Mums Chrysanthemum 'Starlet' (21f)
ABOUT
The Chrysanthemum 'Starlet' is a captivating plant renowned for its showy flowers that blossom in a rich and vibrant display. This particular variety features lush green foliage that provides a beautiful contrast to the blooms. The leaves are deeply lobed, creating an intricate pattern that adds texture to the visual profile of the plant. The flowers themselves are the main attraction, densely packed with numerous petals that circle around a central eye. The petals of the 'Starlet' are radiant and can come in a range of hues, often showcasing captivating shades that draw the eye. The color palette might include hues from bright yellows to deep purples, each contributing to the plant's stunning visual impact. These flowers form mounds that create a lush and rounded appearance, making the plant look full and hearty. As it flowers, the 'Starlet' turns into a spectacular display of color that can brighten any garden space. The blooms last for an extended period, allowing for long-lasting enjoyment of its decorative appeal. The overall impression of the Chrysanthemum 'Starlet' is one of lively color and dense, intricate foliage, forming a delightful addition to any garden or floral arrangement.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Mum, Chrysanths
Common names
Chrysanthemum 'Starlet'
ToxicityTo humans
Chrysanthemum, also known as mums, are generally not highly toxic to humans, but they can cause skin irritation in some people who are sensitive to the plant’s natural compounds. If ingested, the plant parts may potentially cause mild gastrointestinal upset, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. It is advisable to keep the plant out of reach of children who might accidentally consume the plant material.
To pets
Chrysanthemum, known to pet owners as mums, are toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. The toxicity is due to compounds called pyrethrins, which can cause drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, incoordination, and dermatitis in animals if ingested. In severe cases, ingestion might lead to depression, hyperactivity, and tremors. It is important for pet owners to prevent their animals from eating any part of the plant. If a pet is suspected to have ingested mums, contacting a veterinarian promptly is advisable.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Varies
Height
1-2 feet (30-61 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-61 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Low Maintenance: Chrysanthemum 'Starlet' is a hardy plant requiring minimal care once established, which makes it ideal for busy gardeners.
- Aesthetic Appeal: With its vibrant, colorful blooms, it adds beauty and brightness to gardens and can be used in decorative displays.
- Pollinator Friendly: The flowers attract butterflies and bees, promoting biodiversity in the garden.
- Long Blooming Period: It produces flowers for an extended period, offering visual interest throughout the growing season.
- Versatile: Suitable for borders, containers, and as cut flowers, this plant can be enjoyed in various gardening and floral arrangements.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Natural Fabric Dye: The petals of the Chrysanthemum can be used in fabric dyeing to impart a natural yellow or gold hue to textiles.
- Culinary Garnish: Some cultures use the flower's petals to decorate salads and desserts, adding a splash of color and mild flavor.
- Photography Prop: The vivid colors and intricate patterns of the Chrysanthemum 'Starlet' make it a popular choice for photographers seeking to add natural beauty to their compositions.
- Artistic Inspiration: Artists may draw inspiration from the unique form and color of the flower for paintings, drawings, or textile designs.
- Printing Presses: Previously, Chrysanthemum petals were used in botanical prints for documenting various plant species or creating decorative book covers.
- Companion Planting: Chrysanthemums can be planted alongside vegetables to help deter certain pests due to their natural insecticidal properties.
- Festival Decor: In various cultures, chrysanthemums are used in festivals for their symbolic meanings and aesthetic value.
- Biodegradable Confetti: Dried petals can serve as an eco-friendly alternative to traditional paper or synthetic confetti at celebrations.
- Feng Shui: In some Asian cultures, the Chrysanthemum is used in Feng Shui practices to bring balance and positive energy to a home or garden.
- Crafts Material: The petals and whole flowers can be incorporated into craft projects, such as handmade paper or potpourri.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Chrysanthemum is associated with happiness and well-being in Feng Shui practice, often used to bring positive energy and a sense of balance into the home. It is recommended to place Chrysanthemums in areas where you wish to introduce Yang energy, such as living rooms or offices, to promote an active, vibrant atmosphere.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Chrysanthemum is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Longevity and immortality: Chrysanthemums have been associated with long life and immortality due to their ability to bloom into the fall when many other flowers have faded.
