Garden Mum Chrysanthemum Roxanne = 'Yoroxanne' (22c)
ABOUT
Chrysanthemum Roxanne, commonly known as mums, is a captivating plant characterized by its vivid and lush floral display. The blossoms of this variety present a remarkable daisy-like structure with a profusion of petals that emanate from a central disc. Each flower features a rich, striking color that is often a gradient or mix of hues, commonly showcasing shades from deep reds to purples or pinks which fade into lighter tones or even yellows towards the tips of the petals, creating a two-toned effect. The petals themselves are slender and slightly elongated, radiating around the disc in a manner that lends the flower a sense of fullness and volume. These individual florets are tightly packed together in each bloom ensuring that when they fully mature, they form a remarkable dome or cushion-like shape, which adds to its ornate appearance. Surrounding the vibrant flowers, the foliage of the Chrysanthemum Roxanne forms a dense canopy of greenery. The leaves are typically deep green and can be toothed or lobed with a slightly coarse texture, which contrasts beautifully against the softness of the blossoms. The combined effect of the striking flowers above the rich bed of leaves creates an overall impression of a lush and healthy plant, perfect for adding a splash of long-lasting color to gardens, pots, or floral arrangements.
About this plant
- Names
Family
Asteraceae.
Synonyms
Hardy Chrysanthemum, Garden Mum, Florist's Chrysanthemum, Hardy Mum.
Common names
Chrysanthemum Roxanne = 'Yoroxanne' (22c).
- Toxicity
To humans
Chrysanthemums, including the variety Chrysanthemum Roxanne 'Yoroxanne', are not typically toxic to humans if touched; however, they can cause allergic reactions in some individuals. If ingested, they could potentially cause gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting, diarrhea, and nausea. In very rare cases, if a person is particularly sensitive, ingesting parts of the plant might lead to more severe reactions. It's advisable to avoid eating any part of the chrysanthemum plant.
To pets
Chrysanthemums are toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. If a pet ingests any part of the plant, symptoms of poisoning may include vomiting, diarrhea, hypersalivation, incoordination, and dermatitis. In severe cases, ingestion can lead to more serious conditions, and veterinary attention should be sought. It is important to prevent pets from chewing on or ingesting chrysanthemums.
- Characteristics
Life cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Asia
Benefits
- General Benefits
- Enhances garden aesthetics: Chrysanthemums provide vibrant color and eye-catching beauty to any garden space.
- Easy to grow: Known for their hardiness and ease of care, making them suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Prolonged blooming period: These flowers have a long blooming season extending from late summer into fall.
- Attracts pollinators: Serve as a food source for bees and butterflies, thereby supporting biodiversity.
- Versatile in use: Can be displayed in flowerbeds, containers, and as cut flowers in bouquets.
- Drought-tolerant: Once established, they require minimal watering, making them eco-friendly and low maintenance.
- Frost resistance: Capable of withstanding light frosts, which extends their growing season in cooler climates.
- 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 Chrysanthemum can be pressed and used in scrapbooking, card-making, or other paper crafts to add a natural and colorful touch.
- Photography: Chrysanthemum flowers, with their diverse and striking colors, provide an attractive subject for photographers looking to capture the beauty of nature.
- Biological Studies: Students and scientists can use Chrysanthemum in studies of plant growth patterns, flower structure, and genetics due to its variety of forms and colors.
- Textile Dyes: The pigments in Chrysanthemum petals can be used to create natural dyes for fabrics, offering a range of colors from the petals and leaves.
- Composting: Chrysanthemum plant material can be composted at the end of the growing season, contributing to a nutrient-rich compost for garden use.
- Edible Garnish: While not a common practice for this ornamental variety, traditionally some Chrysanthemum flowers are edible and can be used as a colorful garnish for culinary dishes.
- Natural Insecticide: Some Chrysanthemum species contain compounds used in natural insect repellents or insecticides, which are used protect other plants in gardens.
- Ceremonial Uses: In some cultures, Chrysanthemum flowers are used in funeral bouquets or during remembrance services to honor the deceased.
- Garden Design: They can serve as inspiration for painters or landscape designers, enhancing the visual dynamics of garden spaces.
- Education and Demonstration: Chrysanthemum can be used as a teaching tool for children and adults to learn about the lifecycle of plants and the care they require.
Interesting Facts
- Feng Shui
The Chrysanthemum is used in Feng Shui practice to promote happiness and a balanced life. It can be placed in living areas or bedrooms to introduce yang (active) energy and encourage good health, as it's believed to carry strong cleansing and purification properties.
