Chrysanthemum Chrysanthemum 'Purple Talbot Parade' (29c)
ABOUT
Chrysanthemum 'Purple Talbot Parade' is a striking perennial known for its vibrant display of flowers. The blossoms are a captivating shade of purple, adding a rich, regal touch to the garden. The petals are numerous and may have a slight spoon shape, radiating around a central disk that's typically not visible when the flowers are fully open. The blooms form a dense canopy of color when the plant is in full flower, presenting a cheerful and lush appearance. The foliage of this chrysanthemum is deep green, with leaves that are generally oblong and have jagged edges, which may sometimes appear slightly lobed. The contrast between the dark leaves and the vivid purple flowers creates an eye-catching display. The greenery serves as an excellent backdrop, emphasizing the brilliance of the floral array. The overall habit of 'Purple Talbot Parade' is a mounded clump, with the flowering stems arising from the base of the plant. While blooms are the main attraction, the plant's structure contributes to its aesthetic, creating a pleasing form in the landscape that complements the spectacular blossom display.
About this plant
- Names
Family
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Hardy Chrysanthemum, Mum, Hardy Mum, Garden Mum
Common names
Dendranthema grandiflorum 'Purple Talbot Parade', Chrysanthemum grandiflorum 'Purple Talbot Parade', Chrysanthemum morifolium 'Purple Talbot Parade'.
- Toxicity
To humans
Chrysanthemums, commonly known as mums, can be toxic to humans if ingested. The plant contains several compounds, including pyrethrins, that can cause adverse reactions. Symptoms of chrysanthemum poisoning might include dermatitis, diarrhea, itching, or swelling in the mouth and throat if enough of the plant is consumed. However, severe poisoning is pretty rare since large quantities of the plant would need to be ingested for serious effects to occur. In most cases, the taste and immediate mouth discomfort deter significant consumption.
To pets
Mums can be toxic to pets if ingested, with cats and dogs both at risk of poisoning. The plant contains compounds like pyrethrins and sesquiterpene lactones, which can lead to symptoms such as drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, or potentially dermatitis in some animals. In severe cases, ingestion can also result in loss of coordination, depression, and in very rare instances, seizures. It is advisable to prevent your pets from having access to chrysanthemums to avoid any adverse effects.
- Characteristics
Life cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Purple
Height
1-3 feet (30-91 cm)
Spread
1-3 feet (30-91 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5-9
Native area
Asia
Benefits
- General Benefits
- Ornamental appeal: Chrysanthemums are popular for their vibrant, colorful flowers that enhance the visual appeal of gardens and landscapes.
- Long blooming: They have a long flowering period which can extend the display of colors in your garden well into the fall.
- Attracts pollinators: They can attract bees and butterflies, which are important for pollination and the health of the ecosystem.
- Versatility: Chrysanthemums can be planted in flower beds, borders, containers, and can also be used as cut flowers due to their long vase life.
- Easy to care for: They are relatively low-maintenance, requiring minimal care beyond watering and the occasional fertilization.
- Hardy: Chrysanthemums are hardy plants that can survive in a variety of climates and conditions once established.
- 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
- Art and Craft Projects: Chrysanthemum petals can be used to make natural dyes for textiles, providing a range of purple hues depending on the mordant used.
- Photography: The vibrant purple blooms of the Chrysanthemum provide a stunning backdrop or focal point for nature photography and still life compositions.
- Culinary Garnish: While typically not consumed, the non-toxic petals can be used to add a splash of color when plating dishes for special occasions.
- Plant Dye for Paper: Chrysanthemum petals can be boiled to create a natural dye for coloring handmade paper or for use in paper marbling techniques.
- Educational Tool: These plants can be used to teach botany and horticulture, explaining the intricacies of plant breeding and flower structure.
- Floral Arrangements: Beyond traditional vase display, the chrysanthemum can be integrated into wearable floral art, like corsages or floral headpieces.
- Bookmark Creation: Dried chrysanthemum flowers can be laminated or pressed within clear paper to create unique and elegant bookmarks.
- Table Confetti: Dried petals of Chrysanthemum can be scattered as biodegradable confetti for eco-friendly event decoration.
- Mood Lighting: The flowers can be floated in bowls of water with candles for a serene and ambient lighting arrangement.
- Herbal Sachets: Dried Chrysanthemum flowers can be placed in sachets to freshen up drawers and wardrobes with a subtle fragrance.
