Chrysanthemum 'Pennine Silver' Chrysanthemum 'Pennine Silver' (29c)
ABOUT
'Pennine Silver' is a half-hardy perennial to 1.2m in height, with divided leaves and flowers 6cm across, the reflexed florets white, tinged with pale peach-pink
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Mum, Chrysanthemum, Hardy Chrysanthemum, Garden Mum
Common names
Chrysanthemum 'Pennine Silver'
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Varies
Flower color
Varies
Height
2 feet (60 cm)
Spread
2 feet (60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Chrysanthemum 'Pennine Silver', commonly known as Mums, add a touch of elegance with their silver-white petals and contrasting yellow centers, enhancing garden beauty.
- Extended Blooming Season: Mums bloom from late summer into fall, providing color in the garden when many other plants have finished flowering.
- Versatility: This variety of Mums is suitable for planting in garden beds, borders, containers, and for use as cut flowers, offering flexibility in garden design and indoor decoration.
- Ease of Care: Mums are fairly low maintenance, requiring only regular watering, occasional feeding, and deadheading to promote further blooming.
- Pest Resistance: Mums are known for their resistance to many common garden pests, reducing the need for chemical treatments and contributing to a healthier garden.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers of Mums are attractive to pollinators like bees and butterflies, helping to support local ecosystems.
- Variety of Uses: Mums are commonly used in seasonal displays, including fall and winter arrangements, and are popular for special occasions and holidays.
Medical Properties- Anti-inflammatory: The extracts from Chrysanthemum plants are known to have anti-inflammatory properties.
- Antioxidant: Chrysanthemum species may contain compounds having antioxidant effects that can help protect the cells from oxidative stress.
- Sedative: Chrysanthemum plant extracts are sometimes used in herbal medicine for their sedative effects.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses```html
- Photographic Plant Portraits: The Chrysanthemum 'Pennine Silver' with its striking silver-tinted petals, can be used in macro photography to create beautiful plant portraits that highlight its unique coloration.
- Artistic Inspiration: Artists may draw inspiration from the intricate form and color of the Chrysanthemum 'Pennine Silver' for various art forms including painting, drawing, and fabric design.
- Color Dye: The petals of the Chrysanthemum 'Pennine Silver' can be used to extract natural dye for textiles, providing a soft, subtle color.
- Educational Tool: Horticulture students can study Chrysanthemum 'Pennine Silver's growth, form, and care requirements as part of their plant science curriculum.
- Craft Supplies: Dried Chrysanthemum 'Pennine Silver' flowers can be used in craft projects, such as in making bookmarks, greeting cards, or scrapbooking elements.
- Theme Gardens: This plant can be included in a silver-themed garden to provide visual continuity in color and complement other plants with silver foliage.
- Fragrance Collection: While more known for its visual appeal, the Chrysanthemum 'Pennine Silver' can be included in fragrance gardens for its subtle, pleasant aroma.
- Culinary Garnish: Edible Chrysanthemum varieties could provide an ornamental garnish for culinary dishes, although care should be taken to ensure the specific variety is safe for consumption.
- Floral Arrangements: The unique coloration of Chrysanthemum 'Pennine Silver' makes it a sought-after choice for contemporary floral arrangements and bridal bouquets.
- Symbolic Uses: In some cultures, the Chrysanthemum is a symbol of longevity and rejuvenation, and 'Pennine Silver' can be used in celebrations or events focusing on these themes.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Chrysanthemum is used in Feng Shui practice for purification and bringing positive energy. It represents longevity, joy, and ease in life. Place it in areas that need upliftment or in the health sector of your home according to the bagua map to promote good health.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Chrysanthemum is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Longevity: Chrysanthemums generally symbolize a long and healthy life due to their hardiness and ability to bloom into the fall.
- Rebirth and Renewal: Since chrysanthemums bloom in the fall, they often represent the idea of rebirth and the renewing cycle of life.
