Chrysanthemum Chrysanthemum 'Talbot Imp' (29c)
ABOUT
Chrysanthemum 'Talbot Imp' is a captivating ornamental plant widely recognized for its lush, vibrant flowers. The blooms are the star attraction, featuring a plethora of layered petals that give them a full, almost spherical appearance. These petals are delicately arranged in a radial pattern, creating a frilly and textured flower head. Their color is typically rich and saturated, often seen in shades ranging from bright yellows to deep bronzes, though the exact hue can vary. The foliage of 'Talbot Imp' forms an attractive backdrop for the flowers, with leaves that have a deep green color and a slightly glossy surface. The leaves are typically narrow and may show toothed or lobed edges, contributing to the overall lushness of the plant. This variety of chrysanthemum is appreciated for its extended blooming period, which can provide a display of color in the garden when many other plants have begun to fade. It's also favored for its role in autumnal displays, both in the landscape and as cut flowers. The chrysanthemum's general shape is often rounded or slightly mound-forming, creating a pleasing visual structure and making it a suitable choice for borders, beds, and decorative pots. Overall, the 'Talbot Imp' chrysanthemum is a charming plant with a showy presence, thanks to its opulent flowers and rich foliage.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Talbot Imp Chrysanthemum, Talbot's Imposing Chrysanthemum, Talbot Dwarf Mum, Talbot Micro Mum
Common names
Chrysanthemum 'Talbot Imp'
ToxicityTo humans
The common name for Chrysanthemum 'Talbot Imp' is simply chrysanthemum. Chrysanthemums contain compounds that may be irritating to the skin and stomach if handled or ingested. If any part of a chrysanthemum plant is ingested, it may cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and skin rash in sensitive individuals. The plant mainly causes discomfort and is not usually considered severely toxic to humans, but consuming large amounts could potentially lead to more serious symptoms, so medical advice should be sought if ingestion occurs.
To pets
Chrysanthemum, when ingested by pets such as dogs and cats, can be toxic. The plant contains pyrethrins and other similar compounds which can cause symptoms such as drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, incoordination, and dermatitis. In severe cases, ingestion can also lead to depression, hypersalivation, and neurological symptoms like seizures. It is important to keep chrysanthemums away from pets and to consult a veterinarian immediately if accidental ingestion is suspected.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Varies
Flower color
Varies
Height
1-3 feet (0.3-0.9 meters)
Spread
1-3 feet (0.3-0.9 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: Chrysanthemums, also known as mums, are known for their bright and vibrant flowers, adding aesthetic value to gardens and landscapes.
- Seasonal Color: Mums typically bloom in late summer and autumn, providing color and interest in the garden when many other plants have finished flowering.
- Variety: With a wide range of colors and flower forms, mums can be chosen to fit any garden design or color scheme.
- Easy to Grow: Chrysanthemums are generally low maintenance and can be grown with ease by gardeners of all skill levels.
- Long Blooming Period: Many chrysanthemum varieties, including 'Talbot Imp', have a long flowering period, offering extended displays of color.
- Versatile: Mums can be planted in beds, borders, containers, and can also be used as cut flowers for indoor decoration.
- Pollinator-Friendly: These flowers can attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinating insects, supporting biodiversity.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Floral displays: Chrysanthemums can be used in intricate floral displays and competitions due to their diverse shapes and vibrant colors.
- Photographic subjects: Gardening enthusiasts often photograph chrysanthemums because of their beauty and intricate bloom structures, and they can be used in photography workshops and contests.
- Crafting: Dried chrysanthemum petals and leaves can be used in crafting, such as for making bookmarks, greeting cards, or in scrapbooking.
- Culinary decoration: Edible varieties of chrysanthemums can be used to decorate cakes, pastries, and other desserts with their petals or whole flowers.
- Natural dyes: Chrysanthemum flowers can be used to create natural dyes for fabrics, yarns, or paper, yielding various shades depending on the mordant used.
- Bedding plants: Due to their hardiness and long-lasting blooms, chrysanthemums can be planted in garden beds to provide a splash of color in the autumn.
- Companion planting: Chrysanthemum 'Talbot Imp' can be used in companion planting to enhance the growth and flavor of nearby plants or to deter pests with their strong scent.
- Living mulch: Chrysanthemums can be grown as living mulch under taller plants, helping to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
- Art inspiration: The distinct appearance of chrysanthemum flowers makes them a popular subject for artists, inspiring paintings, textile patterns, and other artworks.
