Chrysanthemum Chrysanthemum 'Pennine Lace' (29f)
ABOUT
Chrysanthemum 'Pennine Lace' is a visually striking plant known for its intricate and delicate appearance. The most distinctive feature of this variety is its blooms. The flowers exhibit a unique two-tone effect, with the base of the petals typically being a creamy white, progressing to a soft pink or blush tone towards the tips. These flowers tend to have a profusion of slender, spider-like petals that radiate from a central button-like disc, giving them an elegant, lacy quality, which is a likely inspiration for the name 'Pennine Lace'. These blooms are characteristically clustered together creating a dense, cushion-like shape that adds a textural dimension to garden beds or floral arrangements. The plant's foliage is equally decorative, with deeply lobed leaves that often have a slightly serrated edge. The leaves are typically a rich green which provides a beautiful contrast to the pastel hues of the blossoms. 'Pennine Lace' Chrysanthemum's overall form is that of a well-rounded and bushy structure, presenting a lush and full-bodied appearance. The plant's ornamental qualities make it a popular choice for ornamental gardening and as cut flowers for decorative purposes inside homes.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae.
Synonyms
Hardy Chrysanthemum, Garden Mum, Florist's Daisy, Mums.
Common names
Dendranthema 'Pennine Lace', Leucanthemum 'Pennine Lace'.
ToxicityTo humans
Chrysanthemums, including the 'Pennine Lace' variety, contain several natural compounds that can be irritating to some individuals when ingested or touched. While they are not considered highly toxic to humans, they can cause adverse reactions if consumed. These reactions might include gastrointestinal discomfort, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and in rare cases, skin irritation if handled extensively. To avoid any potential negative effects, it is best to keep chrysanthemums out of reach of children who might accidentally ingest parts of the plant.
To pets
Chrysanthemums are toxic to pets, including dogs and cats. The toxicity is due to the presence of compounds called pyrethrins, which can lead to symptoms of poisoning in animals if ingested. These symptoms can include vomiting, diarrhea, hypersalivation, incoordination, and dermatitis. In severe cases, ingestion can lead to more serious neurological symptoms, such as tremors or seizures. It is important to prevent pets from ingesting any parts of chrysanthemums and to seek veterinary care immediately if you suspect your pet has consumed this plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
2 feet (60 cm)
Spread
2 feet (60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Decorative Appeal: Chrysanthemums, including 'Pennine Lace', are popular for their beautiful and intricate flowers, which enhance visual interest in gardens and landscapes.
- Variety of Colors: They offer a wide range of colors, which can be used to create stunning color schemes in garden designs.
- Seasonal Interest: Chrysanthemums typically bloom in late summer and autumn, providing vibrant color when many other plants have finished flowering.
- Longevity of Blooms: Their flowers have a long-lasting nature, which means they can provide enjoyment for an extended period.
- Attract Pollinators: They are attractive to bees and butterflies, thus contributing to the health of the local ecosystem by supporting pollinators.
- Easy to Grow: Chrysanthemums are generally low-maintenance plants, making them suitable for a wide range of gardeners.
- Versatility: They are versatile in use, suitable for borders, pots, and as cut flowers in arrangements.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, many chrysanthemums exhibit some level of drought tolerance, making them suitable for xeriscaping.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography subject: Chrysanthemum 'Pennine Lace' can offer a unique subject for macro photography, allowing for exploration of its intricate patterns and delicate hues.
- Dye: The petals can be used to create a natural dye for fabrics or paper, imparting soft colors derived from its petals.
- Art inspiration: Artists can take inspiration from its form and color to create paintings, drawings, or sculptures.
- Floral crafts: The flowers can be dried and used in crafting, such as in making bookmarks, greeting cards, or potpourri mixes.
- Edible decoration: Although not a common culinary ingredient, the petals can potentially be used to adorn desserts or salads as an edible garnish after proper confirmation of edibility.
- Teaching tool: This plant can be used in botany classes to teach about hybridization and plant breeding techniques.
- Seasonal festivals: Its blooms can be used in fall festival decorations, such as in wreaths or centerpieces.
- Garden competitions: The Chrysanthemum can be grown for entry into flower shows or garden competitions due to its distinctive appearance.
- Theme gardens: 'Pennine Lace' can be incorporated into themed gardens, such as white gardens or lace-patterned gardens.
