Chrysanthemum Chrysanthemum 'Stockton' (3b)
ABOUT
The Chrysanthemum 'Stockton' is a picturesque, herbaceous perennial plant that showcases a stunning array of flowers which boast a vibrant coloration. Typically, these flowers are characterized by their layered, lush petals that radiate from the center, creating a domed and full appearance that's often associated with pompom-like forms. The petals can display a variety of shades, sometimes offering a gradient of color that adds depth and visual interest. Adding to the charm of this type of chrysanthemum is its foliage. The leaves are verdant and can be described as deeply lobed with a somewhat jagged edge, giving them a textured look that contrasts nicely against the softer, rounded shape of the blossoms. These leaves are arranged alternately along the stems, creating a well-balanced and bushy aspect. Though we're avoiding the mention of specific dimensions, 'Stockton' maintains a size that allows it to be a prominent feature in garden beds and borders. It's notable that this plant exudes a lush, dense quality, enhancing its presence wherever it is grown. In the right conditions, the Chrysanthemum 'Stockton' flourishes, offering a generous display of its distinctive and ornamental flowers which can often be the highlight of the autumn garden.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae.
Synonyms
Stockton Chrysanthemum, Stockton Mum.
Common names
Chrysanthum indicum, Chrysanthemum leucanthemum, Dendranthema x grandiflorum, Dendranthema x morifolium, Dendranthema grandiflora, Dendranthema indicum, Dendranthema x grandiflora, Leucanthemum vulgare.
ToxicityTo humans
Chrysanthemums, often called mums or chrysanths, generally have a low toxicity level to humans. If ingested in large quantities, they may cause mild gastrointestinal upset, including symptoms like diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Skin contact with the sap may lead to dermatitis in sensitive individuals. It is advisable to handle these plants with care and not ingest any part of them.
To pets
Chrysanthemums, commonly referred to as mums, are considered to be toxic to pets, including dogs and cats. If ingested, they can cause symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, hypersalivation, incoordination, and dermatitis. The toxicity is due to the presence of compounds called pyrethrins, which can negatively affect the nervous system of pets. It is important to keep these plants out of reach of pets to avoid any adverse effects from ingestion.
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
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Chrysanthemum 'Stockton' offers vibrant colors and diverse forms, enhancing visual interest and beauty in gardens and landscapes.
- Pollinator Attraction: This variety of chrysanthemum serves as an inviting bloom for pollinators such as bees and butterflies, supporting local ecosystems.
- Seasonal Display: 'Stockton' mums provide a spectacular display of colors in the fall, extending the gardening season's interest.
- Easy to Grow: Chrysanthemums are known for being low-maintenance, making them suitable for gardeners of all experience levels.
- Versatility: They can be grown in beds, borders, containers, and as cut flowers, offering flexibility in garden design.
- Durability: Resistant to many pests and diseases, Chrysanthemum 'Stockton' is a robust option for long-lasting garden performance.
- Cultural Significance: Chrysanthemums have various cultural meanings and are often used in festivals and celebrations around the world.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photographic subjects: The unique blooms of Chrysanthemum 'Stockton' can provide striking imagery for photographers, making them a popular subject for macro and fine art photography.
- Artistic inspiration: Artists may use the form and color of Chrysanthemum 'Stockton' as inspiration for paintings, drawings, and textile designs.
- Natural dye: The petals can be used to create a natural dye for fabrics, yarns, or paper, imparting a range of colors depending on the mordant used.
- Culinary decoration: Petals can be used to add color and a floral garnish to salads, desserts, and drinks.
- Companion planting: Chrysanthemum 'Stockton' can be planted among vegetable gardens to attract beneficial insects and deter pests.
- Symbolism: Chrysanthemums are often associated with loyalty and devotion, making them suitable for use in events that celebrate these themes, such as anniversaries.
- Floral crafts: The flowers can be used in making potpourri, dried flower arrangements, or pressed flower art.
- Cultural festivals: Chrysanthemums are significant in many cultures and can be used in festivals such as the Japanese Festival of Happiness or the Chinese Double Ninth Festival.
- Teaching tool: In educational settings, Chrysanthemum 'Stockton' can be used to teach botany, plant propagation, and horticulture.
