Chrysanthemum Chrysanthemum 'Pinocchio' (29c)
ABOUT
The Chrysanthemum 'Pinocchio' is a visually striking plant known for its ornamental value. The flowers of 'Pinocchio' are its most distinctive feature, characterized by a lush, dense arrangement of petals. The blossoms exhibit a vibrant color palette that often includes a mix of warm shades such as reds, oranges, and yellows, or sometimes cooler tones like pinks and purples. The center of each flower head is typically a deeper shade, giving way to lighter-colored petals at the edges, creating a delightful gradient effect. The petals themselves are orderly and regular, often with a slightly overlapping arrangement that contributes to the flower's full, rounded appearance. The foliage of the 'Pinocchio' Chrysanthemum provides a lush backdrop for the showy blooms. The leaves are deeply lobed with a slightly serrated edge, and they have a rich green color that complements the floral display. The plant generally has a bushy, mounded habit, forming a compact cluster of stems and leaves. The stems are sturdy enough to support the weight of the flowers, which can be quite heavy when in full bloom. Overall, the Chrysanthemum 'Pinocchio' presents as a charming and colorful addition to any garden or floral arrangement, valued for its delightful flowers that tend to bloom during the fall season.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Hardy Chrysanthemum, Garden Mum, Florist's Chrysanthemum, Hardy Mum, Mum.
Common names
Dendranthema grandiflorum 'Pinocchio', Chrysanthemum morifolium 'Pinocchio'.
ToxicityTo humans
Chrysanthemum 'Pinocchio' belongs to the genus Chrysanthemum, commonly just called mums. These plants are generally considered to have a low toxicity for humans. However, if ingested, they can cause mild to moderate gastrointestinal discomfort, including symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and salivation. In susceptible individuals, especially those with allergies, skin contact with the leaves or flowers may result in dermatitis.
To pets
Mums are toxic to pets, including cats and dogs. If ingested, the plant can cause vomiting, diarrhea, hypersalivation, incoordination, and dermatitis in pets. In severe cases, ingestion could potentially lead to more serious conditions such as depression or liver failure, though this is less common. Owners should seek veterinary attention if their pet has ingested any part of a mum plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Varies
Height
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Adds vibrant color and texture to gardens and landscapes with its beautiful, curly petals and varying shades.
- Pollinator Attraction: Attracts beneficial insects like bees and butterflies, which are essential for pollination in the garden ecosystem.
- Easy to Grow: Known for being low-maintenance and can thrive in a variety of soil conditions with minimal care.
- Seasonal Interest: Blooms in the fall, providing color and interest when many other plants are declining after the summer season.
- Versatile Planting: Suitable for container gardening, borders, and flower beds, making them a flexible choice for different garden designs.
- Cut Flowers: Makes excellent cut flowers for arrangements due to their long vase life and attractive blooms.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, can tolerate periods of limited watering, making it suitable for xeriscaping and reducing water usage.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography Prop: The bright and vivid flowers of the Chrysanthemum 'Pinocchio' can be used as an attractive background or focal point in photography, enhancing the composition with its colors.
- Artistic Inspiration: Artists may draw inspiration from the intricate patterns and colors of Chrysanthemum 'Pinocchio' for various forms of artwork, including painting, illustration, and textile design.
- Dye Production: The petals of Chrysanthemum 'Pinocchio' can be used to create natural dyes for fabrics, offering a range of colors from the flowers' pigmentation.
- Culinary Garnish: Although typically not consumed, the non-toxic petals of Chrysanthemum 'Pinocchio' can be used to decorate dishes and add a splash of color to culinary presentations.
- Aromatic Sachets: Dried Chrysanthemum 'Pinocchio' flowers can be placed in sachets to provide a pleasant fragrance for drawers and closets.
- Bookmarks: Pressed Chrysanthemum 'Pinocchio' flowers can be laminated or encased in paper to create unique and decorative bookmarks.
- Soap Making: The petals of Chrysanthumum 'Pinocchio' can be embedded into homemade soaps for visual appeal and a subtle fragrance.
- Crafting Confetti: Dried petals of the Chrysanthemum 'Pinocchio' can be used as eco-friendly confetti for parties and weddings.
- Candle Decoration: When making candles, the petals of Chrysanthemum 'Pinocchio' can be placed in the wax near the surface to add an aesthetic touch to the final product.
- Table Centerpiece: Fresh or dried Chrysanthemum 'Pinocchio' flowers can be arranged to create vibrant table centerpieces for events and home decoration.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Chrysanthemum is used in Feng Shui to bring happiness and laughter to the home, symbolizing a life of ease. Position them in areas where you wish to boost positive energy, such as living rooms or meeting spaces.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Chrysanthemum is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Loyalty and Honesty: Chrysanthemums are often associated with trustworthiness and faithfulness, reflecting the plant's reputation for reliability and its long-lasting nature.
