Chrysanthemum 'Stallion' Chrysanthemum 'Stallion' (9)
ABOUT
'Stallion' is a late spray cultivar that reaches around 70cm in height and bears anemone-like white flowers tinged a pale yellow at the centre
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Stallion Chrysanthemum, Hardy Garden Mum, Fall Mum
Common names
Dendranthema grandiflorum, Chrysanthemum morifolium, Chrysanthemum grandiflorum.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
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- Ornamental Value: The Chrysanthemum 'Stallion' is prized for its beautiful flowers, which make an attractive addition to gardens and landscapes.
- Pollinator Attraction: This plant is known to attract bees and butterflies, which are important for pollination in the garden ecosystem.
- Seasonal Interest: Chrysanthemums bloom in the fall, providing color and interest during a time when many other plants have finished flowering.
- Easy to Grow: They are generally low maintenance and can thrive in a variety of soil types, making them suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Long Blooming Period: The plant often has a long flowering period, offering a sustained display of blooms.
- Versatile Landscaping: Can be used in borders, containers, and as cut flowers, providing versatility in landscape design and usage.
- Diversity of Colors: Chrysanthemums come in a wide range of colors and forms, allowing for creative garden color schemes.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, some chrysanthemum varieties are quite drought-tolerant, reducing the need for frequent watering.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Artistic Inspiration: The vibrant blooms of the chrysanthemum are often used by artists and photographers as a subject for creating beautiful works of art and photography that capture the intricate details and colors of the flowers.
- Dye Source: The petals of the chrysanthemum can be used to create a natural dye for fabrics, offering a range of colors from yellow to green depending on the mordant used.
- Culinary Garnish: The edible flowers of some chrysanthemum varieties can be used to add a splash of color and a unique flavor to salads and gourmet dishes.
- Crafts: Dried chrysanthemum flowers are often used in crafting, such as making potpourri, floral arrangements, or embedding into candles for decoration.
- Educational Tool: Chrysanthemums can be used in schools and educational programs to teach students about botany, plant biology, and the lifecycle of plants.
- Biological Pest Control: Some varieties of chrysanthemums can be planted as companion plants in gardens to naturally repel certain pests due to the pyrethrin compounds found in their leaves.
- Fragrance Production: The essential oils extracted from chrysanthemums can be used in perfumery to create unique and pleasant fragrances.
- Emotional Support: Keeping chrysanthemum plants in living spaces can boost mood and provide emotional comfort through their beauty and color.
- Memento or Tribute: Chrysanthemums are often used in memorial services and as tokens of remembrance due to their symbolism of loyalty and devotion.
- Decorative Mulch: The petals and leaves of chrysanthemums, once dried, can serve as a decorative mulch for garden beds, adding nutrients back into the soil as they decompose.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Chrysanthemum is associated with happiness and well-being in Feng Shui. To harness its positive energy, place Chrysanthemums in areas of the home where you wish to boost positivity, such as the living room. They are believed to carry strong yang energy which can help to promote good health and drive away negative energy.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Chrysanthemum is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Longevity: Chrysanthemums are often associated with longevity due to their hardy nature and ability to withstand the first frosts of autumn.
- Loyalty: The intricate layers of the 'Stallion' petals symbolize the complexities of faithful relationships and the strength within.
- Rebirth: As a flower that blooms in the fall, chrysanthemums represent the idea of renewal and the cyclical nature of life.
- Joy: With its bright and cheerful appearance, the chrysanthemum is often used to convey happiness and the light-hearted side of life.
- Beauty: The elegant form and variety of colors of chrysanthemums make them a symbol of beauty in various cultures around the world.
WaterMums, including the Chrysanthemum 'Stallion', prefer evenly moist soil, so water them deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. In general, this would likely be about once a week, but this frequency may increase during hot, dry periods or if the plant is in a container. Use about 1 gallon of water per watering session to ensure the moisture reaches deep into the root system. During the fall, when the mums are blooming, they might require more water due to the increased energy they expend, so monitor the soil moisture closely. Avoid overhead watering to prevent foliar diseases; instead, water at the base of the plant.
LightFor optimal growth, Chrysanthemum 'Stallion' should be placed in a location that receives full sunlight, which is at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. A spot with morning sunlight and some afternoon shade can also work well, especially in regions with very hot summers, to prevent the foliage from scorching. Ensure that the light is not filtered through glass, as indoor light conditions are usually not sufficient for mums that are actively growing and blooming.
TemperatureThe Chrysanthemum 'Stallion' thrives in cooler temperatures and can survive in a range from 32 degrees to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal growing conditions for mums are daytime temperatures of 70 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit and nighttime temperatures between 60 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Prolonged exposure to temperatures outside the 32-90 degrees range, especially frost or extreme heat, can damage the plant or inhibit growth.
PruningPruning, or pinching, is essential for Chrysanthemum 'Stallion' to encourage bushier growth and more blooms. Start pinching the tips of new growth in the spring when shoots are about 6 inches tall and repeat every two to three weeks until mid-summer. This will result in a more compact plant with an abundance of flowers in the fall. The best time for the final pruning is around July 4th, which provides sufficient time for the plant to set buds for autumn blooming.
CleaningAs needed
SoilMums, like the Chrysanthemum 'Stallion', thrive best in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A good mixture would be equal parts of garden soil, peat, and perlite or vermiculite to ensure good drainage and aeration. The ideal pH for Chrysanthemum 'Stallion' is slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0.
RepottingMums should be repotted every one to two years or when they become root-bound. This encourages healthy growth and blooming. The best time for repotting Chrysanthemum 'Stallion' is during the early spring, just as new growth begins.
Humidity & MistingMums prefer moderate humidity levels, around 40-60%. High humidity can promote fungal diseases, so it is important to ensure good air circulation around the Chrysanthemum 'Stallion' to maintain the optimal humidity.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright indirect light and keep soil consistently moist.
Outdoor
Full sun, well-drained soil, water when topsoil feels dry.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleThe Chrysanthemum 'Stallion', commonly known as the Hardy Garden Mum, begins its life as a seed or cutting, which, when planted in well-draining soil and given proper care, will sprout and develop into a young plant. This vegetative stage involves the growth of leaves and stems, which expand until the plant reaches maturity. As the days grow shorter in late summer to early fall, the plant enters the flowering stage, triggered by the increase in length of night; this is when it produces its distinctive blooms in various colors. After blooming, the Hardy Garden Mum enters a period of senescence, where the flowers fade, and the plant prepares for dormancy. In regions with cold winters, the above-ground parts of the plant die back, while the root system remains alive beneath the soil, leading into a dormant stage to survive the winter. With the return of warm temperatures and longer days in spring, the plant breaks dormancy, resumes growth, and begins the cycle anew.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagating a Chrysanthemum 'Stallion', commonly known as mums, is through division. The best time to divide mums is in the spring after the last frost has passed. This ensures that the plants have time to establish their roots well before the onset of colder weather. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the entire plant and use a sharp spade or knife to slice through the root ball, separating it into smaller sections. Each section should have a good amount of roots and a few shoots. These separated clumps can then be replanted in well-draining soil, spaced about 18 to 24 inches apart (45 to 60 centimeters), and watered thoroughly to encourage new growth. It's important to keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged, as the new divisions start to grow.