- Wedding decor: Chrysanthemums can be included in wedding bouquets, centerpieces, and venue decorations for their array of colors and meanings associated with joy and optimism.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Chrysanthemum is used in Feng Shui to bring positive energy, promote happiness and longevity, and purify the air. They can be placed in areas where you want to introduce Yang energy to encourage activity and brightness, or they can be used in the center of the home to foster balance and a sense of well-being.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Chrysanthemum is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Longevity - Chrysanthemums are often associated with long life due to their robust nature and ability to survive in various climates.
- Rebirth - In some cultures, the Chrysanthemum symbolizes rebirth and the power of life to renew itself.
- Love and Loyalty - In certain contexts, particularly in Japan where the flower is highly celebrated, it can represent devotion and loyalty in relationships.
- Happiness and Joy - Their bright and cheerful appearance often ties Chrysanthemums to themes of joy and positivity.
- Grieving and Tribute - In some European countries, Chrysanthemums are symbolic of mourning and are used to honor the deceased.
- Nobility - In ancient Chinese culture, the Chrysanthemum was a noble plant, often associated with the aristocracy and high society.
WaterFor the Mums 'Talbot Imp', water the plant deeply to ensure the entire root system is moistened, typically amounting to around one inch of water per week. Adjust watering frequency depending on weather conditions, with more frequent watering during hot, dry spells and scaling back when it's cooler or rainy. Overhead watering is not advised because it can lead to fungal diseases; instead, water at the base of the plant. In hotter temperatures or for plants in containers, you may need to water every other day to maintain consistent soil moisture.
LightMums 'Talbot Imp' thrive best in full sunlight, needing at least six hours of direct sun per day to flourish. An ideal spot would be in a south-facing garden or any area unobstructed by trees and buildings that receives plenty of daylight. Avoid overly shaded areas as this can impede the plant's blooming and overall growth.
TemperatureMums 'Talbot Imp' prefer a moderate temperature range, with optimal growth conditions around 70 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They can handle minimum temperatures down to about 32 degrees Fahrenheit but are not tolerant to prolonged freezing conditions. The maximum temperature for these plants should not exceed 90 degrees Fahrenheit for extended periods to prevent heat stress.
PruningPruning Mums 'Talbot Imp' is essential to promote bushier growth and more abundant blooms. Pinch back the tips when the plants are 6 inches tall and continue every 2-3 weeks until midsummer. Prune back the entire plant after flowering to maintain shape and encourage next season's growth. The best time to prune is after the danger of frost has passed in the spring or after the flowers have faded in late fall.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFor Chrysanthemums, also known as mums, the ideal soil mix is well-draining with high organic matter. Use a mixture of loamy soil, peat, and perlite or sand to ensure drainage. These plants prefer a slightly acidic to neutral pH, around 6.0 to 7.0.
RepottingMums should typically be repotted every one to two years to ensure they have sufficient room to grow and to replenish the nutrient content of the soil. The best time to repot is in the spring as new growth begins.
Humidity & MistingMums thrive in moderate humidity levels. It is best to aim for a humidity level around 40-60%. Avoid placing them in overly dry environments or where drastic humidity changes are common.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light, good airflow, and well-draining soil for indoor mums.
Outdoor
Plant in well-draining soil, full sun to partial shade, and shelter from wind.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleThe Chrysanthemum 'Talbot Imp', commonly known as Mum or Hardy Garden Mum, begins its life cycle as a seed or a vegetative cutting. The seed or cutting germinates or roots, respectively, and grows into a young vegetative plant, developing a robust root system and foliage. As it matures, the plant enters the vegetative growth stage where it produces a bushy structure with many leaves. Upon exposure to shorter daylight hours, typically in late summer to fall, the Mum initiates the flowering stage, developing buds that bloom into characteristic vibrant flowers. After flowering, the plant sets seeds if pollination occurs, completing its reproductive cycle. In colder climates, Mums may die back in winter, but they can re-emerge as perennials or be cultivated anew from stored seeds or cuttings the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Summer
Chrysanthemum 'Talbot Imp,' commonly known as the hardy garden mum, is typically propagated through stem cuttings. This is the most popular method of propagating these plants because it is efficient and maintains the characteristics of the parent plant. To propagate hardy garden mums using stem cuttings, you should cut a piece of the stem about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) long, making sure it has at least a couple of leaves. These cuttings are taken in late spring or early summer when the plant's growth is vigorous. The cut basal end of the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone powder to encourage roots and then planted in a well-draining soil mixture. The soil should be kept consistently moist but not waterlogged until the cutting has rooted, which typically takes a few weeks. Once the new plants have established a strong root system, they can be transplanted to their final location.
