Garden Mum Chrysanthemum 'Rylands Gem' (24b)
ABOUT
The Chrysanthemum 'Rylands Gem' is an ornamental plant that features a lush, attractive form. It has a generous spread of green foliage, which creates a dense backdrop for its standout feature—the flowers. The blooms are the main attraction, characterized by their lovely layered petals that are typically bright and warm in color. These petal layers are abundant and create a full, almost pompom-like appearance that is quite pleasing to the eye. Each individual bloom contributes to an overall effect of exuberant color and texture. The flowers themselves have a defined shape, with the outer petals unfurling gracefully around the more tightly clustered central ones. The petals have a soft texture, which is often a delight both visually and to the touch. The plant blooms generously, providing a profusion of flowers that can blanket the upper portion, making it a true garden standout. In terms of growth habit, Chrysanthemum 'Rylands Gem' tends to form a substantial clump that spreads beautifully in the landscape, filling in garden space with its vibrant foliage and flowers. The leaves have a distinct shape and may have serrated edges, and they grow densely enough to create a full and bushy appearance. Overall, Chrysanthemum 'Rylands Gem' is a showy, floriferous plant that can add a burst of color and lushness to any garden setting without dominating with its size. It is favored for its decorative appeal, with a wonderful balance between flowering abundance and green foliage.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae.
Synonyms
Rylands Gem Chrysanthemum, Garden Mum, Hardy Chrysanthemum, Florist's Daisy.
Common names
Chrysanthemum 'Rylands Gem'
ToxicityTo humans
Chrysanthemums, commonly known as mums, are not highly toxic to humans, but they can cause some irritation if ingested. If a person consumes a part of the chrysanthemum plant, they might experience symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, or nausea. In some cases, contact with the skin can cause dermatitis, and the plant can be particularly irritating to the eyes and mucous membranes.
To pets
Chrysanthemums, or mums, are considered toxic to pets, particularly cats and dogs. If a pet ingests mums, the symptoms of poisoning may include vomiting, diarrhea, hypersalivation, incoordination, and dermatitis. In more severe cases, ingestion could lead to neurological symptoms, such as tremors or seizures. Prompt veterinary care is recommended if a pet has consumed any part of a chrysanthemum plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
2 feet (60 cm)
Spread
2 feet (60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Chrysanthemums are widely appreciated for their bright, colorful flowers and 'Rylands Gem' is no exception, offering aesthetic appeal to gardens and landscapes.
- Extended Blooming Period: Chrysanthemums, including 'Rylands Gem', typically have a long flowering season, providing color and interest from late summer through fall.
- Diversity: With a variety of shapes and colors available, chrysanthemums like 'Rylands Gem' can be used to create diverse and vibrant garden designs.
- Attracts Beneficial Insects: Chrysanthemums can attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, which are important for the health of the garden ecosystem.
- Easy to Grow: They are generally low-maintenance plants that can thrive in a range of conditions, making them suitable for both novice and experienced gardeners.
- Versatility: 'Rylands Gem' can be grown in flower beds, borders, containers, and as cut flowers for indoor arrangements, offering multiple uses from a single plant.
- Seasonal Festivity: Chrysanthemums are often associated with autumn celebrations and are popular for adding seasonal color to displays and decorations.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Artistic Inspiration: Chrysanthemum 'Rylands Gem' can be used as a muse for painters and photographers due to its vibrant color and intricate petal formation, perfect for creating still life artwork or enhancing artistic compositions.
- Natural Fabric Dyes: The petals of the Chrysanthemum can be boiled to extract natural dyes for coloring fabrics, offering a range of subtle hues for textile art and eco-friendly fashion.
- Educational Tool: The plant can serve as an excellent educational specimen in botany classes, illustrating plant structure, reproduction, and the life cycle of perennials.
- Floral Arrangement Workshops: This variety of Chrysanthemum, with its striking appearance, is ideal for use in floral design classes, helping students learn the craft of arranging flowers beautifully.
- Gardening Therapy: Engaging with Chrysanthemum 'Rylands Gem' in horticultural therapy can aid in improving mental health by providing a calming activity that enhances mood and reduces stress.
- Companion Planting: These Chrysanthemums can be planted alongside vegetable crops to attract beneficial insects that prey on garden pests, promoting a healthier and more organic garden ecosystem.
- Decorative Potpourri: Dried Chrysanthemum petals can be added to potpourri mixtures for a natural and decorative way to scent homes without using synthetic fragrances.
- Culinary Garnish: Although not for consumption, the petals can adorn plates and platters for a floral touch in gourmet presentations at high-end restaurants or events.
