Chrysanthemum Chrysanthemum 'Southway Swan' (29d)
ABOUT
The Chrysanthemum 'Southway Swan' is a striking ornamental plant known for its lush foliage and abundant flower display. Its leaves are rich green, deeply lobed with a slightly serrated edge, giving it an attractive, dense backdrop for its blooms. The plant boasts large, showy flowers that resemble pompoms. These blossoms are composed of numerous long, slender petals that are curved and layered in such a way that they create a full, rounded appearance. The color of the petals is a soft, creamy white, sometimes with subtle hints of yellow at the base, which gives the flowers a warm, inviting quality. The blooms are eye-catching and can make quite a statement in a garden or as part of a floral display. The flowers are held aloft on sturdy stems, which rise from the lush greenery below. This type of chrysanthemum is often associated with the fall season when it reaches its peak blooming period.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Southway Swan Chrysanthemum, Garden Mum, Florist's Chrysanthemum
Common names
Chrysanthemum 'Southway Swan'
ToxicityTo humans
Chrysanthemums, commonly referred to as mums, are generally considered to have low toxicity to humans. However, if ingested, they can potentially cause gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting, diarrhea, and nausea. In some individuals, particularly those with allergies to the Compositae or Asteraceae family, eating parts of the plant may also lead to dermal reactions like contact dermatitis upon handling the plant or more severe symptoms if ingested.
To pets
Chrysanthemums are toxic to pets, including cats and dogs. If pets consume any part of the mum plant, they can experience symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, hypersalivation, incoordination, and dermatitis. In severe cases, ingestion can lead to more serious conditions like neurological problems. If you suspect your pet has ingested chrysanthemums, it is advisable to contact a veterinarian immediately.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Varies
Height
2-3 feet (60-90 cm)
Spread
2-3 feet (60-90 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5-9
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: Chrysanthemum 'Southway Swan' offers beautiful white blooms that are highly decorative and enhance the visual appeal of gardens and landscapes.
- Seasonal Interest: This variety blooms in the fall, providing a splash of color when many other plants are starting to decline.
- Pollinator Attraction: The flowers attract butterflies and other beneficial insects, supporting biodiversity.
- Easy to Grow: Chrysanthemums are known for being hardy and easy to cultivate in a variety of soil types and climate conditions.
- Long-Lasting Cut Flowers: The blooms have a long vase life, making them ideal for bouquets and floral arrangements.
- Versatility: They can be used in borders, pots, or as a focal point in a garden bed.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, they can tolerate periods of low water, making them suitable for water-efficient landscaping.
Medical Properties- Antimicrobial: Certain compounds in chrysanthemums are known to have antimicrobial effects, potentially useful against certain pathogens.
- Anti-inflammatory: Some chrysanthemum species have been traditionally used to reduce inflammation.
- Anxiolytic: Chrysanthemum tea may have a calming effect, helping to relieve stress and anxiety.
- Hypotensive: Extracts from some chrysanthemum varieties might contribute to lowering high blood pressure.
- Antipyretic: In traditional medicine, chrysanthemum is sometimes used for its cooling and fever-reducing properties.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Insect repellent: Chrysanthemum 'Southway Swan' can be planted in gardens to naturally repel certain insects due to the presence of pyrethrin in its flowers.
- Natural dye: The flowers of this chrysanthemum can be used to produce a natural yellow or gold dye for fabrics, yarns, or crafts.
- Culinary garnish: The petals, being edible, can serve as an attractive and flavorful garnish on salads, desserts, and other dishes.
- Photography subject: Its striking blooms serve as an excellent subject for photographers seeking to capture the intricate details and colors of flowers.
- Art inspiration: Artists may use this chrysanthemum as inspiration for botanical illustrations, paintings, and other forms of floral art.
- Companion planting: This chrysanthemum can be used in companion planting to benefit nearby plants by deterring pests or attracting beneficial insects.
- Symbolic gift: In various cultures, chrysanthemums can symbolize honesty, loyalty, or longevity and are given as gifts on specific occasions.
- Floral arrangements: They can be used in fresh or dried floral arrangements for their aesthetic appeal and long vase life.
- Craft projects: Dried flowers of the chrysanthemum can be used in potpourris, wreaths, or other craft projects for a touch of natural beauty.
