Chrysanthemum Chrysanthemum 'Sicardo Orange' (PBR)

☠ Toxic to humans

🐾 Toxic to pets

🌸 Blooming

🍪 Not edible

‍🌱 Easy-care

ABOUT

The Chrysanthemum 'Sicardo Orange' is notable for its vibrant, warm orange blossoms that can bring a burst of autumnal color to any setting. Each flower features an array of delicate ray petals that radiate outwards from a central disk. These petals have a spoon-like shape, creating an appealing visual texture and giving the flower a semi-double form. The central disk, which might be visible in the very center of the flower, tends to be of a darker or contrasting shade, often adorned with pollinator-attracting anthers. The foliage of this perennial plant is typically green, with leaves that have a deeply lobed or divided appearance, adding to the overall lushness of the plant. These leaves can also have a slightly serrated edge, providing yet more intricate detail to the plant's appearance. The Chrysanthemum 'Sicardo Orange' exhibits a bushy growth habit, with stems that branch and give rise to a generous amount of these eye-catching flowers. The visual effect of this plant is that of a sunny, cheerful spot of orange that meshes well with both fall themes and any garden setting that welcomes bold, warm tones. It is commonly used to add a pop of color, whether planted in garden beds, borders, or even containers. This chrysanthemum's display of orange flowers can lend a festive, welcoming ambiance wherever it is placed.

Plant Info

Care

Common Problems

About this plant

Names
- Family
  Asteraceae.
- Synonyms
  Hardy Chrysanthemum, Mum, Garden Mum.
- Common names
  Chrysanthemum 'Sicardo Orange' (PBR).
Toxicity
- To humans
  Chrysanthemums, including the 'Sicardo Orange', are not considered highly toxic to humans, but they can cause dermatitis or skin irritation in some individuals due to the presence of sesquiterpene lactones in the plant's sap. If ingested, they might cause mild gastrointestinal upset, including symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Individuals with a sensitivity to the plant may experience more pronounced reactions.
- To pets
  Chrysanthemums are toxic to pets, particularly cats and dogs. If a pet ingests parts of this plant, they could suffer from symptoms of mild gastrointestinal upset, such as drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea. In some cases, ingestion can lead to depression and loss of coordination. If you suspect your pet has ingested chrysanthemums, it is important to consult a veterinarian.
Characteristics
- Life cycle
  Perennials
- Foliage type
  Deciduous
- Color of leaves
  Green
- Flower color
  Orange
- Height
  2 feet (60 cm)
- Spread
  2 feet (60 cm)
- Plant type
  Herb
- Hardiness zones
  5
- Native area
  Asia

Benefits

General Benefits
- Visual Appeal: Adds vibrant orange colors to gardens and landscapes, enhancing the visual aesthetics.
- Seasonal Interest: Blooms during the fall, providing color when many other plants are starting to decline.
- Ease of Care: Generally low-maintenance, requiring minimal attention once established.
- Attract Pollinators: Flowers can attract bees and butterflies, supporting local ecosystems.
- Versatility: Suitable for borders, containers, and as cut flowers for indoor arrangements.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it can withstand periods of dry conditions, making it suitable for water-efficient gardens.
- Frost Resistance: Can cope with light frosts, making it a robust choice for colder climates.
- Long Blooming Period: Offers a lengthy display of flowers from late summer into the fall.
- Compact Size: Ideal for smaller gardens or spaces due to its relatively compact growth habit.
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
- Floral art: Chrysanthemum blossoms can be used in floral art and arrangements, providing a vibrant burst of orange color that can add contrast and interest.
- Crafts and decorations: The dried petals of Chrysanthemums can be incorporated into DIY crafts, such as making natural dyes for fabrics or creating potpourri.
- Garden photography: The vivid color and intricate form of Chrysanthemum 'Sicardo Orange' make it a captivating subject for hobbyist and professional garden photographers alike.
- Companion planting: Chrysanthemums can be used in gardens as companion plants, potentially helping to deter certain pests from more vulnerable crops or ornamentals.
- Edible garnish: While the primary purpose of this variety is decorative, some Chrysanthemums have edible flowers that can be used to garnish dishes and add color to salads.
- Wedding decor: Their bright, warm hues make Chrysanthemums suitable for fall wedding decorations, including bouquets, centerpieces, and venue adornments.
- Horticultural competitions: Chrysanthemum growers may enter their 'Sicardo Orange' plants into flower shows or horticultural competitions, showcasing their gardening skills and the beauty of the flowers.
- Feng shui: In some cultures, Chrysanthemums are believed to bring positive energy to the home; placing them strategically can be part of practicing feng shui.
- Cultural festivals: In various parts of the world, Chrysanthemums are celebrated during festivals; they may be displayed to symbolize autumn and the changing seasons.
- Teaching tool: 'Sicardo Orange' can be used in educational settings to teach students about plant biology, hybridization, and the lifecycle of perennial plants.

