Chrysanthemum Chrysanthemum 'Pennine Twinkle' (29a)
ABOUT
The Chrysanthemum 'Pennine Twinkle' is a stunning flowering plant that features a plethora of small, daisy-like flowers. These flowers have a cheerful look with bright white petals that surround a yellow center, giving them a twinkling star-like appearance. The petals are arranged in multiple layers, adding to the fullness and texture of the bloom. The vivid yellow centers are prominent and serve as a striking contrast to the pure white petals, making the flowers stand out in any garden setting. The leaves of 'Pennine Twinkle' are deep green, with a slightly serrated edge, and they provide a lush backdrop to the profusion of blossoms. This plant exudes a fresh and vibrant feel, adding a touch of sparkle and charm wherever it's planted, making it a popular choice for gardeners looking to add some liveliness to their floral displays.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Hardy Chrysanthemum, Garden Mum, Florist's Chrysanthemum
Common names
Chrysanthemum 'Pennine Twinkle'
ToxicityTo humans
Chrysanthemums, commonly referred to as mums, can be mildly toxic to humans if ingested. The plant contains compounds such as sesquiterpene lactones, which can cause dermatitis in sensitive individuals when handling the plant. If parts of the plant are ingested, symptoms may include gastrointestinal discomfort, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and possibly skin irritation. Ingesting significant quantities can potentially lead to more severe reactions, but this is uncommon as the plant is not typically consumed.
To pets
Chrysanthemums, also known simply as mums, are toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. The plants contain pyrethrins, substances that can cause symptoms of poisoning in pets if ingested. These symptoms may include drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of coordination, and dermatitis. In severe cases, ingestion could lead to more serious conditions such as tremors, seizures, or hypersensitivity reactions. It is recommended to prevent pets from accessing and ingesting any part of the plant to ensure their safety.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Mixed
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- Aesthetic Appeal: Chrysanthemums, often known as mums, add vibrant color to gardens, especially in fall when other flowers may be fading.
- Extended Blooming Season: Chrysanthemums have a long flowering period, offering visual interest for an extended time compared to some other plants.
- Variety of Uses: Mums are versatile; they can be used in borders, containers, as cut flowers, and for decorative purposes both indoors and outdoors.
- Pollinator Friendly: Mums are attractive to butterflies, bees, and other beneficial insects, helping to support local ecosystems.
- Low Maintenance: Chrysanthemums are relatively easy to care for, requiring minimal pruning and moderate watering, making them suitable for many gardeners.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, mums can tolerate periods of drought, making them suitable for various climates and water-conservation gardens.
- Cold Hardy: Mums are capable of withstanding colder temperatures, making them a good choice for late-season color in colder climates.
- Propagation Ease: These plants can be easily propagated through division, allowing gardeners to expand their displays without additional cost.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography Prop: Chrysanthemums, with their vibrant blooms, can be used as a beautiful natural backdrop or subject for amateur and professional photographers alike.
- Fabric Dye: The petals of chrysanthemums can be boiled to extract color, which can then be used to naturally dye fabrics in shades of yellow or green depending on the mordant used.
- Companion Planting: Chrysanthemums can be planted alongside vegetables like tomatoes to deter harmful insects due to their natural insecticidal properties.
- Artistic Inspiration: Artists may use chrysanthemums as a muse for paintings, drawings, and other forms of art due to their intricate petal patterns and range of colors.
- Culinary Garnish: Edible varieties of chrysanthemums can be used to adorn plates and add an edible floral touch to gourmet dishes.
- Bookmark: Dried chrysanthemum flowers can be laminated or placed within transparent sheets to create natural and unique bookmarks.
- Floral Crafts: The blooms can be used in making floral arrangements, wreaths, or potpourri to add color and charm to any craft project.
- Decorative Ice Cubes: Placing small chrysanthemum flowers in ice cube trays before freezing can create decorative ice cubes for special events or cocktails.
- Soap Making: Chrysanthemum petals can be incorporated into homemade soaps for exfoliation and visual appeal.
- Candle Embeds: Dried chrysanthemum flowers can be embedded into candles to add a touch of elegance and fragrance as the candle burns.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Chrysanthemum is often used in Feng Shui for its properties of bringing joy and good fortune. It is recommended to place Chrysanthemums in living areas to introduce positive energy, enhance well-being, and invite happiness into the home.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Chrysanthemum is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Longevity and Immortality: Chrysanthemums are often associated with long life and good health in many cultures, partly because they bloom vibrantly even as the autumn days grow shorter and colder.
