Chrysanthemum Chrysanthemum 'Salmon Fairie' (28a)
ABOUT
The Chrysanthemum 'Salmon Fairie' presents a delicate demeanor, sporting lush green foliage that serves as a verdant background to its striking blooms. The flowers of this variety are what truly captivate, with their distinctive salmon-pink hue that fades into softer shades as it reaches the petal edges, a gradient of warm color reminiscent of a serene sunset. Each petal is intricately arranged in a layered pattern that adds depth and volume to the overall flower, which typically shows a high density of petals, giving it a pompom-like appearance. The center of each bloom may exhibit a lighter tone, providing a gentle contrast and highlighting the complexity of the salmon shades. This chrysanthemum variety exudes a romantic and whimsical charm, making it a standout in any garden setting where it adds a touch of gentle color and texture.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Salmon Fairie Chrysanthemum, Salmon Fairie Mum
Common names
Chrysanthemum 'Salmon Fairie'
ToxicityTo humans
Chrysanthemums, including the variety 'Salmon Fairie', are generally considered to have low toxicity to humans. However, some individuals may experience allergic reactions or dermatitis upon contact with the plant's sap or flowers. If ingested, it may cause mild gastrointestinal upset, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. It is advisable to avoid consuming any parts of chrysanthemum plants.
To pets
Chrysanthemums, including the 'Salmon Fairie' variety, are toxic to pets, such as dogs and cats. They contain compounds that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, hypersalivation, incoordination, and dermatitis upon ingestion. If a pet consumes any part of a chrysanthemum plant, it is important to seek veterinary care as symptoms can range from mild to moderate depending on the amount ingested.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Salmon
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- Aesthetic Appeal: Chrysanthemum 'Salmon Fairie' presents salmon-pink flowers that enhance the visual appeal of gardens and landscapes.
- Pollinator Attraction: The plant attracts beneficial pollinators such as bees and butterflies, contributing to a healthy ecosystem.
- Seasonal Color: Offers vibrant autumn color when many other plants are starting to decline, extending the garden's display season.
- Low Maintenance: Known for being relatively low maintenance, requiring minimal care once established in the right conditions.
- Versatility: Suitable for borders, containers, and as cut flowers, making it a versatile option for different gardening needs.
- Long Bloom Period: Can provide long-lasting blooms from late summer into fall, offering sustained color in the garden.
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: Chrysanthemum 'Salmon Fairie' has vibrant and unique colors, making it a popular choice for photographers seeking to add a splash of color to their floral photography sessions.
- Textile Dye: The petals of Chrysanthemum 'Salmon Fairie' can be used to create a natural dye for fabrics, imparting a soft salmon hue to the textile.
- Art Inspiration: Chrysanthemum 'Salmon Fairie' often serves as an inspiration for artists due to its striking appearance and can be found in various forms of artwork, including paintings and sculptures.
- Garden Thematic Design: These flowers are ideal for creating a themed garden space, such as a pastel or autumn-hued garden, because of their distinctive salmon color.
- Educational Tool: Horticulture programs and botanical studies use Chrysanthemum 'Salmon Fairie' to teach plant cultivation and breeding techniques.
- Culinary Decoration: While not consumed, the petals can be used for decorative purposes in haute cuisine, as an adornment on plates and dishes.
- Perfume Inspiration: Although not directly used in perfumery, the scent of Chrysanthemum 'Salmon Fairie' can inspire the creation of floral fragrances in the perfume industry.
- Crafting Material: Dried Chrysanthemum 'Salmon Fairie' flowers are often used in crafting, such as in making potpourri, wreaths, and dried flower arrangements.
- Color Psychology Studies: Due to its unique color, researchers may use Chrysanthemum 'Salmon Fairie' in studies on color psychology and its effects on human emotion.
- Event Decor: These flowers are utilized for special event decorations, particularly for autumn events where their color perfectly complements the seasonal palette.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Chrysanthemum is often used in Feng Shui to promote happiness and ease in life. As the Chrysanthemum 'Salmon Fairie' is of a gentle salmon color, it can be placed in the living room or common areas to introduce joy, attract good luck, and lift the energy with its soothing hues. Specifically, placing it in the center of your home can enhance interpersonal relationships and create a harmonious environment.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Chrysanthemum is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Longevity: Chrysanthemums are often associated with long life and immortality due to their hardy nature and long blooming period.
