Chrysanthemum Chrysanthemum 'Southway Spirit' (29d)
ABOUT
Chrysanthemum 'Southway Spirit' is commonly known as mums or chrysanthemums. This plant boasts a multitude of showy flowers that create a vibrant display. The blossoms are typically characterized by a dense array of petals, which may be arranged in a pompom-like fashion or display a more daisy-like form with a visible central disk surrounded by radiating petals. The petals can come in a variety of colors, from bold oranges and reds to soft pinks and whites, often with a gradient of hues that blend seamlessly together. Chrysanthemum 'Southway Spirit' has dark green leaves that provide a lush backdrop to the brilliant flowers. The foliage is generally deeply lobed with a slightly serrated edge, giving the leaves a textured appearance. This plant is appreciated for its ornamental attributes and is often used in gardens and decorative displays for its ability to add vibrant color and a touch of elegance.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae.
Synonyms
Mum, Chrysanthemum, Hardy Chrysanthemum, Garden Mum.
Common names
Chrysanthemum 'Southway Spirit'.
ToxicityTo humans
Chrysanthemums, generally referred to as mums, are considered to have a low level of toxicity to humans. If ingested, they may cause mild gastrointestinal distress, including symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea. In some individuals, especially those with allergies to the plant family, contact with chrysanthemums may cause skin irritation or a rash.
To pets
Mums are toxic to pets such as cats and dogs. If ingested by pets, they can cause vomiting, diarrhea, hypersalivation, incoordination, and dermatitis. Severe cases may involve neurological symptoms like tremors, although these are less common. Immediate veterinary care is recommended if a pet has ingested this plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive Blooms: Chrysanthemums are well-known for their vibrant and colorful flowers, which add aesthetic beauty to gardens and landscapes.
- Extended Flowering Period: Chrysanthemums have a long blooming season, providing color from late summer through the fall.
- Easy to Grow: Chrysanthemums are fairly easy to cultivate, making them suitable for a wide range of gardeners, from beginners to experts.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, they are relatively drought-tolerant, which can reduce the need for frequent watering.
- Pest Resistance: They are generally resistant to many garden pests, thus minimizing the need for chemical treatments.
- Versatility: Chrysanthemums can be grown in borders, containers, or as part of a cut flower garden, offering versatility in garden design and usage.
- Cold Hardy: Chrysanthemums can withstand cooler temperatures, making them suitable for late season planting in many climates.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Artistic ink: The petals of chrysanthemums can be crushed to produce a natural dye, which can be used to create watercolor paints or inks for traditional calligraphy and artworks.
- Floral crafts: Chrysanthemum flowers are often dried and used in potpourri mixes or incorporated into homemade candles to add a unique fragrance and decorative element.
- Plant dye for textiles: Similar to artistic ink, the pigments from chrysanthemums can be used to dye fabrics, giving them a soft, natural color that is unique to plant-based dyes.
- Companion planting: Chrysanthemums can be planted in vegetable gardens as they are known to repel certain pests, thereby protecting the vegetables without the use of chemical insecticides.
- Festive decorations: Whole chrysanthemums or their petals can be used to decorate during festivals like Dia de los Muertos in Mexico, where the flowers symbolize joy and life.
- Photography subject: Due to their vibrant colors and intricate patterns, chrysanthemums are often used by photographers as subjects to capture the essence of fall and the natural beauty in floral photography.
- Educational tool: Chrysanthemums can serve as an excellent educational tool in botany and horticulture classes, showcasing plant growth, reproduction, and hybridization techniques.
- Garden design: Chrysanthemums are used in landscape design, not only for their beauty but for their hardiness and ability to bloom in the fall when other plants start to fade.
- Eco-friendly confetti: Dried chrysanthemum petals can serve as a biodegradable alternative to traditional paper or plastic confetti at celebrations, reducing environmental impact.