- Longevity and Immortality: In some cultures, chrysanthemums symbolize a life of ease and longevity, often used in artistic depictions to represent a long and healthy life.
- Rebirth and Renewal: The cycle of the chrysanthemum's blossoming can signify rejuvenation and the renewal that comes with each season or chapter in life.
- Love and Affection: In many countries, chrysanthemums are given on Mother's Day and other significant occasions as expressions of love, respect, and honor.
- Overcoming Adversity: Their robust nature, blooming in the late year when other flowers have faded, can symbolize the ability to push through hard times or challenges.
- Death and Grief: In some European countries, chrysanthemums are considered funeral flowers, symbolizing lamentation and grief during times of loss.
- Friendship: These flowers can also represent strong, enduring friendships due to their lasting and hardy qualities.
WaterMums, like the Chrysanthemum 'Pinocchio', prefer evenly moist soil, so it's important to water them thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Typically, this will mean watering once every week, but this frequency may increase to every 3-4 days during hot, dry spells. When you water, aim to use about 1 gallon per plant to ensure the moisture reaches deep into the root system. Avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases; instead, water directly at the base of the plant. During the winter months or when the plant is not actively growing, you can reduce the frequency to match the plant's reduced water needs.
LightChrysanthemum 'Pinocchio', commonly known as Hardy Mum or Garden Mum, thrives in full sun conditions. The ideal spot for this plant is one where it can receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. Avoid placing it in deep shade, as this can lead to poor bloom development and a leggy growth habit. A location that offers morning sun with some light afternoon shade is also acceptable, especially in regions with very intense midday sun.
TemperatureHardy Mums like Chrysanthemum 'Pinocchio' prefer moderate temperatures and can survive within a range of 32°F to 90°F. The ideal temperatures for these plants are between 60°F and 70°F. They can tolerate light frosts, but exposure to temperatures below freezing for extended periods or extremely high temperatures can damage the plant.
PruningPruning Garden Mums like Chrysanthemum 'Pinocchio' is vital to encourage bushy growth and a profusion of blooms. Prune the growing tips when the plants are about 6 inches tall and repeat the process every few weeks until mid-summer. The best time to prune is after the risk of frost has passed but before the beginning of July, as later pruning can interfere with flower bud development for the season.
CleaningAs needed
SoilMums like a well-draining potting soil mix with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. Amend soil with compost and perlite to ensure drainage and fertility.
RepottingMums should be repotted every 1-2 years or once they outgrow their current pot, usually in spring.
Humidity & MistingMums prefer moderate humidity levels but are generally adaptable to the typical indoor humidity conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright indirect light; water when topsoil feels dry.
Outdoor
Full sun to partial shade, well-draining soil, protect from extreme cold.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleThe Chrysanthemum 'Pinocchio', commonly known as mum 'Pinocchio', begins its life cycle as a seed or from vegetative cuttings where suitable conditions lead to germination or rooting. The seedling or rooted cutting then grows into a vegetative state where leaves and stems develop robustly in preparation for flowering. After the establishment of a healthy root system and foliage, the plant enters the budding phase where flower buds start to form, influenced by the length of day and temperature. The buds blossom into the characteristic vibrant flowers that can be of various colors depending on the cultivar. Once the flowering period is finished, the plant enters the senescence stage where flowers wilt and the plant prepares to go dormant, particularly in regions with cold winters or it may die back if it is an annual plant. Finally, the plant either becomes dormant through the cold season, waiting to regrow from its root system when favorable conditions return, or completes its life cycle by producing seeds before dying, recommencing the cycle if seeds are sown.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: The chrysanthemum 'Pinocchio,' commonly known as mums or chrysanths, is most commonly propagated through stem cuttings. This method tends to be the preferred choice due to its simplicity and effectiveness. To propagate 'Pinocchio' chrysanthemums by stem cuttings, one should select a healthy stem with a few leaves and cut it to about 4-6 inches (approximately 10-15 cm) long just below a leaf node. The lower leaves should be removed, and the cut end dipped into rooting hormone powder to enhance root development. The prepared cutting should then be planted in a well-draining soil mix, ensuring that at least one leaf node is buried as this is where new roots will emerge. The cutting needs to be kept moist and in a warm environment with indirect sunlight until roots have established, typically within a few weeks. Once the cuttings have rooted and show signs of growth, they can be transplanted to their final growing location.
