Chrysanthemum Chrysanthemum 'Southway Sparticus' (29d)
ABOUT
The Chrysanthemum 'Southway Sparticus', also known as a mum, is well-regarded for its spectacular floral display. The plant features an abundance of lush, green foliage that sets the stage for its showy blossoms. The leaves of the mum are typically deep green with a slightly jagged edge, giving them a textured look and feel. The flowers are the plant's crowning glory, characterized by their densely packed petals that create a dome or cushion-like shape. These petals come in a vibrant hue that can range from bright yellows to deep burgundies, often with multiple shades blending harmoniously in a single bloom. Each flower is composed of numerous small petals that radiate from the center, creating an intricate and full appearance. The blooms are known for their longevity and are a favorite in autumnal displays, aligning with the time of year when mums are most commonly in flower. The Chrysanthemum 'Southway Sparticus' is a visual delight with an opulent floral show that captures the essence of the changing seasons.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae.
Synonyms
Hardy Chrysanthemum, Mum, Garden Mum.
Common names
Chrysanthemum 'Southway Sparticus'
ToxicityTo humans
Chrysanthemums, commonly known as mums, are not significantly toxic to humans, but they can cause skin irritation in some individuals with sensitive skin or allergies. If ingested, they may cause mild gastrointestinal upset, including nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. It is advised not to consume any parts of the plant.
To pets
Mums are toxic to pets, particularly cats and dogs. If ingested, they can cause vomiting, diarrhea, hypersalivation, incoordination, and dermatitis in some animals. The plant contains compounds that can be irritating to pets and should be kept out of reach to prevent accidental ingestion.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
3 feet (0.91 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Chrysanthemums, including 'Southway Sparticus', are popular for their vibrant colors and full, showy blossoms. They bring beauty to any garden space or floral arrangement.
- Variety of Colors: This plant comes in a wide variety of colors, thus allowing for a diverse and colorful garden display.
- Extended Blooming Season: Chrysanthemums typically have a long flowering period from late summer through autumn, which can provide color and interest when other flowers may be fading.
- Attracts Pollinators: They attract beneficial insects like bees and butterflies, which are essential pollinators for gardens.
- Easy to Grow: They are generally easy to cultivate, making them a good choice for novice gardeners or those with less time for garden maintenance.
- Versatility: 'Southway Sparticus' can be grown in borders, containers, or as part of a cutting garden for indoor arrangements.
- Cold Tolerance: Chrysanthemums are hardy and can withstand cooler temperatures, which can help to extend the gardening season in colder climates.
- Holiday Association: Often used for festive decoration around holidays such as Easter and Mother’s Day, and particularly prominent during Thanksgiving and Halloween.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Chrysanthemums can be used in companion planting to help protect vegetables from harmful insects due to their natural insecticidal properties.
- The petals of chrysanthemums can be used to create a natural dye for fabrics, offering a range of colors from soft yellows to golden hues depending on the mordant used.
- Dried chrysanthemum petals can be incorporated into potpourri mixes, adding a delicate fragrance and bursts of color to the mixture.
- Certain types of chrysanthemums are used in ceremonies and festivals, such as the Festival of Happiness in Japan, where they symbolize longevity and joy.
- Fresh or dried chrysanthemum blooms can be used to decorate cakes and desserts, providing an edible garnish that is also visually appealing.
- Chrysanthemum leaves are sometimes used in culinary preparations in Asia, where they are blanched and served as a flavorful leafy green.
- These flowers are often used in floral displays for weddings and other events due to their wide variety of colors and large, showy blooms.
- Chrysanthemum flowers can be pressed and included in handmade paper, providing a decorative element to the paper goods.
- Creative arts and crafts, such as flower pounding, utilize chrysanthemums to transfer the flower's pigment and shape onto fabric or paper.
- The blooming cycles of chrysanthemums, which can be controlled through light exposure, make them useful in scientific studies related to plant development and photoperiodism.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Chrysanthemum is used in Feng Shui to attract positive energy and to purify the air. It is associated with happiness and well-being, and it's recommended to place these flowers in areas where you wish to introduce uplifting energy, such as living rooms or offices to promote good health and fend off negative energy.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Chrysanthemum is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Longevity and Immortality: Chrysanthemums are often associated with long life and eternal youth due to their hardy nature and the long time they stay in bloom.