- Cultural Festivals: The Chrysanthemum plays a significant role in cultural festivals like Japan's 'Festival of Happiness', and can be used in these celebrations around the world to symbolize joy and longevity.
- Photoperiod Research: Botanists can study this plant to better understand the effects of light on flowering phases, contributing to the broader knowledge in plant developmental biology and agronomy.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Chrysanthemum is associated with happiness and well-being in Feng Shui. It is used to bring a sense of calm and balance into the home, and it's often placed in living areas to promote a serene atmosphere. The Chrysanthemum's energy is thought to attract good health and dispel negativity.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Chrysanthemum is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Longevity: Chrysanthemums are often associated with a long life because they are hardy flowers that can withstand different climates and seasons.
- Loyalty and Devotion: In many cultures, chrysanthemums symbolize steadfastness and faithfulness, representing loyal and devoted love.
- Happiness and Joy: The bright and cheerful appearance of chrysanthemums makes them a symbol of happiness and cheerfulness.
- Rejuvenation: As flowers that bloom in the fall, chrysanthemums represent renewal and the idea that life can start anew.
- Nobility: In some Asian cultures, the chrysanthemum is a noble flower, often associated with royalty and dignity.
- Grief and Mourning: In some European countries, chrysanthemums are seen as a symbol of lamentation and are often used in funerary arrangements.
WaterMums, including the Chrysanthemum 'Rylands Gem', prefer evenly moist soil, so they should be watered regularly. During active growth, particularly in the spring and summer, water them thoroughly when the top inch of the soil feels dry to the touch. This could mean watering once every 3 to 5 days, depending on weather conditions. It's best to water early in the day directly at the base of the plant, using enough water to soak the roots, which might be around 1 gallon for an established plant in the garden. In hot, dry weather, watering may need to be increased to prevent wilting.
LightMums, such as Chrysanthemum 'Rylands Gem', thrive in full sun conditions, requiring at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. The ideal spot for these plants is in a garden bed or container that receives unfiltered morning light and some protection from intense afternoon sun, which can be harsh, especially in hotter regions. Adequate sunlight is essential for the best flowering and compact growth.
TemperatureMums, including Chrysanthemum 'Rylands Gem', are hardy in zones 5 through 9 and can tolerate temperatures down to about -20°F, while the maximum temperature they can handle is about 90°F without stress. The ideal temperature range for these plants is between 70°F and 80°F during the day and 60°F to 65°F at night. Sudden fluctuations in temperature should be avoided to maintain plant health.
PruningMums, like Chrysanthemum 'Rylands Gem', should be pruned to encourage bushier growth and more blooms. Pinch or prune the growing tips in late spring to early summer, generally ceasing by July 4th to allow time for flower buds to set. Additionally, deadheading spent blooms will stimulate further flowering. Prune back mums to the ground after foliage dies back in late fall or early winter.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFor Chrysanthemum 'Rylands Gem', also known as Hardy Mum, the best soil mix is well-draining, fertile loam with good organic content. Amend soil with compost and peat to improve drainage and fertility. The pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0.
RepottingHardy Mums should be repotted every one to two years to replenish the soil and provide room for root growth. It's best to repot in the spring before the growing season begins.
Humidity & MistingHardy Mums thrive in moderate humidity levels. Aim for a humidity range of 40-60% for optimal growth.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light, well-draining soil, and moderate watering for indoor Hardy Mums.
Outdoor
Plant in well-draining soil, full sun, and water regularly for outdoor Hardy Mums.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleThe Chrysanthemum 'Rylands Gem', commonly known as Hardy Garden Mum, begins its life cycle as a seed or through vegetative propagation such as cuttings. Upon germination or rooting, the plant enters the vegetative stage, forming a rosette of leaves and developing a sturdy root system. As the plant matures, it enters the budding stage, during which flower buds form at the tips of the stems. The flowering stage follows, showcasing the plant's vibrant flowers that attract pollinators and contribute to its reproductive process. After blooming, the chrysanthemum sets seed or can be propagated again through cuttings for the next cycle. As winter approaches, the plant enters dormancy, preserving its energy underground until the favorable growth conditions return in spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The chrysanthemum 'Rylands Gem' is commonly propagated through stem cuttings, a popular method due to its efficiency and relative ease. The best time for taking stem cuttings is during the late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. To propagate, a gardener would select a healthy, non-flowering shoot and cut a 4 to 6 inch (about 10 to 15 cm) piece just below a leaf node. The lower leaves are removed and the cut end is often dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root growth. This cutting is then inserted into a pot containing a mix of peat and perlite or a similar well-draining rooting medium. The cutting should be kept in a humid environment with indirect light until roots have established, after which it can be transplanted to a more permanent location.