- Flower arranging: It can be used in floristry to teach or learn about balance and texture in flower arrangement.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Chrysanthemum is used in Feng Shui practice to attract positive energy and to promote happiness and longevity. It can be placed in areas of the home where you wish to introduce uplifting energy and to counteract negative influences.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Chrysanthemum is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Longevity and Immortality: Chrysanthemums, commonly known as mums, are often associated with longevity due to their hardiness and ability to bloom into the late fall.
- Happiness and Joy: The bright and cheerful appearance of the chrysanthemum symbolises happiness and a joyful spirit, making it a popular gift to uplift someone's mood.
- Rejuvenation and Recovery: Mums are thought to represent the idea of recovery or getting back one's strength due to their resilience and ability to thrive in challenging conditions.
- Nobility and Honesty: In some cultures, the chrysanthemum is seen as a noble flower, representing honesty and integrity in one's actions and life.
- Loyalty and Devotion: The flower's tendency to bloom year after year can symbolize the traits of loyalty and devotion in relationships.
WaterMums, which is the common name of Chrysanthemum 'Pennine Lace', require consistent moisture and should be watered thoroughly whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. During active growth and blooming, usually in the spring and fall, watering might be required once or twice a week depending on weather conditions. Give them about 1 gallon of water per plant at each watering, ensuring you water directly at the base to avoid wetting the foliage which can lead to disease. Reduce watering in the winter when the plant is dormant. It is critical not to overwater, as mums are susceptible to root rot if the soil is continuously soggy.
LightMums thrive best in full sun, receiving at least 6 hours of direct sunlight a day. They can tolerate partial shade, but bloom best with ample sunshine. Place Chrysanthemum 'Pennine Lace' in a spot where it will get the morning sun and some partial afternoon shade in hot climates to protect it from scorching.
TemperatureMums prefer moderate temperatures and will grow best when daytime temperatures are between 60°F and 75°F. They can survive a range of temperatures but prefer not to be in conditions below freezing or above 90°F for extended periods. They are hardy to USDA plant hardiness zones 5 through 9, meaning they can survive winter low temperatures down to -20°F, but in such cold conditions, they will die back to the ground and re-emerge in the spring.
PruningPruning mums is essential for promoting bushier growth and a more abundant display of flowers. Pinch back the tips of the stems in early summer, removing about an inch to encourage branching. Stop pinching around mid-July to allow flower buds to form. After blooming in fall, cut back the dead stems to the ground once the foliage dies back or leave them through winter to help protect the roots and then prune in early spring.
CleaningAs needed
SoilChrysanthemums prefer well-draining loamy soil with a pH between 6.5 and 6.7. A mix of two parts garden soil, one part peat moss, and one part perlite or sand promotes good drainage and aeration. Regularly check the soil pH to ensure it remains slightly acidic and adjust your soil mix if needed.
RepottingMums should typically be repotted every one to two years to replenish soil nutrients and prevent overcrowding. If you observe slower growth or roots emerging from the drainage holes, it's a sign that the Chrysanthemum needs repotting.
Humidity & MistingChrysanthemums thrive in a moderate humidity environment. Aim for a humidity level around 60%, which is generally suitable for these plants and ensures healthy growth without encouraging mold or fungal diseases.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Keep in bright indirect light and well-ventilated space.
Outdoor
Plant in sunny area, shelter from strong winds, well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleChrysanthemums, including the 'Pennine Lace' variety, begin their life cycle from seeds or cuttings, with the latter being a more common method for cultivated varieties to ensure genetic consistency. After rooting, they enter a vegetative growth stage where foliage expands and the plant grows in size. As the days shorten and temperatures drop in late summer to fall, the chrysanthemum enters the bud formation stage, induced by the longer nights, which leads to the flowering stage. The flowers bloom, showcasing the distinctive characteristics of the 'Pennine Lace' chrysanthemum, often with intricate patterns and a lace-like appearance. Following pollination, which may not be the primary goal in ornamental cultivars, seeds may develop, completing the reproductive cycle. Lastly, in many climates, chrysanthemums are perennial and will enter a period of dormancy during the winter before resuming growth in the spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Late Spring-Early Summer
The Chrysanthemum 'Pennine Lace', commonly known as Mum, is typically propagated through the division of its root clumps. This method involves digging up an established Mum plant, usually in the early spring before new growth begins or after the blooming period in the fall. The root ball should be divided into smaller sections, ensuring each section has a portion of root and a few shoots. These sections can then be replanted in well-draining soil, spaced about 18 inches (approximately 46 centimeters) apart, allowing ample room for growth. The divisions should be watered thoroughly after planting to help establish the new plants. This technique is favored for its simplicity and effectiveness in producing true-to-type Chrysanthemum 'Pennine Lace' plants.
