Chrysanthemum Chrysanthemum 'Rejoyce Pink'
ABOUT
Chrysanthemum 'Rejoyce Pink' is a vibrant and attractive flower known for its ornamental appeal in gardens and floral arrangements. Its signature feature is its stunning pink blossoms that convey a sense of joy and warmth. The flowers of this plant typically exhibit a profusion of petals that are lush and dense, creating a rich, full appearance. Each bloom presents a multitude of layered petals that are soft to the touch, often with lighter or darker pink shades playing across their surfaces. These petals surround a central disk, which is typically less visible due to the thickness of the surrounding petals. The pink hues of the flowers can range from a gentle pastel to a more vivid tone, providing a striking contrast against the green foliage. The leaves of 'Rejoyce Pink' are dark green with a matte finish and have a somewhat serrated edge, giving them a textured look and feel. The foliage forms a lush backdrop that further accentuates the brightness of the pink flowers. The overall appearance of the plant is one that exudes elegance and a cheerful ambiance, making it a popular choice for enhancing the aesthetic of gardens, patios, and various outdoor spaces.
About this plant
- Names
Family
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Mum, Chrysanthemum
Common names
Dendranthema 'Rejoyce Pink', Leucanthemum 'Rejoyce Pink'.
- Toxicity
To humans
Chrysanthemums, which include the variety 'Rejoyce Pink', are generally not considered highly toxic to humans. However, they can cause dermatitis in sensitive individuals following skin contact. If ingested, chrysanthemums can potentially cause mild gastrointestinal upset, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. The plant contains compounds that can irritate the mouth and GI tract. While poisoning is relatively rare, it is advisable to avoid consuming any part of chrysanthemums and to seek medical attention if significant amounts are ingested or if allergic reactions occur.
To pets
Chrysanthemums are toxic to pets, including dogs and cats. When pets ingest chrysanthemums, they might show symptoms of poisoning such as vomiting, diarrhea, hypersalivation, incoordination, and dermatitis. Chrysanthemums contain pyrethrins and other compounds that can adversely affect your pet's nervous system. If you suspect your pet has ingested chrysanthemums, it is important to contact a veterinarian immediately. The severity of the toxicity can vary depending on how much the pet has consumed and its individual sensitivity to the toxin.
- Characteristics
Life cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
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, commonly known as mums, add vibrant color to gardens with their bright flowers.
- Seasonal Interest: Mums bloom in the fall, providing a splash of color when many other plants are ending their growing season.
- Easy to Grow: Mums are hardy and easy to care for, making them suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Versatility: These plants can be grown in garden beds, containers, and hanging baskets, accommodating various garden spaces and styles.
- Attracts Pollinators: Mums attract bees and butterflies, aiding in the pollination of gardens and supporting local ecosystems.
- Long Blooming Period: They typically have a lengthy blooming period, which can last for several weeks, providing long-lasting beauty.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, mums have a moderate drought tolerance, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Variety of Uses: They can be used as cut flowers, in borders, or as mass plantings for impactful landscape displays.
- 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: The vibrant petals of the chrysanthemum can be pressed and used in scrapbooking, card making, or other paper crafts for adding natural color and floral designs.
- Natural Fabric Dye: Petals of chrysanthemums can be boiled to create a natural pink dye for coloring yarns, fabrics, or even Easter eggs.
- Biological Pest Control: Chrysanthemums can be planted among vegetable gardens to naturally deter pests such as aphids and beetles, without the use of chemical pesticides.
- Fragrance Production: The flowers can be used to create a floral-scented potpourri or to infuse oils that can be used in homemade perfumes or room scents.
- Garden Borders: Their bright color and dense growth habit make chrysanthemums ideal for creating visually appealing borders or edging in landscape design.
- Gourmet Garnishes: Edible varieties of chrysanthemums can be used to add a splash of color and a slight tangy flavor when garnishing salads, soups, or desserts.
- Photography Subjects: The distinct form and color of chrysanthemums make them a popular subject for photographers looking to add natural beauty to their portfolios.
- Floral Arrangement Classes: These flowers are often used in teaching the art of floral arrangements due to their versatility and wide range of colors.
- Companion Planting: Chrysanthemums can be strategically placed within gardens to improve plant diversity and enhance the overall health and yield of the garden through companion planting.
- Symbolism and Ceremonies: In some cultures, chrysanthemums symbolize happiness and longevity and are used in various ceremonies to convey these sentiments.
