Chrysanthemum Chrysanthemum 'Renoir'
ABOUT
Chrysanthemum 'Renoir' is characterized by its lush, vibrant foliage and striking floral display. The leaves of this plant are deep green and glossy, presenting a lush backdrop that accentuates the blooms. The flowers of 'Renoir' are particularly noticeable, often forming dense clusters that create a very full and rounded appearance. Each flower boasts an array of petals that exude elegance and beauty reminiscent of the Impressionist painter they are named after. These petals commonly radiate outwards from the center in a fashion that suggests brushstrokes, creating a soft and inviting look. The color of the blooms is a defining feature and can range from pastel hues to deeper, more intense shades, depending on the variety. The colors often have an ombre effect, with tones subtly shifting and deepening towards the center of the flower. The overall impression of the Chrysanthemum 'Renoir' is one of classic beauty, with a bountiful floral display that serves as a testament to its carefully cultured breeding. The plant emanates an aura of charm and sophistication, making it a favorite among gardeners and floral enthusiasts alike.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Mum, Chrysanthemum
Common names
Dendranthema 'Renoir', Leucanthemum 'Renoir'.
ToxicityTo humans
Chrysanthemums, commonly known as mums, can be mildly toxic if ingested by humans. The main symptoms from ingestion may include dermatitis, skin rashes, or gastrointestinal discomfort such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Sensitivity varies from person to person, and those with allergies to the Asteraceae/Compositae family may be more susceptible to having a reaction.
To pets
Chrysanthemums are also toxic to pets, including dogs and cats. If any part of the plant is ingested, your pet may exhibit symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, hypersalivation, incoordination, and dermatitis. Contact with the plant can also cause skin irritation. It's important to prevent pets from accessing mums to avoid these potential health issues.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Mixed
Height
2-3 feet (60-90 cm)
Spread
2-3 feet (60-90 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: The Chrysanthemum 'Renoir', commonly known as mums, features vibrant blooms that enhance the visual appeal of gardens and landscapes.
- Variety of Colors: Mums come in a wide range of colors, allowing for creative and colorful garden design.
- Extended Blooming Season: They have a long flowering period from late summer to fall, providing color when many other plants have finished blooming.
- Easy to Grow: Mums are generally easy to cultivate and can thrive in a variety of garden settings and climates.
- Pest Resistance: These plants are known to be resistant to many common garden pests, reducing the need for chemical treatments.
- Attracts Pollinators: Mums attract bees and butterflies, which are beneficial for pollination of gardens and the environment.
- Cut Flowers: They are excellent for cutting gardens, providing fresh floral arrangements that can brighten indoor spaces.
- Seasonal Festivity: Mums are often associated with fall and are commonly used for seasonal decorations during autumn celebrations.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, they can tolerate periods of drought, making them suitable for water-wise gardening practices.
- Frost Resistance: Mums can withstand light frosts, providing garden color until the onset of winter.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- The Chrysanthemum 'Renoir' can be used in plant dyeing, where its petals provide a range of colors from soft yellows to deep greens depending on the mordant used.
- Insectary uses are notable, as chrysanthemums can attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings that prey on garden pests.
- These flowers are ideal for planting in fall-themed educational gardens, where students can learn about seasonal plant varieties and blooming cycles.
- Floral art and design schools commonly use chrysanthemums in courses teaching the art of ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arrangement.
- The petals of Chrysanthemum 'Renoir' are edible and can add a unique flavor and colorful garnish to salads and desserts.
- As part of a companion planting strategy, they can be grown alongside vegetables like tomatoes to help repel harmful insects.
- These flowers can serve in sensory gardens, where their diverse colors and textures can be used to engage the senses and promote relaxation.
- They have been used in crafts, such as flower pressing, for creating natural art and preserving the beauty of the bloom.
- The chrysanthemum is often included in floral photography workshops to teach techniques such as macro photography and composition due to its intricate petal structure.
- When planted in public parks and community gardens, Chrysanthemum 'Renoir' becomes an educational tool for horticultural classes and workshops focusing on ornamental plant cultivation.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Chrysanthemum is used in Feng Shui practice for promoting happiness and a life of ease. It is associated with bringing positive energy, good luck, and longevity when placed in the home. In particular, the yellow Chrysanthemum is considered most auspicious and is often placed in the living room or family areas to foster a sense of well-being and joy among the residents.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Chrysanthemum is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Loyalty and Devotion: Chrysanthemums are often seen as symbols of loyalty and devoted love, likely because they bloom in the fall, standing strong as many other flowers wilt.
