Chrysanthemum Chrysanthemum 'Perry's Peach' (21d)
ABOUT
Chrysanthemum 'Perry's Peach' is an ornamental plant that displays an attractive array of peach-colored flowers. The blossoms are composed of numerous long, slender petals that radiate outward from the center, creating a daisy-like form. These petals have a soft, delicate texture and are known for their gradation of color, which often transitions from a warm peach hue at the tips to a deeper, more vibrant shade of orange or pink closer to the heart of the flower. The center of each flower typically features a pronounced disk, which is a darker shade, often a rich yellow or golden color, adding contrast to the overall floral display. The plant itself has a bushy appearance, with a lush green foliage that serves as a backdrop for the abundant blooms. The leaves are typically dark green with a slightly glossy finish, and their edges may be smooth or gently lobed, giving them a slightly serrated appearance. These vigorous leaves are spread throughout the branching stems, which become sturdier to support the weight of the blooms. The overall impression of the Chrysanthemum 'Perry's Peach' is one of warmth and exuberance, making it a popular choice for gardens and floral arrangements where a splash of soft, inviting color is desired. Its blooming season often brings a sense of cheerfulness to the cooler days of late summer and fall when the plant typically reaches its flowering peak.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae.
Synonyms
Perry's Peach, Perry's Peach Chrysanthemum, Perry's Peach Mum, Perry's Peach Garden Mum.
Common names
Chrysanthemum 'Perry's Peach'.
ToxicityTo humans
Chrysanthemums, commonly referred to as mums, are generally considered to have low toxicity for humans. However, ingesting any part of the plant can potentially lead to gastrointestinal upset, including symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Some individuals may also experience dermal sensitivity in the form of a rash or irritation upon handling the plant.
To pets
Chrysanthemums are toxic to pets, including dogs and cats. If ingested, the plant can cause symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, hypersalivation, incoordination, and dermatitis. In severe cases, ingestion can lead to more serious conditions such as depression and lack of appetite. It's important for pet owners to keep chrysanthemums out of reach of their animals to prevent any potential poisoning.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Peach
Height
1-3 feet (0.3-0.9 meters)
Spread
1-3 feet (0.3-0.9 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Chrysanthemum 'Perry's Peach' adds vibrant peach-colored blooms to gardens, enhancing visual beauty.
- Attracts Pollinators: It serves as a valuable food source for pollinators like bees and butterflies, promoting biodiversity.
- Seasonal Interest: Typically blooms in late summer to fall, providing color and interest in the garden during these seasons.
- Easy to Grow: This plant is known for being hardy and relatively easy to maintain, suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Versatility: Can be used in borders, beds, and containers, offering flexibility in garden design and space utilization.
- Durability: Chrysanthemums are known for their robust nature, often resisting common garden pests and diseases.
- Long Bloom Period: They have a lengthy flowering period, ensuring that the garden remains attractive for an extended time.
- Cut Flowers: The blooms are excellent for cutting and can create beautiful indoor floral arrangements.
- Cultural Significance: Chrysanthemums hold cultural importance in many countries and are often used in festivals and celebrations.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Chrysanthemums can be used as a natural dye for fabrics, with 'Perry's Peach' potentially imparting a peach or light orange hue to the material.
- The petals of the chrysanthemum can be added to salads for a mild, slightly bitter taste and a splash of color.
- In art, the unique color of 'Perry's Peach' can be used for botanical illustration or as inspiration for color palettes in paintings and fabric designs.
- The blooms can be dried and included in potpourri mixes, offering a subtle fragrance and aesthetic appeal.
- Chrysanthemum blooms are sometimes used in crafting, such as creating natural flower arrangements or pressed flower bookmarks.
- The plant can serve as a living mulch, suppressing weeds and helping to maintain soil moisture when planted densely in garden beds.
- Agriculturally, chrysanthemums can be planted to attract beneficial insects, such as pollinators or predators of pest species, due to their bright colors and nectar.
- Flower petals can be used for decorating cakes and desserts as edible garnishes after ensuring they are free from pesticides.
- Chrysanthemum leaves can be steeped to create a lightly flavored water for use in cosmetic products like toners or face mists.
- In photography, the vibrant hues of 'Perry's Peach' chrysanthemums can contribute to visually striking compositions, particularly in macro photography.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Chrysanthemum is used in Feng Shui to attract positive energy and is often associated with happiness and well-being. It is believed to carry yang energy and can be used to introduce uplifting energy into the home. Place Chrysanthemums in the living room or areas where guests are received to invite joy and deflect negative energy.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Chrysanthemum is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Longevity: Chrysanthemums have been associated with long life and enduring vitality in many cultures, particularly in Asia.
