Chrysanthemum 'Pennine Marie' Chrysanthemum 'Pennine Marie' (29a)

Water

Mums, like the Chrysanthemum 'Pennine Marie', should be watered regularly to maintain evenly moist soil, especially during dry spells. Typically, water the plant thoroughly once or twice a week, depending on the weather conditions. Deep watering is preferred over frequent light watering to encourage deep root growth. Apply about one gallon of water per plant for each watering session. Cut back on watering in the fall to help harden off the plants for winter.

Light

Mums prefer a location with full sun to part shade, with at least 5 to 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. The ideal spot would be somewhere with morning sun and afternoon shade, particularly in hot climates, to protect them from intense heat. Avoid too much shade, as this can lead to leggy growth and fewer blooms.

Temperature

Mums thrive in temperatures between 55°F and 75°F, which are ideal for encouraging flower buds. They can withstand short periods of colder weather, down to about 32°F, but long exposure to freezing temperatures may damage the plant. Summer heat above 90°F can stress the plant, so it's vital to provide some shade during the hottest part of the day.

Pruning

Prune mums like 'Pennine Marie' in early spring when new growth begins and pinch back the tips and developing buds through the summer to encourage branching and denser growth. Stop pinching around early July to allow flower buds to form. The best time for a major pruning is after the blooming period, usually late fall or early winter, to prepare them for the upcoming season.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The best soil mix for Chrysanthemums should be well-draining with a composition of peat, perlite, and compost. The ideal pH for Chrysanthemums is between 6.0 and 7.0.

Repotting

Chrysanthemums should be repotted annually, as they are vigorous growers and can quickly deplete the nutrients in their soil.

Humidity & Misting

Chrysanthemums prefer moderate humidity levels, typically between 40-60%.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright indirect light and ensure good airflow.

• Outdoor

  Choose a sunny spot with afternoon shade and shelter from wind.

• Hardiness zone

  5-9 USDA.

Life cycle

The Chrysanthemum 'Pennine Marie', commonly known as Hardy Garden Mum, begins its life cycle when a seed germinates in early spring, requiring well-draining soil and adequate warmth. Upon sprouting, the seedling stage involves establishing roots and producing its first set of true leaves. As the plant enters the vegetative stage, it develops a bushy structure through branching and must be pinched back to encourage a more robust form and abundant blooms. During the flowering stage in late summer to fall, the plant produces vibrant flowers, typically after exposure to shorter day lengths, which triggers blooming. After flowering, seeds are formed and then dispersed, or the plant can be propagated through cuttings or division to create new plants. Finally, in preparation for winter, the Chrysanthemum 'Pennine Marie' undergoes senescence with foliage dying back, though the root system remains dormant underground until the next growing season.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• The Chrysanthemum 'Pennine Marie', commonly known as mums, can be propagated most popularly through stem cuttings. This technique is ideally performed in late spring to early summer. To propagate by cuttings, a healthy parent plant is selected, and a stem that is about 4 to 6 inches long (10 to 15 cm) with several leaves is cut just below a leaf node. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end is dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. The stem is then planted in a pot filled with a sterile potting mix to a depth where it stands upright. The pot is placed in indirect, but bright, light and kept consistently moist but not waterlogged until roots have established, which typically takes a few weeks. Once the cutting has rooted and new growth appears, it can be transplanted to its final location.