- Longevity and Vitality: In Asian cultures, chrysanthemums are a symbol of longevity and health, associated with life and well-being.
- Nobility: In Japan, the chrysanthemum is a noble flower, representing the emperor and the imperial family as part of the crest and official seal.
- Rejuvenation and Recovery: The chrysanthemum can symbolize the idea of recovery or getting better, as it blooms towards the end of the year and represents resilience.
- True Friendship: Because of its strong and vibrant nature, chrysanthemums can also signify sincere and true friendship, often given to show support.
- Grief and Sorrow: In some European cultures, chrysanthemums are associated with death and are used for funerals or to honor those who have passed away.
WaterMums, including the Chrysanthemum 'Renoir', prefer evenly moist soil, so it's important to water them regularly. They should be watered deeply once a week, providing about one inch of water which equates to about 0.623 gallons per square foot. During hot, dry spells, water the mums twice a week. Always water the plant at the base to prevent fungal issues, making sure not to wet the foliage. It’s crucial to avoid overwatering as mums do not like to sit in waterlogged soil.
LightMums, including the Chrysanthemum 'Renoir', thrive in full sun conditions. They require at least 5 to 6 hours of direct sunlight each day to flourish. Therefore, the best spot for a mum is in an area that receives ample morning sunshine and some partial shade in the afternoon, if possible, to protect them from intense, late-day heat.
TemperatureMums, including the Chrysanthemum 'Renoir', grow best in the moderate temperature range. They can tolerate temperatures as low as 32 degrees Fahrenheit without sustaining damage. Ideally, they prefer daytime temperatures between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They can survive up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit but perform optimally when nights are cool.
PruningMums, such as the Chrysanthemum 'Renoir', benefit from pruning to encourage bushy growth and more blooms. Pinch back the tips of stems in the spring and early summer. Stop pruning and pinching by mid to late summer to allow flower buds to form. The best time for major pruning is after the blooming cycle when stems have died back, typically in late fall or early winter.
CleaningAs needed
SoilMums thrive in well-draining, fertile soil with a pH around 6.5. A mix of garden soil, compost, and peat moss works well to provide nutrients and proper drainage. Ensuring good air circulation around the roots is also important for the health of the Chrysanthemum 'Renoir'.
RepottingMums, like Chrysanthemum 'Renoir', should typically be repotted every one to two years, preferably in the spring just before new growth begins. Repotting is needed for replacing old soil and to give the plant room to grow if it has become root-bound.
Humidity & MistingMums prefer moderate ambient humidity. For the Chrysanthemum 'Renoir', maintaining the humidity level at 40-60% is ideal to support its growth without causing issues like mold or mildew development.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright indirect light, keep soil evenly moist.
Outdoor
Full sun to part shade, shelter from strong wind.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life of the Chrysanthemum 'Renoir', commonly known as Mum or Hardy Garden Mum, begins with the germination of seeds or the rooting of cuttings, where the plant establishes its root system. As it develops, the plant enters the vegetative growth stage, producing stems and leaves in a lush, bushy manner during spring and early summer. Bud initiation occurs as day length starts to decrease and coincides with cooler temperatures in late summer to early fall. The buds then bloom into distinctive flowers with a variety of colors, which is the plant’s reproductive phase, attracting pollinators for fertilization. After flowering, the chrysanthemum sets seeds if pollination is successful, and as winter approaches, the plant enters dormancy, with the above-ground growth dying back. In spring, hardy varieties like 'Renoir' can regrow from surviving root systems, thereby starting a new growth cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Chrysanthemum 'Renoir', commonly known as Mum, can be propagated most effectively through the method of cuttings. This popular technique involves taking a 4-6 inch (around 10-15 cm) stem cutting from a healthy mother plant during the late spring or early summer when the plant is in its active growing phase. The cutting should have several sets of leaves, and the lower leaves must be removed before planting. Dipping the cut end into a rooting hormone can enhance the chance of successful root development. The prepared cutting is then inserted into a well-draining soil mix, ensuring that at least one set of leaves is above the soil surface. The soil should be kept consistently moist, and the cutting should be placed in a warm area with indirect light until roots have established, which typically takes a few weeks. Once rooted, the new Chrysanthemum plant can be transplanted to a larger pot or directly into the garden.
