Robbie River Daisy Chrysanthemum 'Robeam' (9c)
ABOUT
Chrysanthemum 'Robeam', commonly known as the hardy mum, features a dense display of vibrant, decorative flowers. The blossoms are noted for their rich, bronzy-red color, which adds a warm autumnal touch to the plant's appearance. Each flower is composed of numerous petals that are slightly curved and overlapping, creating a full and rounded overall shape. The centers of the flowers are typically darker, often showcasing hues that may deepen towards a burnt orange or brown tone, giving the blooms an eye-catching bicolor effect. The foliage of the hardy mum is a deep green, providing a lush backdrop for the bright flowers. The leaves are generally oblong with serrated edges and have a somewhat coarse texture. This plant has a mounding habit, with stems that branch out gracefully, draped with leaves and topped with the colorful flowers. The robust nature of the hardy mum allows it to be a prominent feature in gardens, often used for mass plantings, borders, or decorative pots for seasonal interest. It is prized for its lengthy blooming period, which can extend from late summer through the fall, offering a long-lasting splash of color when many other flowering plants have finished their display.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Robeam Chrysanthemum, Bronze Chrysanthemum, Robeam Mum
Common names
Chrysanthemum 'Robeam'
ToxicityTo humans
The common name for Chrysanthemum 'Robeam' is garden mum. Garden mums are not highly toxic to humans, but they can cause mild discomfort if ingested. If parts of the plant are eaten, it may result in symptoms such as dermatitis, diarrhea, or vomiting due to the irritant substances within the plant. It is generally advisable to avoid eating this plant.
To pets
Garden mums are toxic to pets, including cats and dogs. If a pet ingests parts of this plant, symptoms of poisoning may include vomiting, diarrhea, hypersalivation, incoordination, and dermatitis. The severity of the symptoms can vary depending on the amount consumed. It's important to prevent pets from eating garden mums and to seek veterinary attention if ingestion occurs.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
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- Easy to Grow: Chrysanthemums are known for being easy to cultivate, requiring minimal maintenance to thrive.
- Long-Lasting Blooms: They produce vibrant flowers that can last for several weeks, adding prolonged color to gardens.
- Attracts Pollinators: The blooms attract bees and butterflies, which are beneficial for pollination in the garden.
- Versatile Planting: They can be planted in beds, borders, containers, and make excellent cut flowers for arrangements.
- Seasonal Interest: Chrysanthemums bloom in the fall, providing color and interest when many other plants have finished flowering.
- Drought-Tolerant: Once established, they are relatively drought-tolerant, requiring less water than many other garden plants.
- Frost-Resistant: Being resistant to light frosts, they extend the flowering season even as temperatures drop.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography Prop: Due to its vibrant color and aesthetic appeal, the chrysanthemum can be used as a striking subject or background in floral photography.
- Artistic Inspiration: Artists can draw inspiration from the intricate patterns and colors of chrysanthemum petals for various forms of art, such as painting and textile design.
- Dye Production: The petals of chrysanthemums can be used to create natural dyes for fabrics, yielding shades of yellow, gold, and green depending on the mordant used.
- Educational Tool: Chrysanthemums can be a part of botanical studies and plant biology education, demonstrating various plant growth habits and flower structures.
- Cooking Garnish: Chrysanthemum petals, when confirmed as edible, can be used to add color and a light floral note as a garnish on salads and desserts.
- Crafting: The flowers and leaves of chrysanthemums can be pressed and used in scrapbooking, card making, and other papercrafts.
- Fishing Aid: In some cultures, chrysanthemum flowers are used to make a natural fishing bait that attracts certain types of fish due to their scent and color.
- Garden Companion Planting: Chrysanthemums can be used in companion planting to deter pests from other plants in the garden due to their natural insecticidal properties.
- Festive Decor: Chrysanthemum flowers can be used to create festive wreaths, garlands, and centerpieces, especially in autumn celebrations.
- Perfumery: Though not common, the scent of chrysanthemums can be captured and used in the creation of unique fragrances for perfumes or scented candles.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Chrysanthemum is associated with happiness and well-being in Feng Shui. To use this plant, place it in areas of the home such as the living room to promote a sense of joy and relaxation. It is also believed to attract positive energy and can be used to enhance the Metal element in a space, as its round flowers are reminiscent of the shape associated with this element.