- Special events: Owing to their elegance and diversity, they can be featured in event decorations, such as weddings or festive occasions.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Chrysanthemum is viewed in Feng Shui as a life-giving element due to its Yang energy, which is said to bring happiness and a sense of ease. This plant can be used to attract good luck when placed in the living room or home office. It is especially auspicious when displayed in the center of the home or in areas used for meditation or relaxation to promote tranquility.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Chrysanthemum is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Longevity: Chrysanthemums are often associated with longevity and immortality due to their ability to bloom into the late autumn when other flowers have wilted.
- Rebirth: Since they bloom in the fall, chrysanthemums symbolize rebirth and the cycle of life, as they often signify the transition from life to death to life again.
- Loyalty and Devotion: The flower's ability to bloom year after year represents fidelity and steadfastness, commonly reflecting in relationships and friendships.
- Joy and Optimism: Chrysanthemums come in a variety of bright colors which can symbolize cheerfulness and positivity, bringing light into the darker days of autumn.
WaterMums, including the Chrysanthemum 'Southway Swan', should be watered regularly to maintain evenly moist soil. Water the plant deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which typically means watering about once a week. Apply approximately one gallon of water per plant for each watering session, ensuring that the water penetrates deeply to reach the roots. During hot, dry periods, the frequency of watering may need to increase to prevent stress. Overwatering should be avoided to prevent root rot, so ensure proper drainage is in place.
LightChrysanthemum 'Southway Swan' thrives in full sun conditions where it can receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. The best spot for the plant is in an area with bright, direct light exposure to encourage dense foliage and a robust display of flowers. If planted in too much shade, the plant will produce fewer flowers and may become leggy.
TemperatureMums prefer a temperature range between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and shouldn't be exposed to temperatures below 32 degrees Fahrenheit as frost can damage the plant. The ideal temperature conditions for the Chrysanthemum 'Southway Swan' are mild daytime temperatures with slightly cooler nights to promote good flower formation and color development. They can generally tolerate brief periods of colder weather, but prolonged exposure can be detrimental to the plant's health.
PruningPruning Chrysanthemum 'Southway Swan' encourages a more bushy growth habit and a prolific bloom. Pinch back the growing tips when new growth reaches 4 to 6 inches tall, usually in late spring. Repeat this process every two to three weeks until midsummer to promote denser growth and more flowers. Pruning after this period might delay flowering. The best time for heavy pruning is after the blooming period, as it prepares the plant for the next growing season.
CleaningAs needed
SoilMums thrive in well-drained soil rich in organic matter with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. A good mix would be two parts garden soil, one part peat moss, and one part perlite or vermiculite to ensure proper drainage and aeration.
RepottingMums should be repotted every one to two years or when they become root-bound. This ensures they have enough space to grow and receive adequate nutrients from fresh soil.
Humidity & MistingMums prefer moderate humidity levels, around 40-60%. They can tolerate some variations but avoid overly dry or damp conditions that can promote disease or stress the plant.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and avoid overwatering.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun to partial shade, protect from harsh winds.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleChrysanthemum 'Southway Swan', commonly known as simply 'mum' or 'chrysanthemum', begins its life cycle as a seed or more commonly, for cultivated varieties, a vegetative cutting. After planting, it enters a vegetative stage where leaves and roots develop rapidly in optimal growing conditions of well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade. As the plant matures, it enters the budding stage when flower buds begin to form, triggered by shorter day lengths, usually in late summer to early fall. Blooming occurs next, with the 'Southway Swan' displaying its characteristic flowers, which can be a variety of colors depending on the cultivar, with blooms lasting for several weeks. Following the flowering stage, the plant enters senescence where foliage may yellow and die back, especially after a frost in colder climates, and it can enter a period of dormancy if grown as a perennial. Finally, mums can be propagated at the end of the blooming season by division or cuttings to begin the cycle anew.
PropogationPropogation time
Early spring
The Chrysanthemum 'Southway Swan', commonly referred to as a Mum, can be propagated primarily through the division of its root system. The best time to propagate Mums is in the early spring after any threat of frost has passed. The method of division involves carefully digging up the established plant and gently teasing apart the root ball into smaller sections, ensuring that each division has several shoots and a portion of the root system intact. These sections can then be replanted into well-draining soil, spacing them approximately 18 inches (around 45 centimeters) apart to allow enough room for growth. Water the new divisions thoroughly after planting to help them establish. This method of propagation is quite straightforward and allows gardeners to create new plants that will bloom in the following season.
