Chrysanthemum Chrysanthemum 'Tapestry Rose' (21d)

Water

Mums, including the 'Tapestry Rose' variety, generally need to be watered thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which typically amounts to once every week, depending on climate conditions. They require consistent moisture, so it's crucial to avoid letting the soil dry out completely. When watering, aim for providing about 1 to 1.5 gallons per square yard every week during the growing season, adjusting for rainfall. Water directly at the base to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to disease.

Light

'Tapestry Rose' mums thrive best in full sun, meaning at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Placing them in a spot that receives morning light and some afternoon shade can be helpful, particularly in hotter regions. This ensures they get sufficient light without being stressed by the intense heat of late-day sun.

Temperature

'Tapestry Rose' mums are hardy and can generally tolerate temperatures as low as 32 degrees Fahrenheit, but they prefer a range between 55 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Optimal growth occurs within this temperature range. Mums may not survive sustained temperatures below freezing without adequate protection or mulching.

Pruning

Prune 'Tapestry Rose' mums to encourage bushy growth and more blooms. Pinch back the growing tips when new shoots are 4 to 6 inches tall, usually in late spring to early summer, and repeat every few weeks until midsummer. Prune dead blooms and leaves to maintain the plant's health and appearance.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The best soil mix for Chrysanthemums, commonly known as Mums, is a well-draining potting mix with added perlite or sand to improve drainage. They prefer slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soil, with an ideal pH range of 6.5 to 6.7. Enrich the soil with compost or well-rotted manure to enhance fertility.

Repotting

Mums should be repotted annually in the spring as they are fast-growing plants. Ensure you are using fresh potting mix each time to provide new nutrients and to prevent root-bound conditions which can hinder their growth.

Humidity & Misting

Mums thrive best in moderate humidity levels. They can tolerate normal indoor humidity, but if the air is too dry, it’s beneficial to provide some additional humidity through occasional misting or by placing a humidity tray near the plant.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place Mums indoors in bright, indirect light and ensure good air circulation.

• Outdoor

  Plant Mums in well-draining soil, full sun to partial shade.

• Hardiness zone

  5-9 USDA

Life cycle

The life cycle of the Chrysanthemum 'Tapestry Rose', commonly known as the Hardy Garden Mum, begins with seed germination, which occurs in a warm and moist environment with plenty of light. Once germinated, the seedling goes through vegetative growth, developing a sturdy stem and a foliage of deeply lobed leaves, thriving best in full sun to part shade in well-drained soil. As the plant matures, it enters the budding stage, where flower buds start to form at the tips of the stems. These buds eventually blossom into the plant's characteristic vibrant pink flowers, usually in late summer to fall, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies. After pollination, the flowers may produce seeds, which can be collected for propagation or naturally dispersed to continue the plant's life cycle. Post-blooming, the Hardy Garden Mum enters a period of dormancy during the colder months, with the above-ground foliage dying back and the plant overwintering through its underground structures until the next growing season.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• Chrysanthemum 'Tapestry Rose', commonly known as mums, are typically propagated through stem cuttings, a method favored for its efficiency and ability to produce true-to-type plants. In the early spring or late summer, select a healthy stem and cut a 4 to 6-inch (10 to 15 cm) portion just below a leaf node. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting and dip the cut end in rooting hormone to encourage root growth. Plant the cutting in a well-draining soil mixture, ensuring that the leaf nodes where you removed leaves are buried beneath the soil surface. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged and maintain moderate temperatures and indirect light. Roots typically develop within a few weeks, after which the young plant can be gradually acclimatized to outdoor conditions before planting in its final location.