- Color palettes: The diverse colors of Chrysanthemum 'Stockton' blooms can inspire interior designers and decorators to create complementary color schemes for spaces.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiChrysanthemums are believed to bring happiness and joy into the home, so you might place them in living areas to encourage a positive, cheerful atmosphere. They’re also associated with longevity and health, which makes them a good choice for areas where you need a boost in well-being, such as the health corner or east sector of your space.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Chrysanthemum is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Loyalty and Devoted Love: Chrysanthemums, often known as mums, are frequently given as gifts to symbolize loyalty and devoted love due to their long-lasting nature and wide array of colors.
- Longevity and Health: In some cultures, mums are a symbol of long life and good health because they are known to bloom in the fall when many other plants are dying.
- Rebirth and Renewal: The ability of chrysanthemums to return year after year and bloom in autumn is associated with themes of rebirth and the idea of life continuing through cycles.
- Grief and Sorrow: In some European countries, chrysanthemums are reserved for funerals or to honor the dead, symbolizing lamentation or grief.
- Nobility and Honor: In Asian cultures, particularly Japan, the chrysanthemum is a noble flower, representing perfection, nobility, and honor. It is associated with the imperial family.
- Friendship: Due to their wide variety of colors and ability to bring cheer to the garden, chrysanthemums are often considered a flower of friendship.
WaterMums, including the Chrysanthemum 'Stockton', should be watered consistently to keep the soil moist but not soggy. During active growth, especially in the warmer months, they may need watering once or twice a week. Apply approximately one gallon of water per plant each time you water, ensuring it's distributed evenly around the base and not on the foliage to avoid diseases. As the weather cools or if receiving adequate rainfall, you can reduce the frequency. Always check the top inch of soil for dryness before watering.
LightMums thrive best in full sunlight, so place your Chrysanthemum 'Stockton' in a spot where it will receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. Avoid shaded areas, as insufficient light can result in a leggy plant with fewer blooms. Morning sunlight is particularly beneficial because it dries the dew on the leaves, helping prevent fungal diseases.
TemperatureMums, including the Chrysanthemum 'Stockton', prefer moderate temperatures and will flourish in conditions ranging from 55 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They can tolerate minimum temperatures down to about 32 degrees Fahrenheit and maximum temperatures up to about 86 degrees Fahrenheit. For best growth and flowering, aim to keep your mum within the ideal temperature range and protect it from extreme conditions.
PruningPrune your Chrysanthemum 'Stockton' to encourage bushiness and more blooms. Pinch back the tips when the plant is about 6 inches tall and continue to do so every few weeks until midsummer. This will result in a compact plant with more flowers. Prune off any spent flowers to promote continuous blooming.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Chrysanthemum 'Stockton', commonly known as mums, should be well-draining and fertile, with a mix of two parts loam, one part peat moss, and one part perlite. The preferred pH level for mums is slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0.
RepottingMums are typically repotted or planted annually. Chrysanthemum 'Stockton' should be repotted every year in the spring, before the onset of the growing season, to refresh the soil and encourage healthy growth.
Humidity & MistingMums prefer a moderate humidity level. Chrysanthemum 'Stockton' thrives best with humidity levels around 40-60%, which often aligns with typical household conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place mums in bright indirect light and ensure ample airflow.
Outdoor
Full sun, well-draining soil, and provide space for air circulation.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleThe chrysanthemum 'Stockton' begins its life cycle as a seed, which, when sown, will germinate and emerge as a seedling with characteristic oval leaves. As the plant matures, it enters the vegetative stage, producing a bushy cluster of dark green foliage. During the transition to the flowering stage, triggered by shorter day lengths, the plant develops buds that bloom into the ornamental flowers known for their variety of colors and forms. Post-blooming, the plant enters a period of senescence where the flowers fade and, if left unattended, can set seed for the next generation. In cultivation, however, plants are often propagated via cuttings or division rather than seeds to maintain varietal characteristics. Once the growing season is over and if exposed to frost or freezing temperatures, the plant will die back, but can regrow from rootstock if the climate and care permit, completing the life cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-early summer
Chrysanthemum 'Stockton', commonly known as mums or chrysanths, is frequently propagated through division, which is a popular method. This technique involves splitting the perennial's root ball into smaller sections, each with an adequate amount of roots and shoots. Division is best performed in the early spring before the new growth starts, or in the late autumn after the flowering has ceased. To propagate, carefully dig up the mother plant, ensuring to keep as many roots intact as possible. The root ball should then be gently broken apart either by hand or with a sharp knife, into clumps that contain at least one to two shoots and a healthy root system. These divisions are then immediately replanted in well-draining soil at the same depth they were originally growing. Water the new plants thoroughly, which in American measurements would equate to about 1 inch (2.54 centimeters) of water, to help establish them.