- Zodiac Sign Compitability
The Chrysanthemum is not used in astrology practice.
- Plant Symbolism
- Loyalty: Chrysanthemums are often associated with loyalty due to their ability to bloom in adverse conditions and lasting blooms.
- Longevity: They symbolize a long and healthy life because chrysanthemums have a long blooming season and have been used in traditional medicine.
- Rejuvenation: Their role in rejuvenation comes from their use in teas and traditional remedies believed to restore vitality.
- Friendship: The flower is a common symbol of friendship, often given as a gift to signify strong bonds between companions.
- Honesty: In some cultures, chrysanthemums represent honesty and openness, possibly linked to the flower's full and round shape.
- Perfection: The orderly unfolding of the chrysanthemum's petals signifies perfection and balance in life.
- Death: In some European countries, chrysanthemums are symbolic of death and are used to honor the deceased, likely because of their late blooming and use in All Saints' Day commemorations.
- Joy: In general, chrysanthemums are associated with happiness and the joy of life, owing to their bright and cheerful appearance.
- Water
Mums, such as the Chrysanthemum 'Yoroxanne', prefer consistent moisture but should not be overwatered. Water the plant thoroughly whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which typically amounts to once a week, but this frequency may increase during hot, dry periods. Use lukewarm water, and aim to apply approximately one gallon per plant during each watering session, avoiding wetting the foliage to prevent disease. During the blooming period, maintain even moisture but reduce watering once the blooming has finished to prepare the plant for dormancy.
- Light
Mums require full sun conditions to thrive, so place the Chrysanthemum 'Yoroxanne' in a location where it will receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. An east or south-facing spot would be ideal, ensuring the plant gets ample morning light and some afternoon sun. Avoid heavily shaded areas as insufficient light can lead to poor bloom production.
- Temperature
The ideal temperature range for Chrysanthemum 'Yoroxanne' is between 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and between 55 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit at night. These mums can handle temperatures as low as 32 degrees Fahrenheit but should be protected from frost. Consistent temperatures within this range promote the best growth and flowering.
- Pruning
Prune Chrysanthemum 'Yoroxanne' to encourage bushier growth and more abundant blooms. Pinch back the tips when new shoots are 4 to 6 inches long, typically in late spring, and continue to do so until midsummer to encourage branching. Cut back the plant after flowering to about 1 to 2 inches above ground level when the foliage begins to die back in late fall.
- Cleaning
As needed
- Soil
The best soil mix for a Chrysanthemum, commonly known as mum, should be well-draining and fertile, with a mix of two parts peat moss to one part perlite and one part organic compost. The soil pH should ideally range between 6.0 and 7.0.
- Repotting
Mums should generally be repotted every one to two years to replenish the soil and accommodate root growth. It is best to repot in the spring before new growth begins.
- Humidity & Misting
Mums thrive in moderate humidity conditions. Aim to maintain humidity levels between 40% to 60% for optimal growth.
- Suitable locations
Indoor
Place mum in bright indirect light, avoid drafts, water when top soil is dry.
Outdoor
Plant mum in full to part sun, shelter from strong winds, keep soil moist.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
- Life cycle
The Chrysanthemum 'Roxanne', commonly known as Hardy Garden Mum, begins its life cycle when a seed germinates, typically in the spring, with the emergence of a radicle that develops into a root system and cotyledons which eventually produce true leaves. As the plant enters the vegetative stage, it develops a foliage-bearing stem with successive leaves and may be pinched to encourage bushiness. Throughout the growing season, it continues to produce more leaves and branches, forming a dense, leafy plant. As the days shorten towards the end of summer and beginning of fall, the plant is triggered to enter the flowering stage, developing buds that bloom into the characteristic colorful and abundant flowers of the genus. After flowering, the chrysanthemum may produce seeds if flowers are pollinated, though many cultivated varieties are often propagated through cuttings or division. Finally, as the temperatures drop with the onset of winter, the plant will enter dormancy, and if necessary, gardeners will often cut back the foliage to prepare the hardy perennial for the next growing season.
- Propogation
Propogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: Chrysanthemum Roxanne 'Yoroxanne' (22c) is commonly propagated through the method of stem cuttings, which is the preferred technique for many home gardeners and professionals. The best time to take stem cuttings for propagation is in the late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. To do this, one might select a healthy, non-flowering shoot and cut a piece that is about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) long. The lower leaves of the cutting should then be removed, and the cut end dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. Finally, the prepared cutting is inserted into a well-draining soil mix, kept moist, and placed in a warm environment with indirect light until roots have formed and new growth is evident.