Chrysanthemum Chrysanthemum 'Ruby Enbee Wedding' (29d)

Water

Mums, including the 'Ruby Enbee Wedding' variety, prefer evenly moist soil, so watering should be done thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Depending on the environment and climate, this might generally be about once a week, but always check soil moisture levels before watering. When you do water, aim to provide about one to two gallons per plant, ensuring you moisten the soil without waterlogging it. Avoid overhead watering to minimize leaf wetness and reduce the risk of disease. During hot spells, more frequent watering may be necessary to maintain consistent soil moisture.

Light

Mums like 'Ruby Enbee Wedding' thrive in full sun conditions, meaning they require at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. The ideal spot for this plant would be in an open garden area or against a south-facing wall that receives ample sunlight throughout the day. Avoiding areas with heavy shade is crucial for the development of strong stems and vibrant blooms.

Temperature

Mums, such as 'Ruby Enbee Wedding,' perform best in moderate temperatures, with ideal growing conditions between 60°F and 75°F. They can, however, tolerate a broader range—surviving in temperatures as low as 32°F and as high as 90°F. For optimal growth and flower production, try to protect the plants from extreme heat or cold, positioning them where they can enjoy the most favorable temperature range.

Pruning

Pruning 'Ruby Enbee Wedding' mums is crucial for maintaining plant health and encouraging bushier growth and more blooms. Regularly deadhead spent flowers to promote continuous blooming. In early summer, pinch back the tips and upper leaves to encourage side branching, repeating this process every two to three weeks until mid-summer, which helps create a fuller plant with more flowers in the fall. The best time for major pruning is after the flowering season, before the first winter frost to prepare the plant for the next year.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Mums thrive in well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. A mix of garden soil, peat moss, and perlite in equal parts creates an ideal environment for Chrysanthemums to grow, ensuring proper drainage and aeration.

Repotting

Mums should be repotted every one to two years to refresh the soil and support their vigorous growth. Repot in spring before new growth starts or after flowering ends in the fall.

Humidity & Misting

Mums prefer moderate humidity levels but are adaptable to average household conditions. Ensuring good air circulation around the plants can help prevent disease.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place mums in bright indirect light and keep the soil consistently moist.

• Outdoor

  Plant in a sunny spot with well-draining soil; mulch to retain moisture.

• Hardiness zone

  5-9 USDA

Life cycle

The Chrysanthemum 'Ruby Enbee Wedding,' also known as Hardy Garden Mum, begins its life cycle as a seed or more commonly from cuttings or division due to its cultivated varieties. When planted in early spring or late winter, the seeds or cuttings establish a root system and sprout foliage, entering the vegetative growth stage where the plant focuses on leaf development. As the weather warms, the plant enters the budding stage, typically in late summer to early fall, where flower buds start to form. The flowering stage follows, where the Ruby Enbee Wedding blooms, showcasing its vibrant ruby-red flowers that attract pollinators and provide aesthetic value. After flowering, as temperatures cool and day length shortens, the plant enters senescence, where it begins to die back, especially in colder climates, although in some zones it may behave as a perennial. The plant either completes its cycle by setting seeds if conditions permit or it will overwinter through its root system, ready to regrow in the following spring.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Summer

• The Chrysanthemum 'Ruby Enbee Wedding', commonly referred to as mums, is typically propagated through stem cuttings. This process involves taking a 4 to 6-inch (10 to 15 cm) cutting from a healthy, mature plant using a sharp, sterilized cutting tool. The cuttings should be taken from the tips of the stems where the plant is actively growing. Remove the lower leaves to create a clean stem that can be inserted into a well-draining growing medium, such as a mix of peat and perlite. Dipping the cut end into a rooting hormone before planting can help encourage root development. The cuttings should be kept moist and placed in indirect light where they can form roots over a few weeks. Once rooted, they can be transferred to individual pots to grow on before planting out.