Interesting Facts
- Feng Shui
Chrysanthemums are often used in Feng Shui to bring happiness and joy into the home. They are believed to carry strong Yang energy which can improve mood and overall energy levels in a space. To incorporate 'Rejoyce Pink' chrysanthemums in Feng Shui, place them in areas of your home that require an energetic lift, or in the center of your home to promote balance and a sense of well-being.
- Zodiac Sign Compitability
The Chrysanthemum is not used in astrology practice.
- Plant Symbolism
- Longevity: In many cultures, chrysanthemums symbolize long life and perpetual youth due to their ability to bloom through autumn and sometimes even into winter.
- Rejuvenation: The 'Rejoyce Pink' variety, with its vibrant and refreshing color, can signify rejuvenation and the power of life to recover and renew itself.
- Joy and Optimism: The bright pink hue of this particular chrysanthemum variety evokes feelings of joy, happiness, and a positive outlook on life.
- Love and Affection: Pink flowers, including chrysanthemums, are often associated with gentleness, love, and affection, making them suitable for expressing softer emotions.
- Nobility: In some historical contexts, chrysanthemums are linked to nobility and elegance, owing to their association with the aristocracy in ancient cultures.
- Water
For the Chrysanthemum or 'mum', consistent watering is essential to maintain moist soil, especially during warmer seasons. Water the plant deeply once or twice a week, adjusting for rainfall, ensuring you're adding enough water to penetrate the soil thoroughly. Typically, this would be about one gallon for an outdoor plant, but ensure the water does not pool to avoid root rot. During the winter months, or when the plant is not actively growing, reduce watering frequency to prevent soggy soil. A good rule of thumb for mums is to provide water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
- Light
Mums thrive in a location where they can receive full sunlight for at least six hours a day. Place them in a spot that gets direct and unfiltered light to promote strong growth and abundant flowering. However, in regions with very intense heat, mums benefit from light afternoon shade to prevent stress and wilting.
- Temperature
Mums prefer temperatures ranging from 55 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They can tolerate temperatures as low as 32 degrees Fahrenheit but only for short periods; prolonged cold can damage the plant. Ideally, keep your mums in an environment where the temperature does not drop below the freezing point to ensure their health and longevity.
- Pruning
Pruning mums encourages a bushier growth and more robust blooms. Pinch back the tips of the stems by about one inch when the plants are 6 inches tall. Repeat this process every few weeks until around mid-summer, which typically corresponds to the end of July. Pruning (pinching) after this period can reduce fall flowering. Deadheading spent blooms can also promote further blooming.
- Cleaning
As needed
- Soil
Mums thrive in well-draining soil with organic matter, so a mix of peat, perlite, and compost is ideal. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, around 6.0 to 7.0.
- Repotting
Mums should be repotted every one to two years in the spring, before the growing season starts to encourage fresh growth and branching.
- Humidity & Misting
Mums prefer moderate humidity levels, typically between 40-60%. Avoid overly humid conditions to prevent disease.
- Suitable locations
Indoor
Provide bright light, moderate watering, and good airflow for mums indoors.
Outdoor
Place in full sun to partial shade; protect from harsh elements.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
- Life cycle
The life cycle of the Chrysanthemum 'Rejoyce Pink', commonly known as the garden mum, begins with seed germination, where the plant emerges from its dormant state and begins to grow roots and shoots. Following germination, the seedling stage sees the development of true leaves and the plant begins to photosynthesize to produce energy for further growth. As it enters the vegetative growth phase, the garden mum grows rapidly, establishing a strong stem, numerous leaves, and an extensive root system. In the subsequent budding stage, flower buds start to appear as a result of specific light and temperature conditions. Once the buds develop, the flowering stage occurs, and the plant showcases its vibrant pink blooms, attracting pollinators for reproduction. Finally, after pollination, the plant produces seeds, completing the cycle, or it may enter a period of dormancy in regions with cold winters, to regrow the following season.
- Propogation
Propogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Chrysanthemum 'Rejoyce Pink', more commonly known as the hardy garden mum, is most effectively propagated through the process of division. This method is typically carried out in the spring when new growth appears. To propagate by division, gardeners should carefully dig up an established clump of the mums when the plants are about 4 to 6 inches tall, making sure to keep a good amount of roots for each division. Each division should have several shoots and a portion of the root system. Once divided, the sections can be replanted in well-draining soil, spaced appropriately to accommodate the mature size of the plant. Frequent watering is necessary until the new divisions are well-established.