- Symbolic representation: In art and literature, chrysanthemums can be used to represent various emotions or themes, such as optimism, joy, or the passage of time, enhancing storytelling with their symbolism.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe chrysanthemum is commonly used in Feng Shui to attract positive energy and promote happiness and well-being. It should be placed in the living room or garden to enhance tranquility and balance within the space.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe chrysanthemum is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Longevity: Chrysanthemums are often associated with long life and well-being, due to their hardy nature and the longevity of their blooms.
- Rejuvenation: They bloom in the fall when many other plants are dying, symbolizing the ability to thrive and rejuvenate when facing adversity.
- Loyalty and Devotion: In many cultures, giving chrysanthemums is a way of honouring deep and lasting friendships, representing fidelity and devotion.
- Death and Grieving: In some European cultures, chrysanthemums are symbolic of death and are used for funerals or to honor the deceased on All Souls' Day.
- Nobility: In countries like Japan, the chrysanthemum is a noble flower, associated with the imperial family and representing perfection and royalty.
WaterMums, including the Chrysanthemum 'Southway Spirit', should be watered deeply and thoroughly to ensure that the soil is evenly moist. Generally, during active growth in the spring and summer, water about once a week with 1 to 1.5 gallons per plant, depending on weather conditions and soil type. Reduce watering in the fall as the plant begins to go dormant, and in winter water sparingly, but do not allow the soil to completely dry out. Always check the top inch of soil for dryness before watering to avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot.
LightFor optimal growth, Chrysanthemum 'Southway Spirit' requires full sun to part shade. The ideal location is one where the plant can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. However, in very hot climates, afternoon shade can be beneficial to prevent scorching of the leaves.
TemperatureMums, such as the Chrysanthemum 'Southway Spirit', prefer moderate conditions and can tolerate a temperature range between 32°F and 90°F. However, the ideal growing temperature is between 60°F and 75°F. Protect the plant from extreme temperatures by providing mulch during cold winters and considering placement where there’s partial afternoon shade during hot summers.
PruningChrysanthemum 'Southway Spirit' should be pruned to maintain its shape, remove spent blooms, and encourage bushier growth. Prune in early spring just before new growth starts, and pinch tips through early summer to promote branching. After flowering, deadhead regularly to encourage additional blooms. The best time to perform heavy pruning is when the plant is dormant in late fall or early winter.
CleaningAs needed
SoilMums thrive in well-draining soil enriched with organic matter; a mix of two parts peat moss to one part perlite and one part compost is ideal. Soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, around 6.0 to 7.0.
RepottingMums should be repotted every one to two years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth.
Humidity & MistingMums prefer moderate humidity levels, ranging from 40% to 60%.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and keep soil evenly moist.
Outdoor
Plant in sunny spot, water regularly, and protect from frost.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleThe Chrysanthemum 'Southway Spirit' begins its life as a dormant seed that, when sown and with proper care, germinates to produce a small seedling. This seedling grows into a vegetative plant with a robust root system and foliage through a stage of vigorous growth. During the flowering stage, the plant produces distinctive flowers, often in response to shorter day lengths as it is a short-day plant. After blooming, the plant may undergo senescence where the flowers fade and the plant prepares for dormancy. Some chrysanthemums can be propagated through cuttings or division at this point, allowing for the cycle to continue with new plants. Finally, if not propagated, the plant eventually completes its life cycle by setting seed for the next generation before dying back, especially if exposed to harsh winter conditions.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagating Chrysanthemum 'Southway Spirit', commonly known as mums, is through division. Ideally, this should be done in the spring after the last frost has passed, when plants are beginning to show new growth. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the entire mum plant and gently separate the root ball into smaller sections, ensuring that each division has both roots and shoots. These divisions can then be replanted in well-draining soil, spaced about 18 to 24 inches apart (which is approximately 45 to 60 centimeters), to allow for adequate growth. Regular watering and fertilization consistent with the needs of mums will encourage the newly planted divisions to establish and flourish.