- Rejuvenation and Revival: As flowers that bloom in the fall, chrysanthemums symbolize the idea of revival or rebirth, often bringing a sense of hope in the stage of the year when winter is approaching.
- Happiness and Joy: These flowers are celebrated in festivals such as the "Festival of Happiness" in Japan, symbolizing cheerfulness and general well-being.
- Loyalty and Devotion: A common gift for Mother's Day and on the 13th wedding anniversary, the chrysanthemum signifies strong relationships and unwavering loyalty.
- Honor and Respect: In some cultures, chrysanthemums are given as a sign of honor and respect, especially when placed on graves or used in funerals.
WaterMums, like the Chrysanthemum 'Pennine Twinkle', should be kept consistently moist but not overly wet. Water the plant deeply, ensuring that the soil is saturated but allowing for proper drainage. It's best to water early in the morning or late in the afternoon to reduce evaporation. Typically, watering should occur when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which may be once or twice a week, depending on climate conditions. On average, applying approximately one gallon of water per square yard per week during active growth periods is sufficient but adjust based on rainfall and temperature.
LightMums prefer full sun to thrive. The ideal spot for Chrysanthemum 'Pennine Twinkle' is an area where they can receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. However, they can tolerate light shade, especially in regions with very intense midday sun. Ensure they're not shaded by larger plants or structures to maximize blooming potential.
TemperatureMums are best suited to temperate climates and can typically withstand temperatures ranging from 32°F to 90°F. The Chrysanthemum 'Pennine Twinkle' thrives in temperatures between 55°F and 75°F. It's essential to protect the plant from frost and intense heat waves, which can be detrimental to its health and bloom production.
PruningPruning mums like Chrysanthemum 'Pennine Twinkle' encourages a bushier growth and more abundant blooms. It's best to prune in the early spring after the last frost and throughout the summer by pinching back the tips of the stems. Regular pruning every 2 to 3 weeks until midsummer will result in fuller plants. Refrain from pruning as the plants begin to set buds as it could sacrifice the fall blooms.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFor Chrysanthemums, the best soil mix is well-draining with plenty of organic matter, such as a mixture of peat, perlite, and compost. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging between 6.0 and 7.0 for optimal growth.
RepottingChrysanthemums should be repotted once a year to refresh the soil and provide room for growth, usually in the early spring before the new growth begins.
Humidity & MistingChrysanthemums thrive in moderate humidity levels, ideally between 40-60%, which mimics the natural humid conditions they favor.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright light, away from drafts, and provide regular water.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun with well-draining soil and space for air flow.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleChrysanthemum 'Pennine Twinkle' (also known as Mum) starts its life as a seed or cutting, which, when planted in well-drained soil and given adequate warmth and light, will germinate or root and begin to grow. The seedling stage involves the development of true leaves after the initial cotyledons appear, at which point the plant can be gradually acclimatized to outdoor conditions if grown indoors initially. As the plant enters the vegetative stage, it produces a bushy structure with full foliage and requires regular watering, feeding, and possible pinching to encourage bushier growth and more blooms. Following vegetative growth, it enters the flowering stage in late summer to fall, with the 'Pennine Twinkle' variety displaying an abundance of daisy-like flowers with a central disc surrounded by petals, commonly in shades of pink, red, or white. After flowering, if not deadheaded, the plant will set seed, completing its reproductive cycle. If managed as a perennial, the plant will enter a period of dormancy during the winter, where above-ground growth dies back, and it stores energy in its root system to regrow the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-early summer
The Chrysanthemum 'Pennine Twinkle', commonly referred to as mums, is typically propagated through the division of the plant. The best time to propagate mums by division is in the spring just as new growth begins. To do this, a gardener would carefully dig up the entire mum plant, ensuring to keep as many roots intact as possible. The clump is then gently broken apart into smaller sections, each with its own set of roots and shoots. These divisions should be replanted promptly into well-draining soil at the same depth they were growing before and watered thoroughly to help establish the new plants. With proper care, these new divisions will develop into healthy, flowering mums by the fall season.