Plant Symbolism- Longevity and immortality: Chrysanthemums are often associated with longevity and immortality due to their hardiness and ability to bloom into the late autumn, far past the time when other flowers have faded.
- Rejuvenation and recovery: In some cultures, chrysanthemums symbolize the power of rejuvenation, representing the ability to recover from adversity and start anew.
- Loyalty and devotion: Owing to their perennial nature and consistent blooming, chrysanthemums are often seen as symbols of loyalty and devoted love.
- High-spirited joy: Their bright and cheerful appearance makes chrysanthemums representative of happiness and positivity.
- Nobility: In some Eastern cultures, particularly in Japan, the chrysanthemum is a noble flower, often associated with royalty and dignity.
WaterMums should be watered regularly to keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. In general, water the chrysanthemum deeply once a week with about 1 gallon per plant, adjusting for rainfall and temperature variations. During hot or windy weather, they might need more frequent watering. Make sure to water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to disease. Reduce watering in the late fall as the plant goes dormant if you're in a cooler climate.
LightChrysanthemums prefer full sun conditions with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Place them in a location where they can get an abundance of light without being shaded by larger plants or structures. However, in extremely hot climates, some afternoon shade can help prevent overheating.
TemperatureChrysanthemums thrive in temperatures between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit but can tolerate a range from just above freezing to about 90 degrees Fahrenheit. However, they will not survive in temperatures below freezing without protection. The ideal growing conditions include cool nights and warm days.
PruningPruning chrysanthemums helps maintain their shape and promotes denser growth. Pinch back the tips of young shoots in the spring and early summer to encourage branching. In late summer, stop pinching to allow flower buds to form. Prune away spent flowers and any dead or diseased branches as needed.
CleaningAs needed
SoilGarden mums like 'Robeam' prefer well-draining soil with good fertility and a slightly acidic to neutral pH, typically between 6.5 and 6.7. To create the best soil mix, blend equal parts garden soil, peat moss or compost, and perlite or vermiculite to ensure drainage and aeration. Incorporating organic matter will also help retain moisture while providing nutrients.
RepottingChrysanthemums, commonly known as garden mums, generally don't need frequent repotting. They should be repotted once they become root-bound or every 2 to 3 years. When repotting, choose a container that is slightly larger than the current one to allow for growth.
Humidity & MistingGarden mums like 'Robeam' are fairly adaptable but prefer moderate humidity levels. Average indoor humidity is usually sufficient, but they will thrive in a range of 40-60% humidity, which coincides with typical household levels. Avoid placing them in excessively dry or overly humid conditions to maintain plant health.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright indirect light and water when topsoil feels dry.
Outdoor
Plant in partial sun, protect from harsh conditions, and water regularly.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleThe Chrysanthemum 'Robeam', commonly known as Hardy Garden Mum, begins its life as a seed or more commonly from a vegetative cutting. After planting, the cutting roots and the plant enters a vegetative growth phase, producing a bushy mound of foliage. As the plant matures and day length shortens, the mum initiates budding, typically in late summer. Following bud initiation, the flower buds develop and bloom into vibrant flowers, often in autumn. Post-bloom, if not deadheaded, the flowers may produce seeds. After flowering, the plant enters a period of dormancy during winter, with above-ground parts dying back and the plant surviving through its underground structures until the next growing season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-early summer
The most popular method for propagating the Chrysanthemum 'Robeam', commonly known as the hardy garden mum, is through stem cuttings. This process typically begins in the spring when the plant is producing vigorous new growth. A gardener will select a healthy stem and make a cut 4 to 6 inches (about 10 to 15 cm) long, ensuring a few leaves remain on the cutting. The lower leaves are removed and the cut end is dipped in rooting hormone to stimulate root development. The cutting is then planted in a well-draining soil mix and kept in a warm, humid environment with indirect light until roots have formed, which usually takes about three to four weeks. Once rooted, the new plant can be transplanted to a larger pot or directly into the garden.
