Sea Urchin Chrysanthemum Chrysanthemum 'Sea Urchin' (21f)
ABOUT
Chrysanthemum 'Sea Urchin' is a captivating flowering plant known for its unique and striking appearance. The blossoms of this Chrysanthemum variety resemble the spiny structure of a sea urchin, featuring an abundance of tubular petals that radiate outward from the center in a spherical fashion. Each petal is slender and elongated, contributing to the plant's distinctive texture and form. The flowers display a vibrant color palette, typically ranging from bright yellows to deep bronzes and rich rust hues, imbuing the garden with a warm and inviting presence. The foliage of Chrysanthemum 'Sea Urchin' provides a lush backdrop for the blossoms. The leaves are generally deeply lobed, with a slightly serrated edge, and exhibit a rich green color that can sometimes carry a subtle hint of greyish tones. This foliage grows in a bushy, dense manner, creating a sense of fullness and volume in the plant's overall structure. In its blooming season, the Chrysanthemum 'Sea Urchin' becomes a focal point in any garden space, attracting attention with its profuse and textural floral display. The plant's aesthetic makes it a popular choice among gardeners looking to add both visual interest and a touch of exotica to their floral arrangements and garden beds.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Sea Urchin Mum, Sea Urchin Chrysanthemum, Sea Urchin Flower.
Common names
Chrysanthemum 'Sea Urchin'
ToxicityTo humans
Chrysanthemums, including the 'Sea Urchin', contain compounds that may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals. If ingested, they can potentially cause nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and mouth irritation. In cases of significant ingestion, medical attention may be necessary, especially for individuals with plant allergies or sensitivities.
To pets
Chrysanthemums are toxic to pets, including dogs and cats. Ingestion can lead to symptoms such as drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, incoordination, and dermatitis. In severe cases, ingestion can cause liver damage or neurological signs. If a pet ingests chrysanthemums, prompt veterinary care is advised to reduce the risk of serious health consequences.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
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: Adds vibrant colors and unique textures to gardens and landscapes.
- Seasonal Interest: Blooms in late summer to fall, providing color when many other plants have finished flowering.
- Ease of Care: Low maintenance plant that is relatively easy to grow in a variety of conditions.
- Attracts Wildlife: Flowers can attract butterflies, bees, and other beneficial pollinators to the garden.
- Versatility: Suitable for borders, containers, and as cut flowers for arrangements.
- Drought Resistance: Once established, it has good drought tolerance, requiring less frequent watering.
- Frost Tolerance: Capable of withstanding light frosts, which extends its growing season in cooler climates.
- Long Blooming Period: Provides a long-lasting display of flowers, often until the first heavy frost.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photographic Biomonitoring - Chrysanthemum 'Sea Urchin' can be used in photographic biomonitoring, where its leaves' color changes are analyzed to monitor environmental conditions, particularly the presence of certain pollutants.
- Dye Production - The petals of Chrysanthemum 'Sea Urchin' can be used to create natural dyes for fabrics, yielding hues ranging from yellow to deep orange depending on the mordant used.
- Educational Tool - This plant can serve as an educational resource in botany and horticulture programs, teaching plant care, reproduction, and hybridization techniques.
- Art Supplies - The petals and blossoms of Chrysanthemum 'Sea Urchin' can be pressed and included in art projects or used as natural decorations in scrapbooking and other paper crafts.
- Fish Food - Chrysanthemum leaves can potentially be used as a dietary supplement for certain fish species in aquaculture that benefit from plant material in their diet.
- Natural Insecticide - Chrysanthemum 'Sea Urchin' can be used to create a natural insect repellent for protecting other plants in gardens and agricultural settings.
- Biodegradable Confetti - Dried petals of Chrysanthemum 'Sea Urchin' can be used as a biodegradable alternative to traditional confetti for celebrations and events.
- Bookmarks - Pressed and dried flowers of Chrysanthemum 'Sea Urchin' can be laminated or enclosed in paper to create unique and personalized bookmarks.
- Floral Water - The essence of Chrysanthemum 'Sea Urchin' petals can be used to make floral waters for use in home fragrance, cooking, or as a linen spray.