- Rebirth and renewal: The cycle of the chrysanthemum's blooming season symbolizes the ideas of rebirth and renewal, as they often bloom annually.
- Joy and happiness: In general flower symbolism, chrysanthemums are often associated with joy and happiness, particularly because of their bright and cheerful appearance.
- Loyalty and devoted love: In some cultures, chrysanthemums are given to show loyalty and devotion between friends or lovers, symbolizing a strong bond.
- Ease of life and relaxation: The chrysanthemum's form and grace can also symbolize a life of ease or relaxation, promoting a sense of peace.
- Nobility and elegance: Chrysanthemums are often considered noble flowers and are used to represent elegance and refinement in certain floral language traditions.
- Overcoming adversity: Due to their late blooming, chrysanthemums are sometimes used to symbolize overcoming challenges or adversity.
WaterMums, such as the Chrysanthemum 'Starlet', should be watered deeply and thoroughly, ensuring that the soil is moist but not soggy. These plants generally require watering once a week, but during dry or hot spells, the frequency should increase to twice or even thrice weekly. Always check the top inch of the soil before watering; if it feels dry, it's time to water. Depending on the size of the plant and the environmental conditions, a mum may need anywhere from 1 to 2 gallons of water each week to maintain proper hydration.
LightMums, like the Chrysanthemum 'Starlet', thrive best in full sunlight, which means they should receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. The ideal spot would be in a south-facing garden where they can enjoy continuous sunshine. However, in very hot climates, they may benefit from light afternoon shade to prevent scorching.
TemperatureChrysanthemum 'Starlet' mums fare well in a range of temperatures, but they grow best when daytime temperatures are between 60°F and 75°F. They can survive minimum temperatures of 32°F, but frost will damage the plant. Ensure mums are not subjected to temperatures above 80°F, as high heat can impede their growth and flowering potential.
PruningPruning Chrysanthemum 'Starlet' mums is crucial for promoting bushier growth and more abundant blooms. Pinch back the tips of the stems in early summer, and continue to do so until mid-summer to encourage branching. Prune spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming and cut back the plant after flowering to maintain a tidy appearance. The best time for heavy pruning is late autumn or early spring.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFor mums, the best soil mix should be fertile, well-drained with a pH between 6.5-6.7. Mix equal parts garden soil, peat moss, and perlite for optimum growth.
RepottingMums should be repotted every one to two years to refresh the soil and accommodate their growth.
Humidity & MistingMums thrive best in moderate humidity conditions, ideally around 60% relative humidity.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place mums in bright, indirect light indoors to ensure healthy growth.
Outdoor
Ensure full sun to partial shade and protect from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleThe Chrysanthemum 'Starlet', commonly known as the mums or garden mums, begins as seeds sown in well-draining soil in late spring after the threat of frost has passed. The seeds germinate within one to three weeks, emerging as seedlings that quickly grow into vegetative plants with characteristic deeply lobed leaves. Throughout the summer, the plants enter a vigorous phase of vegetative growth, establishing a robust root system and abundant foliage. As daylight hours decrease entering late summer to early fall, the mums enter the budding phase, developing flower buds that bloom into vibrant flowers that can last for weeks; this is the plant's reproductive stage aimed at attracting pollinators for seed production. Towards the end of fall, after the flowering period, the plant begins to senesce, with leaves and stems wilting as it enters dormancy through the winter season. With proper care and if perennial in climate, the mum will re-emerge from its root system the following spring to repeat its life cycle; otherwise, it completes its life cycle within one year as an annual.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
The most popular method of propagation for Chrysanthemum 'Starlet', commonly known as mums, is through stem cuttings. This method is typically done in spring to early summer when the plants are producing new, tender growth. A gardener would select a healthy, non-flowering shoot and cut a 4 to 6-inch (10 to 15 cm) length of stem, making sure to include several sets of leaves. The bottom leaves are removed and the cut end of the stem is dipped into rooting hormone powder to encourage root development. The prepared cutting is then inserted into a pot filled with a well-draining soil mix, with the remaining leaves just above the soil surface. The pot is placed in a warm, brightly lit area, out of direct sunlight, and kept consistently moist. Roots typically develop within a few weeks, after which the new mum plant can be transplanted into the garden.