- Happiness and Joy: With their full, bright blooms, chrysanthemums are commonly associated with bringing happiness and joy to someone's day.
- Loyalty and Devotion: In some cultures, the chrysanthemum is a symbol of loyalty and devoted love.
- Nobility: In Japanese culture, the chrysanthemum is a noble flower, representing perfection and, in some cases, divinity.
WaterMums, such as the Chrysanthemum 'Pennine Silver', prefer evenly moist soil, meaning the soil should be kept consistently damp but not soggy. Water the plant thoroughly whenever the top inch of the soil feels dry to the touch. Depending on the environment, this may be about once a week. It's best to water the plants early in the day to allow any excess water on the foliage to evaporate before nightfall. As for the amount, it is recommended to use about one gallon for outdoor mums every week, adjusting based on weather conditions; indoor mums may need less.
LightMums thrive in bright light with some direct sunlight every day. Place the Chrysanthemum 'Pennine Silver' in an area that receives at least 5 to 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Avoid dark, shaded areas as insufficient light can weaken the plant's structure and reduce flowering. An ideal spot would be in front of a south or west-facing window if grown indoors or in a sunny part of the garden.
TemperatureThe Chrysanthemum 'Pennine Silver' grows best in a temperature range of 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. It can tolerate a temperature down as low as 32 degrees Fahrenheit and up to about 90 degrees Fahrenheit. For vigorous growth and bloom, keep them in the ideal range especially during the growing season.
PruningPruning mums like the Chrysanthemum 'Pennine Silver' is essential to maintain their shape and encourage bushier growth with more blooms. Pinch back the tips of the stems in late spring and early summer every 2 to 3 weeks until about mid-July. Prune any dead or faded flowers during the blooming season to promote continuous flowering.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for the Chrysanthemum, commonly known as 'mum,' should be well-draining with a high content of organic matter. A blend of 1/3 peat, 1/3 perlite, and 1/3 compost is ideal; this mix ensures adequate drainage and nutrient retention. The optimal pH range for mums is slightly acidic to neutral, between 6.0 and 7.0.
RepottingMums should be repotted every one to two years to replenish the soil and give roots room to expand. Repotting is best done in the spring before the plant enters its active growing phase, which will minimize stress and help support robust growth.
Humidity & MistingMums thrive best in moderate humidity conditions, typically ranging from 40-60%. If the indoor air is too dry, occasional misting or a pebble tray can help increase humidity levels around the plant.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place mums in bright, indirect light and ensure good air circulation.
Outdoor
Plant mums in well-drained soil and full to partial sunlight.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleChrysanthemum 'Pennine Silver', commonly known as the hardy garden mum, begins its life cycle as a seed. Germination occurs under appropriate temperature and soil conditions, and the seedling emerges, developing initial roots and first leaves. As the seedling grows, it enters a vegetative stage characterized by robust leaf growth and the development of a sturdy stem structure. The plant then enters the flowering phase, triggered by shorter days and cooler temperatures in late summer or early fall, resulting in the blossoming of its distinctive silver-lavender flowers. Following pollination, which can involve insects, the plant may produce seeds that disperse, continuing the cycle. Eventually, the plant enters senescence, where it may die back, especially in colder climates, although many garden mums are perennials and will regrow from the root system the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagating the Chrysanthemum 'Pennine Silver', also known as mums, is through division. Division is usually done in the spring as new growth appears. Gardeners often dig up the entire plant, making sure to keep a good amount of roots on each section. Using a sharp knife or spade, the plant is carefully split into smaller sections, each with at least one shoot and adequate roots. These sections are then replanted at the same depth they were growing before, spaced about 18 to 24 inches (approximately 45 to 60 centimeters) apart to allow for ample growth. Watering thoroughly after planting helps to establish the divisions. This method rejuvenates old plants and provides new plants to expand the garden or share with fellow gardeners.
