets, including dogs and cats. They contain compounds known as pyrethrins that can cause symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, hypersalivation, incoordination, and dermatitis upon contact. In severe cases, ingestion of chrysanthemums by pets could lead to more serious symptoms like depression, loss of appetite, or signs of neurological distress. Toxicity levels may vary based on the amount ingested and the size of the pet. If you suspect your pet has ingested chrysanthemums, it is crucial to seek veterinary care immediately to ensure their well-being.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Varies
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- Ornamental Value: Adds aesthetic appeal to gardens with its vibrant, decorative flowers.
- Long Blooming: Offers a prolonged blooming season, adding color to the garden for an extended period.
- Attracts Pollinators: Draws in beneficial insects such as bees and butterflies, which help pollinate other plants.
- Easy to Grow: Known for being relatively easy to cultivate and maintain in various garden settings.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it can tolerate periods of low water, making it suitable for drier climates.
- Variety of Uses: Can be used in beds, borders, pots, and as cut flowers, providing versatility in garden design and indoor decoration.
- Frost Resistance: Able to withstand light frost, making it a viable option for cooler climates or late-season interest.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography and Art Subjects: Chrysanthemums, with their intricate petal formations and vivid colors, can serve as inspiring subjects for photographers and artists looking to capture the beauty of nature.
- Natural Fabric Dyes: The vibrant petals of chrysanthemums can be used to create natural dyes for fabrics, offering a range of colors from soft yellows to deep oranges depending on the mordant used.
- Food Garnishing: The edible varieties of chrysanthemums can be used as an attractive and edible garnish on salads, desserts, and other culinary dishes to add color and a mild floral flavor.
- Floral Arrangements: Their sturdy stems and long-lasting blooms make chrysanthemums ideal for use in floral arrangements, both as a focal point and as filler flowers.
- Petal Confetti: Dried petals of chrysanthemums can be used as biodegradable petal confetti for celebrations such as weddings and garden parties.
- Craft Projects: The full range of chrysanthemum colors and sizes can be utilized in various craft projects, including wreath making and scrapbooking.
- Culinary Creations: Select varieties of chrysanthemum are edible and can be incorporated into culinary creations, such as incorporating petals into cookie dough or ice cube trays for a decorative touch.
- Companion Planting: Chrysanthemums can be planted in gardens as companions to vegetables to help deter pests, owing to their natural insect-repellent properties.
- Bookmark Embellishments: Pressed chrysanthemum flowers are used to create beautiful, nature-themed bookmarks, which can be laminated for longevity.
- Ceremonial Decor: In some cultures, chrysanthemums are used in ceremonial decor for events such as festivals and religious ceremonies, symbolizing various attributes depending on the color.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiChrysanthemums are often used in Feng Shui to bring happiness and laughter to the home, as they are associated with joy and ease. Placing yellow chrysanthemums in the center of a space can introduce positivity and light-hearted energy.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe chrysanthemum is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Longevity - Chrysanthemums are often associated with long life due to their hardiness and ability to survive the first frosts of autumn.
- Renewal - The cycle of blooming year after year symbolizes renewal and rebirth.
- Compassion - In some cultures, gifting chrysanthemums is a way to show sympathy or compassion, possibly due to their full, rounded blooms.
- Friendship - The wide variety of colors and robust nature of the flower can signify strong and supportive friendships.
- Noble Deeds - In some Asian cultures, the chrysanthemum represents nobility and honor, as it is often associated with royalty and the upper classes.
WaterMums should be watered regularly to keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy, especially during their active growing and blooming phases. Depending on climate conditions and soil type, this might be about 1 inch of water per week. It's best to water deeply a few times a week rather than shallowly every day to encourage the development of deep roots. During the hottest part of the summer, you may need to increase watering to twice a week, using around 2 gallons for an established plant. Always check the top inch of soil for dryness before watering to avoid overwatering which can cause root rot.
LightMums thrive in full sunlight, requiring a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. The ideal spot for growing mums is a location that receives morning sunlight and some afternoon shade, especially in hotter regions to prevent stress from the intense heat. Ensure your mums are placed where they can bathe in ample sunlight to promote healthy growth and abundant blooms.
TemperatureMums prefer temperatures ranging between 60°F and 75°F during the day and slightly cooler at night, around 55°F to 60°F. They can survive minimum temperatures down to 32°F for brief periods, but prolonged cold below this can damage or kill the plant. Avoid exposing mums to temperatures above 85°F for extended periods, as this can stress the plant and affect blooming.
PruningMums benefit from pruning to encourage a more compact, bushy shape and to enhance flowering. Pinch off the tips of branches when they are 4 to 6 inches tall in late spring and again in mid-summer. Stop pinching in early July, as this allows time for flower buds to form for fall blooming. Prune off spent blooms and dead stems to keep the plant healthy and attractive.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFor the best growth of Chrysanthemums, use a well-draining, fertile soil with a pH of around 6.5. A mix of two-thirds garden soil and one-third well-rotted compost or peat moss is ideal.
RepottingChrysanthemums should be repotted every one to two years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth.
Humidity & MistingChrysanthemums thrive in moderate to high humidity levels, around 60-70%, but are adaptable to standard household humidity.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright indirect light with good air circulation.
Outdoor
Full sun, shelter from strong winds, well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life of Chrysanthemum 'Pennine Gambol', commonly referred to as the Hardy Garden Mum, starts with seed germination, which occurs in a warm, moist soil environment, typically in the Spring. Following germination, the seedling emerges and grows into a juvenile plant, with characteristic foliage and early root system development. As the plant matures, it enters the vegetative stage, where it experiences significant growth in leaves, stems, and root mass in preparation for flowering. During the flowering stage, typically in late summer or fall, the Chrysanthemum 'Pennine Gambol' produces its distinctive flowers, which can be a variety of colors depending on the cultivar. After pollination, if occurring, seeds are produced and the plant gradually enters senescence, where foliage and stems die back, especially in areas with cold winters. The plant may go dormant over the winter, with the root system surviving to regenerate the next season, or if it is an annual variety, it completes its life cycle after seed production and dies.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Chrysanthemum 'Pennine Gambol', commonly known as simply Chrysanthemum or mum, can be effectively propagated through division, which is the most popular method for this herbaceous perennial. This process typically takes place in the spring when the plant's growth resumes. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the Chrysanthemum clump and gently separate the plant into smaller sections, each with adequate roots and shoots. These sections should then be replanted at the same soil depth they were growing at previously, spaced about 18 inches to 2 feet (45 to 61 centimeters) apart to allow room for growth. Adequate watering after replanting is essential to help the new divisions establish.
