Chrysanthemum Chrysanthemum 'Pennine Tango' (29d)
ABOUT
The Chrysanthemum 'Pennine Tango' boasts a captivating display of flowers that are sure to catch the eye. These blossoms are characterized by a unique and striking color pattern, typically featuring a blend of two tones. The outer ray petals are often a vibrant hue, such as a robust red or deep pink, enveloping a contrasting center of a lighter color, like a bright yellow or creamy white, which creates an enchanting two-toned effect. The blossoms themselves present a classic chrysanthemum form, with a multitude of petals that radiate gracefully from the center, giving the flower a full and lush appearance. The petals can be expected to exhibit a captivating arrangement, from tightly quilled to more relaxed and spoon-shaped forms, adding to the flower's ornamental value. As with many chrysanthemums, the foliage that accompanies these flowers is typically a deep green, with leaves that have a distinctive shape — often lobed or deeply serrated, providing a textured backdrop for the showy blooms. The overall presentation of the Chrysanthemum 'Pennine Tango' is one that symbolizes the quintessential charm of chrysanthemums, with a spectacular floral display that makes it a favorite among gardeners and flower enthusiasts alike. It's a plant that radiates through its blossoms, making a statement in any garden or floral arrangement without the need to mention its size.
About this plant
- Names
Family
Asteraceae.
Synonyms
Hardy Chrysanthemum, Garden Mum, Florist's Chrysanthemum.
Common names
Chrysanthemum 'Pennine Tango'.
- Toxicity
To humans
Chrysanthemums, in general, are not highly toxic to humans, but they can cause skin irritation or an allergic reaction in some individuals upon contact. If ingested, they may cause mild gastrointestinal symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. There is no specific treatment for chrysanthemum poisoning other than managing the symptoms with supportive care.
To pets
Chrysanthemums can be toxic to pets, particularly dogs and cats, if ingested. The plant contains pyrethrins that can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, hypersalivation, incoordination, and dermatitis in some pets. Severe poisoning, though rare, could lead to depression, loss of appetite, or difficulty breathing. If you suspect your pet has ingested this plant, contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal clinic for assistance.
- Characteristics
Life cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Mixed
Height
2-3 feet (60-90 cm)
Spread
2 feet (60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Asia
Benefits
- General Benefits
- Aesthetic Appeal: Chrysanthemum 'Pennine Tango' adds vibrant color with its flamboyant, tango-like petal formation, enhancing the visual appeal of gardens and landscapes.
- Pollinator Attraction: This chrysanthemum variety attracts bees and butterflies, which are essential for pollination and the health of the ecosystem.
- Seasonal Interest: Blooming in late summer to fall, it provides interest in the garden when many other plants have finished flowering.
- Versatility: Suitable for borders, containers, and as cut flowers, offering flexibility in garden design and indoor decoration.
- Low Maintenance: Generally, chrysanthemums require minimal maintenance, making them suitable for novice gardeners or those with limited time.
- Drought Resistance: Once established, they can tolerate periods of low water, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Frost Resistance: They are capable of withstanding light frosts, which makes them a good choice for extending the blooming season in a garden.
- Medical Properties
This plant is not used for medical purposes.
- Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
- Other Uses
- Photography prop: The vivid colors of the chrysanthemum can enhance the visual appeal of photographs, making it a popular choice for photo shoots and floral arrangements in studio settings.
- Natural dye: The petals can be used to produce a natural dye for fabrics, offering a range of colors from soft yellows to deep oranges depending on concentration and fabric treatment.
- Companion planting: Chrysanthemums can be planted alongside other crops to deter pests with their strong scent, providing a natural form of pest control in gardens and on farms.
- Culinary decoration: Petals of the chrysanthemum can be used to add color and a light floral taste to salads, desserts, and specialty cocktails.
- Artistic inspiration: Artists have long used the vibrant and diverse colors of chrysanthemums as subjects in paintings, drawings, and textile designs.
- Education and science: These plants can be used in educational settings to teach botany and horticulture, including lessons on plant anatomy, growth cycles, and hybridization.
- Crafts: Dried petals and flowers can be used in a variety of crafts, such as making bookmarks, greeting cards, or potpourri.
- Feng Shui: In some traditions, chrysanthemums are used in Feng Shui practices to bring about happiness and balance within the home.
- Event decor: They are often used in event decorations, such as weddings or festivals, for their beauty and auspicious symbolism in different cultures.
- Bioindicators: Chrysanthemums can act as bioindicators, helping gardeners to detect air quality and presence of pollutants by observing the health and growth of the plant.
