Chrysanthemum Chrysanthemum 'Rossano Charlotte' (Rossano Series)
ABOUT
The Chrysanthemum 'Rossano Charlotte' is a captivating variety known for its vibrant and lush flower heads. These blooms are notable for their distinctive bronze hue, which gives them a warm, autumnal charm. The flowers themselves are composed of an abundance of layered petals that radiate outwards, creating a full and rounded appearance reminiscent of a pom-pom. The blossoms are situated atop sturdy stems, which are adorned with rich green foliage. Each leaf has a somewhat jagged edge, contributing to the plant's overall lush and textured appearance. The combination of the unique bronze-colored flowers against the verdant leaves creates a striking contrast that enhances the aesthetic appeal of the plant. Overall, the Chrysanthemum 'Rossano Charlotte' is admired for its stunning floral display, which has a long-lasting appeal and can bring a touch of elegance and color to any garden or floral arrangement.
About this plant
- Names
Family
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Hardy Chrysanthemum, Hardy Mum, Garden Mum
Common names
Dendranthema grandiflorum, Chrysanthemum morifolium
- Toxicity
To humans
Chrysanthemums, commonly known as mums, have a level of toxicity that is generally considered low to humans. However, ingestion of the plant can cause irritation to the mouth and stomach, potentially leading to nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and skin irritation if someone has an allergy or is particularly sensitive to the plant's compounds, such as pyrethrins which are present in chrysanthemums.
To pets
Chrysanthemums, or mums, are toxic to pets, including cats and dogs. If ingested, they can cause vomiting, diarrhea, hypersalivation, incoordination, and dermatitis. In severe cases, ingestion may lead to depression and loss of appetite. Pet owners are advised to keep these plants out of reach of their animals to prevent poisoning.
- Characteristics
Life cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
2 feet [60 cm]
Spread
2 feet [60 cm]
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Asia
Benefits
- General Benefits
- Attractive Blooms: The Chrysanthemum 'Rossano Charlotte' features vibrant, long-lasting flowers adding aesthetic beauty to gardens and landscapes.
- Diverse Uses: Can be used in borders, containers, or as cut flowers for indoor decoration.
- Pest Resistance: Has a natural resistance to many common garden pests, reducing the need for chemical treatments.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, they are relatively drought-tolerant, making them suitable for drier climates or water-wise gardens.
- Wildlife Attraction: Attracts beneficial insects like butterflies and bees, which are important for pollination.
- 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
- Photography and Art - Chrysanthemum 'Rossano Charlotte' is often used as the subject in photography and paintings due to its vibrant colors and unique shape, providing an aesthetic quality to visual art.
- Flower Arranging Competitions - This chrysanthemum variety is commonly used in flower arranging competitions for its large, eye-catching flowers that can create stunning, competitive displays.
- Educational Tool - Botany educators may use Chrysanthemum 'Rossano Charlotte' as a live specimen to teach about plant biology, propagation, and horticulture techniques.
- Seasonal Festivities - In autumn celebrations or festivals, such as harvest festivals, the chrysanthemum is used for decoration due to its seasonal bloom time and association with fall.
- Dye Production - The petals of Chrysanthemum 'Rossano Charlotte' can be used to create natural dyes for fabric or crafts, offering various shades of yellows and oranges.
- Garden Pest Control - This plant can be strategically placed in gardens where its natural properties may help deter certain garden pests without the need for chemical pesticides.
- Theme Gardens - Chrysanthemums are used to design theme gardens, showcasing a variety of chrysanthemum species and cultivars for educational and ornamental purposes.
- Culinary Presentation - Petals of the Chrysanthum 'Rossano Charlotte' can be used as an edible decoration on gourmet dishes, adding color and a mild flavor to the presentation.
- Event Themes - The vivid blooms of the chrysanthemum can be used to inspire color schemes and themes for events such as weddings, galas, and other formal occasions.
- Pattern Design - Floral patterns derived from Chrysanthemum 'Rossano Charlotte' can be used in textile and wallpaper designs, providing a natural and elegant look to interiors.
Interesting Facts
- Feng Shui
The Chrysanthemum is used in Feng Shui to bring happiness and laughter to the home, as well as to purify the air. Place the Chrysanthemum in areas of the home where family members spend a lot of time to invite positive energy and to promote well-being.
- Zodiac Sign Compitability
The Chrysanthemum is not used in astrology practice.