- Companion Planting - Chrysanthemum 'Sea Urchin' can be used in gardens for companion planting to attract beneficial insects and deter pests away from other plants.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiChrysanthemums are believed to bring happiness and laughter into the home, according to Feng Shui. Place chrysanthemums in areas of the home where you want to boost positive energy, such as the living room or near the front entrance. Choose colors that complement the specific Feng Shui element you wish to enhance.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe chrysanthemum is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Longevity: The Chrysanthemum is often associated with longevity due to its hardy nature and ability to withstand the fall weather in many climates.
- Rebirth: As this flower can bloom into the late autumn, it symbolizes rebirth and the power of life to persist through challenging conditions.
- Loyalty: In various cultures, the Chrysanthemum represents loyalty and devoted love, making it a common gift among friends and loved ones.
- Imperial symbol: In Japan, the Chrysanthemum is a symbol of the Emperor and the Imperial family, embodying perfection and nobility.
- Beauty in retirement: Reflecting its association with longevity, this flower is also symbolic of a beautiful and dignified retirement after a long life of service or work.
- Wellbeing: The Chrysanthemum is often used in traditional medicine and is thus connected to ideas of health and wellbeing.
WaterMums, including the Chrysanthemum 'Sea Urchin', should be watered regularly to maintain evenly moist soil, especially during dry spells. Generally, they require watering once a week, but this can vary based on temperature and soil conditions. When watering, it’s best to do so early in the day and at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to disease. Aim for about 1 gallon of water per square foot every week, making adjustments for rainfall and weather conditions. During hot, dry periods, they may need more frequent watering.
LightMums thrive in areas with full sun, receiving at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. The ideal spot for a Chrysanthemum 'Sea Urchin' would be in an area where it can soak up the morning sun, which is less intense, and be protected from the strong afternoon sun if possible, although they can still prosper in full exposure all day. Avoid heavily shaded areas, as insufficient light can lead to poor blooming and weak, leggy growth.
TemperatureChrysanthemum 'Sea Urchin' prefers a temperature range between 60°F and 75°F for optimal growth, which aligns with typical daytime temperatures in late summer to fall when they are actively growing and blooming. They can survive brief periods outside this range, with minimum temperature tolerance down to about 32°F and maximum up to around 90°F. However, extended exposure to temperatures beyond this range can be detrimental to the plant's health and blooming capability.
PruningPruning mums like the Chrysanthemum 'Sea Urchin' is essential for maintaining a bushy, compact shape and encouraging more blooms. Pinch back the growing tips when new growth reaches about 4 to 6 inches tall, usually in late spring. Continue doing this every few weeks until midsummer. The best time to prune is early in the day when the plant is hydrated. Regular pruning or pinching stops by the end of July so that the plant can set buds for fall blooms.
CleaningAs needed
SoilMums thrive in well-draining soil rich in organic matter; a mix of one part peat, one part perlite, and one part compost is ideal. Aim for a soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0.
RepottingMums should be repotted every one to two years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth.
Humidity & MistingMaintain moderate humidity levels for mums, as they prefer conditions that are not too dry nor too damp.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright indirect light and water when top soil feels dry.
Outdoor
Ensure full sun to partial shade and protect from harsh weather.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA.
Life cycleThe life cycle of the Chrysanthemum 'Sea Urchin' starts from a seed or vegetative cuttings, where it germinates or roots in soil with proper warmth and moisture. As a seedling, it develops a basic root system and foliage. Upon maturing into a vegetative state, the plant grows more leaves and stems, often requiring pinching to encourage a bushier growth habit. It then enters the flowering stage where it produces distinctive, decorative blooms typically in the fall, attracting pollinators. After pollination, seeds may form if not deadheaded, allowing the cycle to continue. Finally, as a perennial, it enters a period of dormancy during winter, conserving energy to regrow in the spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagation for the Chrysanthemum 'Sea Urchin', commonly known as mums, is through division. This is ideally performed in the spring, just as the new growth begins to appear. To propagate by division, the gardener would carefully dig up an established clump of mums, ensuring a generous amount of soil is kept around the roots to reduce stress. Then, using a sharp spade or knife, the clump is divided into smaller sections, making sure that each section has a good amount of roots and at least a few shoots. The divisions are then immediately replanted at the same depth they were originally growing, and watered in well. It is important to keep the new plantings moist until they are well-established, which typically takes a few weeks.