Interesting Facts

Feng Shui
The Chrysanthemum is commonly used in Feng Shui for promoting happiness and well-being. It is believed to carry strong Yang energy, which can help to lift the chi of the environment. The vibrant color of the 'Sicardo Orange' variety can introduce an element of joy and energy, which is particularly beneficial in living areas to promote sociability and create a welcoming atmosphere. Place this Chrysanthemum in areas that require a boost of positive energy, such as the living room, to encourage lively conversation and happiness.
Zodiac Sign Compitability
The Chrysanthemum is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism
- Loyalty and Devotion: Chrysanthemums are often associated with loyalty and devoted love. This could be due to their ability to bloom in the fall, long after other flowers have faded, symbolizing steadfastness.
- Happiness and Joy: Their bright and cheerful appearance, especially in the vibrant orange hue, often symbolizes joy and optimism in the face of adversity.
- Longevity and Wellbeing: In some cultures, chrysanthemums are a symbol of long life and good health, believed to possess life-giving properties.
- Friendship: The chrysanthemum is also reflective of strong friendship bonds due to its wide and open bloom, indicative of an open heart and sharing.
- Respect and Honor: In certain countries, such as Japan, the chrysanthemum is a noble flower, often used in official ceremonies and to honor individuals.

💧

Every 1-2 weeks

Water

☀️

500 - 2500 Lux

Light

💦️

60%

Humidity

🪴

Every year

Repotting

🌱️

Spring-Early Summer

Propogation

✂️️

As needed

Pruning

Water
Mum plants, including the 'Sicardo Orange', should be watered deeply to encourage root growth, usually about once a week, but frequency should be adjusted depending on weather conditions and soil drainage. Aim to provide an inch of water, which is roughly equivalent to 0.62 gallons spread out over the plant's root zone each week during the growing season. Be mindful to reduce watering in the fall to aid in hardening off the plant before winter sets in. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so ensure the soil drains well and that the plant isn't sitting in water. It's preferable to water early in the day to allow foliage to dry and minimize the risk of disease.
Light
Mums thrive best in full sun, which means they need at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. A south-facing spot is ideal for the 'Sicardo Orange' to ensure they receive ample sunlight. However, in regions with very intense midday sun, a location with some afternoon shade can help protect the flowers from excessive heat.
Temperature
The 'Sicardo Orange' mum is hardy and can withstand temperatures as low as 20°F, but the ideal temperature range for growing mums is between 55°F and 75°F. Extreme cold below the survival threshold can freeze and kill the plant, while excessively high temperatures, especially above 90°F, can stress the plant and affect bloom quality.
Pruning
Pruning, also known as pinching, encourages bushier growth and more blooms in 'Sicardo Orange' mums. Start when the shoots are 4 to 6 inches tall by pinching off the top inch to encourage lateral growth. Repeat this process every few weeks until mid-July to maximize blooming. The best time to do the final pruning is around the 4th of July.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
The best soil mix for a Chrysanthemum, commonly known as Mum, should be well-draining and fertile. A mix of two parts potting soil, one part peat moss, and one part perlite or vermiculite is ideal. These Mums prefer a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH of 6.0 to 7.0.
Repotting
Mums should be repotted every one to two years to refresh the soil and provide room for growth. It’s best to repot in the spring before the new growth starts.
Humidity & Misting
Mums thrive at moderate humidity levels, ideally between 40-60%. Avoid overly dry or excessively humid conditions to maintain the health of the plant.
Suitable locations
- Indoor
  Ensure bright light, avoid overwatering, and provide good air circulation.
- Outdoor
  Plant in well-draining soil, full sun to partial shade.
- Hardiness zone
  5-9 USDA
Life cycle
The life of Chrysanthemum 'Sicardo Orange', also known as Hardy Garden Mum, begins with seed germination, typically in early spring under controlled conditions. After sowing, the seedlings emerge and are transplanted into individual pots once they are large enough to handle. The plants then go through a vegetative growth phase, developing a bushy structure with deep green leaves. As the days shorten, the Chrysanthemum enters the bud formation stage, triggered by the longer nights of late summer and early fall. Blossoms of vivid orange flowers open from the buds, which is the blooming phase, attracting pollinators and perhaps resulting in seed set if viable pollination occurs. After blooming, the plant goes dormant for the winter, with the cycle resuming the following spring if the plant is perennial in the garden environment or conditions are right.
Propogation
- Propogation time
  Spring-Early Summer
- Chrysanthemum 'Sicardo Orange', commonly known as mums, is typically propagated through the division of clumps. The best time to do this is in the early spring as the new growth starts to appear. In taking divisions, a gardener would carefully lift the entire mum plant from the soil and then use a sharp knife or spade to divide the clump into smaller sections. Each section should have a portion of the root system and several shoots. It's important to re-plant these divisions quickly and water them in well to encourage the establishment. The divided plants should be spaced approximately 18 to 24 inches apart (about 45 to 60 centimeters) to allow sufficient room for growth. This method is appreciated for its simplicity and effectiveness in creating new plants that are true to the parent's characteristics.