- Plant Symbolism
- Longevity: Chrysanthemums are often associated with long life and flourishing health, a connection that stems from their long blooming season and resilience.
- Rebirth: Their tendency to bloom in autumn, when many other plants are dying, gives chrysanthemums a symbolic connection to rebirth and renewing cycles.
- Nobility: In some cultures, particularly in Japan, the chrysanthemum is a noble flower and represents purity, elegance, and refinement.
- Loyalty and Devotion: Their hardiness and the way they return year after year make chrysanthemums a symbol of loyalty and devoted love.
- Joy: The bright and varied colors of chrysanthemums symbolize happiness and positivity, making them a popular gift to brighten someone's day.
- Death: In several European countries, chrysanthemums are symbolic of death and are used as memorial flowers to honor the deceased.
- Water
Mums require even moisture and should be watered regularly, especially during dry spells. For the Chrysanthemum 'Rossano Charlotte', water the plant thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which typically amounts to about once or twice a week. Ensure that the soil drains well to prevent waterlogging. When watering, avoid wetting the foliage, as this can lead to disease. Each watering session should provide enough water to soak the roots, which for a medium-sized pot is roughly around 16 to 32 ounces of water. During hotter periods or if the plant is in a particularly sunny spot, you may need to water more frequently to maintain consistent soil moisture.
- Light
Mums thrive in full sunlight, and the Chrysanthemum 'Rossano Charlotte' is no exception. They perform best when they get at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day, so placing them in a spot that receives ample sun is ideal. However, in regions with very intense sun, some afternoon shade can help prevent the plant from getting excessively stressed. Avoid too much shade, as this can result in a leggy plant with fewer flowers.
- Temperature
Mums, including the Chrysanthemum 'Rossano Charlotte', prefer cooler conditions and can be quite hardy. They can survive in temperatures as low as 32°F but are best grown in areas where the temperature stays between 60°F and 70°F. They can withstand short periods of higher temperatures, but prolonged heat can be detrimental. Keep them away from frost to ensure their survival.
- Pruning
Pruning mums like the Chrysanthemum 'Rossano Charlotte' encourages bushier growth and more blooms. Pinch back the tips of the shoots when the plants are about 6 inches tall, which is typically in late spring or early summer. Continue pinching every few weeks until midsummer, which helps to create a denser plant with more flowers. Pruning is also necessary after flowering to remove spent blooms and old stems, which promotes better growth for the following season.
- Cleaning
As needed
- Soil
The best soil mix for Chrysanthemums like 'Rossano Charlotte' is well-draining, fertile loam enriched with organic matter. A soil pH of 6.5 to 6.7 is optimal for these plants.
- Repotting
Chrysanthemums should be repotted every one to two years to replenish the soil and provide room for growth.
- Humidity & Misting
Chrysanthemums require moderate humidity levels, generally between 40-60%.
- Suitable locations
Indoor
Provide bright light, moist soil, and regular feeding.
Outdoor
Ensure full sun, well-drained soil, and space plants apart.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
- Life cycle
Chrysanthemum 'Rossano Charlotte', commonly known as Chrysanthemum or Hardy Mum, begins its life cycle as a seed or from vegetative propagation. After germination, it enters a vegetative stage where leafy growth predominates and the root system develops. This is followed by a transitional phase leading up to flowering, triggered by shorter day lengths and cooler temperatures as it is a short-day plant. It then enters the blooming stage, where vibrant flower heads open and can last for several weeks in the fall. Once flowering is complete, the plant either dies back if it is treated as an annual, or if perennial, it enters a dormancy period over the winter. If perennial, the cycle resumes with new growth in the spring from the surviving root system or shoots.
- Propogation
Propogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagation for the Chrysanthemum 'Rossano Charlotte' (Rossano Series), commonly known as the Rossano Charlotte Hardy Mum, is through division. This is often done in the spring just as new growth starts to appear. Gardeners can dig up the entire clump of the plant, ensuring a good amount of roots are attached, and then gently tease apart or cut through the root ball to create new plants. Each section should have at least one growth point or sprout. The divisions are then planted into well-draining soil, spacing them about 18 to 24 inches (45 to 60 cm) apart to allow ample room for growth. Water the newly planted divisions thoroughly to help establish them. Dividing these plants every couple of years also helps to rejuvenate them and can prevent the center of older clumps from dying out.