Interesting Facts
- Feng Shui
The Chrysanthemum is often associated with happiness and well-being in Feng Shui. It can be placed in areas of the home to introduce vibrant yang energy, promote good health, and uplift the mood. Specifically, display the Chrysanthemum in living areas or the health sector of the home to encourage positivity.
- Zodiac Sign Compitability
The Chrysanthemum is not used in astrology practice.
- Plant Symbolism
- Longevity: Chrysanthemums are often associated with long life and health due to their hardiness and medicinal properties in some cultures.
- Fidelity: In some traditions, chrysanthemums represent fidelity and devotion, making them a common gift between friends and lovers to signify a strong relationship.
- Happiness: Their bright and cheerful appearance makes chrysanthemums a symbol of joy and happiness.
- Rejuvenation: The chrysanthemum is often used in art and literature as a metaphor for rejuvenation and the renewal of life, as they bloom in autumn when many other flowers are fading.
- Death: In some European countries, chrysanthemums are symbolic of death and are often used in funerary arrangements or to honor the deceased.
- Water
Mums, including the Chrysanthemum 'Pennine Tango', should be watered regularly to maintain evenly moist soil as they do not tolerate drought well. During active growth, especially in the spring and summer, water thoroughly whenever the top inch of soil feels dry. This is typically about once a week, but this can vary based on climate and weather conditions. Apply approximately 1 gallon of water per plant for each watering session. Avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk of fungal diseases; instead, water at the base of the plant.
- Light
Mums, such as the Chrysanthemum 'Pennine Tango', thrive in full sun conditions where they can receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. The best spot for these plants is in a bright and sunny location, ideally in a south-facing garden spot or in a place that receives ample morning light. Be wary of too much high-intensity afternoon sun in particularly hot climates as it may stress the plant.
- Temperature
Mums, including Chrysanthemum 'Pennine Tango', prefer moderate temperatures and can survive in a range between 32 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal temperature range for these plants is between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. They can withstand light frosts, but prolonged exposure to temperatures below freezing can be damaging to the plant.
- Pruning
Prune mums like the Chrysanthemum 'Pennine Tango' to remove spent flowers and encourage more blooms, as well as to maintain the plant's shape. Pruning is also crucial to prevent overcrowding and improve air circulation, reducing the chance of disease. The best time to prune mums is in early spring when new growth appears. Pinch back the stems by about one inch each time they grow 6 inches to encourage fuller plants and more flowers; repeat this process until midsummer.
- Cleaning
As needed
- Soil
Mums prefer a well-draining potting mix with peat moss, perlite, and compost. The ideal pH for Chrysanthemums is slightly acidic to neutral, around 6.0 to 7.0.
- Repotting
Mums should be repotted every one to two years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth.
- Humidity & Misting
The best humidity level for Mums is moderate, between 40% and 60%, to promote healthy growth and prevent pest issues.
- Suitable locations
Indoor
Place Mums in bright, indirect light and keep the soil moist.
Outdoor
Plant Mums in well-draining soil with full to partial sun.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
- Life cycle
The life cycle of the Chrysanthemum 'Pennine Tango', commonly known as the Hardy Garden Mum, begins with seed germination, which typically occurs in a controlled environment such as a greenhouse. Once the seedlings emerge and develop true leaves, they are transplanted into individual pots where they continue to grow. The vegetative stage follows, characterized by the development of a bushy foliage mass due to the practice of pinching back the stems to encourage branching. During the flowering stage, the Hardy Garden Mum reaches full maturity and displays its characteristic vibrant flowers, usually in late summer or fall. After flowering, the plant enters senescence where blooms fade and the plant prepares for dormancy in the winter. If not an annual, it may undergo a period of dormancy in colder climates, after which it can regrow from its root system in the spring to start the cycle anew.
- Propogation
Propogation time
Spring-Fall
Chrysanthemum 'Pennine Tango', commonly known as a mum, is often propagated by division, which is the most popular method. This involves carefully splitting a mature plant into smaller sections, each with a portion of the root system and shoots, typically in the spring when new growth begins to show. To perform division, gardeners should dig up the entire mum plant, gently shake off the excess soil, and identify natural divisions in the root ball. With a sharp knife or spade, they can separate the plant into smaller clumps, ensuring each new section has roots and at least one shoot. The new divisions should then be planted in the garden, spaced about 18 to 24 inches apart (approximately 45 to 60 centimeters), and watered well to encourage establishment.