Interesting Facts
- Feng Shui
In Feng Shui, chrysanthemums are considered symbols of longevity and happiness. The mum, particularly in purple, can be used to boost positive energy and brighten areas of your home where you desire calm and nurturing, such as bedrooms or reading nooks.
- Zodiac Sign Compitability
The chrysanthemum is not used in astrology practice.
- Plant Symbolism
- Longevity and immortality: Chrysanthemums have been associated with longevity due to their ability to flourish in the fall, representing life and endurance.
- Rebirth and renewal: Their blooming season in autumn, which is a time for change, symbolizes new beginnings and refreshment of spirit.
- Loyalty and devotion: In some cultures, chrysanthemums are given to symbolize commitment and a strong belief in the virtue of relationships.
- Joys and blessings: The full, round bloom of the chrysanthemum represents an abundance of cheer and well-being.
- Nobility: In some Asian cultures, chrysanthemums are a symbol of nobility and elegance, often associated with the aristocracy.
- Water
Mums, including the 'Purple Talbot Parade' variety, prefer evenly moist soil, so it's important to water them regularly. Depending on the climate and weather conditions, aim to water the plant once or twice a week, ensuring that the soil doesn't dry out completely. A deep watering is preferable, using around 1 to 1.5 gallons of water each time, depending on the plant's size and the environmental conditions. During hot or windy weather, you may need to water more frequently. Always check the top inch of the soil before watering; if it's dry, it's time to water.
- Light
Mums thrive in full sun, so the 'Purple Talbot Parade' should be placed in a spot where it can receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Ensure that the light is not filtered or obstructed to promote healthy growth and abundant flowering. If grown indoors, a south-facing window is usually the ideal location.
- Temperature
'Purple Talbot Parade' mums are best grown in conditions where the temperature ranges from 55 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They can tolerate temperatures down to about 32 degrees Fahrenheit, but frost can damage the plant. In contrast, temperatures above 80 degrees Fahrenheit can stress the plant and potentially affect its flowering. Ideal growing temperatures will promote robust growth and vibrant blooms.
- Pruning
Pruning 'Purple Talbot Parade' mums encourages bushier growth and more abundant blooms. The best time to prune is in early spring when new growth appears, cutting back the previous year's stems to about 4 inches above the ground. Deadheading, or removing spent blooms, during the blooming season can also promote further flowering. Prune again lightly after the first bloom period to stimulate a second flush of flowers in the fall.
- Cleaning
As needed
- Soil
For the mum 'Purple Talbot Parade', the ideal soil mix should be well-draining and fertile, with plenty of organic matter such as compost or peat moss. The best pH range for mums is slightly acidic to neutral, between 6.0 and 7.0.
- Repotting
Mums like 'Purple Talbot Parade' should be repotted annually if they are kept in pots, ideally in the spring before the new growth starts.
- Humidity & Misting
The mum 'Purple Talbot Parade' thrives best in moderate humidity conditions, typically around 40-60%.
- Suitable locations
Indoor
Place mum 'Purple Talbot Parade' in bright, indirect sunlight indoors.
Outdoor
Position mum 'Purple Talbot Parade' in full sun to light shade outside.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
- Life cycle
Chrysanthemums, including the 'Purple Talbot Parade' variety, typically begin their life cycle as seeds which, when sown, will germinate to produce small seedlings. With appropriate light, water, and soil nutrients, these seedlings grow into vegetative plants with a lush foliage of deeply lobed leaves. As the plant matures, it develops flower buds in response to shorter daylight hours, usually in late summer or early autumn. These buds bloom into the characteristic vibrant purple flowers of the 'Purple Talbot Parade' chrysanthemum. After flowering, the plant enters a period of dormancy during the colder winter months; during this time, it may die back to the ground if not adequately protected. In spring, the plant can resume growth from underground stems (rhizomes) or can be propagated through cuttings or division to continue its life cycle.
- Propogation
Propogation time
Spring-Summer
Propogation: Chrysanthemum 'Purple Talbot Parade', commonly known as garden mum, is typically propagated through stem cuttings. The best time to take cuttings for propagation is in spring when new growth appears robust and healthy. To propagate, a 4 to 6-inch cutting is taken just below a leaf node. The lower leaves are removed, and the stem is dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. The prepared cutting is then placed in a well-draining soil mix and kept moist. It's important to maintain a high humidity environment for the cutting, which can be achieved by covering the pot with a plastic bag or placing it in a propagator. Roots usually develop within a few weeks, after which the new garden mum can be transplanted to a larger pot or directly into the garden.