- Rejuvenation and Recovery: Their flourishing appearance symbolizes the capability to bounce back and recover from adversity.
- Nobility: In some cultures, especially in Asia, chrysanthemums represent nobility and elegance due to their sophisticated form.
- Loyalty and Devotion: Their tendency to bloom late in the fall, closer to wintertime, symbolizes loyalty and steadfast devotion that endures through hard times.
- Friendship: They are often given as gifts to symbolize a strong, supportive friendship, particularly the red and yellow varieties.
- Good Fortune: In some places, chrysanthemums signify happiness and well-being, making them common in celebratory events.
- Truth and Honesty: The pure, straightforward appearance of the flower is sometimes associated with truth-telling and forthrightness.
WaterMums, including the Chrysanthemum 'Southway Sparticus', generally require even moisture and should not be allowed to dry out completely. Water the mums deeply, ensuring the moisture reaches the roots, approximately every other day, depending on weather conditions. During hot and dry periods, water may be needed daily, while on cooler, overcast days, watering every two to three days may suffice. Provide about 1 gallon of water per plant for each watering session to ensure thorough hydration. Always check the top inch of soil for dryness before watering to avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.
LightMums thrive best in full sunlight exposure. The ideal spot for Chrysanthemum 'Southway Sparticus' is a location where it can receive at least 6 hours of direct sun daily. Avoid placing it in deep shade or heavily shadowed areas as this can impede blooming and encourage leggy growth.
TemperatureMums prefer moderate temperatures and the Chrysanthemum 'Southway Sparticus' is no exception. The optimum temperature range for growing mums is between 70°F and 75°F during the day and between 60°F and 65°F at night. They can withstand short periods outside this range, but prolonged exposure to temperatures below 32°F or above 90°F can be detrimental to the plant.
PruningMums, including the Chrysanthemum 'Southway Sparticus', benefit from pruning to encourage bushier growth and more abundant blooms. Pinch back the tips when the plants are about 6 inches tall and continue pinching every few weeks until midsummer. The best time for pruning is in the spring, as new growth appears, and again in early July to promote vigorous growth and fall flowering.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for a Chrysanthemum, commonly known as a mum, should be well-draining and fertile with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. A mixture of garden soil, peat moss, and perlite or vermiculite in equal parts can create an ideal environment for mums. Regular fertilization will help maintain soil fertility and encourage vibrant blooms.
RepottingMums, including Chrysanthemum 'Southway Sparticus', should typically be repotted every one to two years. Repot when you notice the plant becoming root-bound or the soil deteriorating. Early spring is the best time for repotting to give the plant time to establish before the blooming season.
Humidity & MistingMums, such as Chrysanthemum 'Southway Sparticus', prefer moderate humidity levels, around 40-60%. They can tolerate some variation in humidity, but extremely dry air may require occasional misting to maintain plant health and vigor.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place mums in bright, indirect light and water when topsoil is dry.
Outdoor
Ensure full sun to partial shade and protect from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleThe Chrysanthemum 'Southway Sparticus', commonly known as garden mum, begins its life cycle when a seed germinates in early spring under warm, moist soil conditions, sprouting into a seedling. The seedling then grows into a vegetative plant, developing a robust root system and foliage through photosynthesis. As the plant matures, it enters the budding stage, typically in late summer, where flower buds appear. These buds bloom into bright, showy flowers in the fall, attracting pollinators that facilitate the fertilization process. After pollination, the flowers produce seeds which, when mature, disperse into the soil, completing the reproductive cycle. The plant then enters dormancy during the winter months, with the cycle recommencing with the next growing season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-early summer
The most popular method for propagating Chrysanthemum 'Southway Sparticus', commonly known as mums, is through cuttings. This is typically done in the spring when the plants are producing vigorous new growth. To propagate by cuttings, take a 4-6 inch (10-15 cm) long shoot that has no flower from a healthy mum plant, and strip the leaves from the lower half. Dip the cut end into a rooting hormone powder to increase the chances of successful root development and plant it in a moist potting mix. Place the pot in a well-lit area but out of direct sunlight, and keep the soil consistently moist. Roots should develop within a few weeks after which the new plant can be transplanted. This method ensures that the new plants will be true to the parent in terms of variety.