- Rejuvenation and Recovery: Their ability to bloom in the fall, a time when many other flowers are dying, symbolizes the power to recover or to bounce back.
- Loyalty and Devotion: In some cultures, chrysanthemums are given to represent fidelity and devotion in relationships, presumably due to their reliable and recurring blooming pattern.
- Death and Grief: In European cultures, particularly in Belgium and France, chrysanthemums are often associated with mourning and are used to honor the dead.
- Happiness and Cheerfulness: The bright and varied colors of chrysanthemums are often seen as a source of joy, and these flowers can symbolize happiness in general.
- Nobility: In Japanese culture, the chrysanthemum is a symbol of the Emperor and the Imperial family, thus representing nobility and refinement.
WaterMums, including the 'Perry's Peach' variety, should be watered regularly to maintain evenly moist soil. In general, watering once a week with about 1 gallon per square foot should suffice, but this can vary based on weather conditions and soil type. During periods of high heat or dryness, it may be necessary to water more frequently, such as every 2 to 3 days. Always check the soil moisture at a depth of 1 inch; if it feels dry, it's time to water. Avoid overhead watering to minimize the risk of foliar diseases, and instead water at the base of the plant.
LightMums, like 'Perry's Peach', thrive in full sun conditions where they can receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. The best spot for them would be in a garden area that has clear exposure to the sun with no significant shadowing from trees or buildings during the prime daylight hours. Avoid placing them in areas that are shaded, as inadequate light can limit blooming and weaken the plant.
Temperature'Perry's Peach' mums prefer a temperature range between 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal growth. They can tolerate temperatures as low as 32 degrees Fahrenheit for short periods, which makes them suitable for fall flowering. The ideal conditions would involve planting them where the nighttime temperatures don't drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent damage to the blooms.
PruningPruning 'Perry's Peach' mums encourages a more compact and bushy habit and promotes more extensive flowering. Pinch back the tips of the stems by about an inch once they reach a height of 6 inches, ideally in late spring or early summer. Continue to pinch back every few weeks until mid-summer to help the plant form more branching and buds. Avoid pruning after July, as this can reduce the number of fall blooms.
CleaningAs needed
SoilMums thrive in well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. A best soil mix for Chrysanthemum 'Perry's Peach' can be made with equal parts of peat, perlite, and potting soil to ensure good drainage and aeration. Additionally, integrating organic compost can provide necessary nutrients for optimal growth.
RepottingChrysanthemum 'Perry's Peach', commonly known as mums, should be repotted every one to two years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth. The best time for repotting is in the spring, just as new growth begins, which helps the plant to quickly recover and thrive in its new container.
Humidity & MistingMums prefer moderate humidity levels between 40-60%. If the air is too dry, it can cause stress and increase susceptibility to pests. It is important to maintain consistent humidity but avoid making the environment too damp, which can encourage fungal diseases.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place mums in bright, indirect light with good airflow.
Outdoor
Ensure full sun, protect from harsh winds, and provide light mulch.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life of the Chrysanthemum 'Perry's Peach', commonly known as Hardy Garden Mum or simply Mum, begins with seed germination, which typically takes place in controlled conditions to promote optimal growth. After germination, the seedlings are transplanted to individual pots or garden beds, where they enter a vegetative growth phase, developing a robust root system and foliage. This is followed by pinching the stems to encourage bushier growth and more flower buds. As the plant matures and daylight hours decrease, it enters the flowering stage, producing peach-colored blooms that are its most distinguishing feature. After blooming, the plant enters a phase of senescence, where foliage begins to die back; in perennial varieties, it overwinters and becomes dormant to survive adverse weather conditions. The following spring, the plant may resprout from the root system, beginning a new cycle of growth and flowering.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Chrysanthemum 'Perry's Peach', commonly referred to as a mum, is often propagated by cuttings, a popular method for many of the hybrid varieties. This technique is normally performed in spring to early summer, which is the best time for rooting the cuttings due to the active growth period of the plant. To propagate by cuttings, a gardener would take a 4 to 6-inch (about 10 to 15 centimeters) stem piece, ensuring it has a few leaves, and removing the lower leaves to expose the nodes. The stem is then dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development and planted in a moistened mix of peat and perlite, providing high humidity and warmth but not direct sunlight. Typically, roots form within a few weeks, after which the young plant can be transplanted into the garden or a pot. It's important to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged to prevent root rot and to promote a healthy start for these new chrysanthemums.