- Rejuvenation: The Chrysanthemum's ability to bloom in the fall, when other flowers have faded, gives it a symbolic connection to rebirth and renewal.
- Joy and Optimism: With their bright and cheerful appearance, chrysanthemums embody happiness and a positive outlook on life.
- Fidelity: In some cultures, chrysanthemums represent fidelity and loyalty in relationships, making them a common gift between friends and lovers.
- High Esteem: The flower is often given as a sign of respect and honor, perhaps due to its noble appearance and association with nobility in some Asian cultures.
WaterMums require consistent moisture, so water the Chrysanthemum 'Salmon Fairie' when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Typically, this means watering once or twice a week, depending on climate and weather conditions, but always check the soil moisture first. Apply water directly to the base of the plant, avoiding wetting the foliage, which can lead to disease. Each watering should moisten the soil to a depth of at least 6 inches. An estimated 1 gallon of water per plant for each watering session should suffice to maintain adequate moisture.
LightMums thrive in full sun, so the Chrysanthemum 'Salmon Fairie' should be placed in a location where it receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. A spot that is bright and receives the morning sun is particularly beneficial, ensuring that any dew on the leaves dries quickly, reducing disease risk. Avoid overly shady areas which can lead to weak growth and fewer blooms.
TemperatureThe ideal growing temperatures for Chrysanthemum 'Salmon Fairie' range from 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and 55 to 60 degrees at night. Mums can tolerate a minimum temperature of 32 degrees, but frost and prolonged cold can damage the plant. They can survive maximum temperatures up to 90 degrees, but it's important to ensure they are well-watered in higher temperatures to prevent stress.
PruningPruning Chrysanthemum 'Salmon Fairie' is essential to promote a bushier growth habit and more blooms. Pinch back the growing tips when plants are 6 inches tall and continue every 2 to 3 weeks until mid-summer. This helps the plant to branch out and supports a more substantial floral display in the fall. The best time to prune is between late spring and mid-summer.
CleaningAs needed
SoilMums thrive in well-draining, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. A mix containing equal parts peat, vermiculite, and perlite can ensure good drainage and aeration. Organic matter such as compost can also be added to enrich the soil and provide essential nutrients.
RepottingMums, also known as Chrysanthemums, should generally be repotted annually. They benefit from repotting in the spring before new growth begins, to provide them with fresh soil and room for root expansion.
Humidity & MistingMums prefer average household humidity levels. They can generally cope with a range between 40-60% humidity, which is within the comfort range of most home environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and keep soil moist.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-drained soil, water regularly.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life of the Chrysanthemum 'Salmon Fairie', commonly known as Hardy Mum, begins with seed germination, once the seeds are sown in well-draining soil, preferably in spring to early summer. Seedlings emerge and grow into vegetative plants, where they develop a bushy form with deeply lobed leaves. The plant enters a vegetative growth phase where it matures and forms a dense mound, requiring pinching of the tips to encourage branching. As the days shorten, typically by late summer or early fall, the Chrysanthemum 'Salmon Fairie' initiates budding and then blooms, showcasing an array of salmon-pink flowers that attract pollinators. After flowering, the plant sets seeds, which can be collected for propagation or allowed to self-sow if conditions permit. Once cold temperatures of late fall and winter set in, the plant dies back to the ground and goes dormant, surviving as underground structures (rhizomes or tubers) to emerge again in the spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Chrysanthemum 'Salmon Fairie', or simply mum, is commonly propagated by cuttings, usually taken in the spring or early summer. This method involves snipping a 3 to 6 inch (approximately 7.5 to 15 cm) section of the stem from a healthy parent plant. The lower leaves of the cutting are removed, and the base of the stem is dipped in a rooting hormone to increase the chance of successful root development. Then, the cutting is inserted into a pot filled with a well-draining potting mix or a mixture of peat and perlite. After planting, the environment should be kept humid by occasionally misting the cutting and ensuring the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. The cuttings typically root within a few weeks, after which they can be transplanted to their permanent location.
