Chrysanthemum Chrysanthemum 'Tricia' (9d)
ABOUT
The Chrysanthemum 'Tricia' is a flowering plant known for its vibrant and attractive blooms. It produces an abundance of flowers characterized by their rich and vivid colors, which can vary from bright yellows to deep purples, pinks, and reds. The individual flowers are composed of numerous layered petals that can create a full, rounded appearance, resembling pom-poms or buttons depending on the variety. Each petal has a smooth texture and may exhibit a gradient of color, often with a darker shade at the base, which gradually lightens as it reaches the tip. The center of each flower is typically a deeper hue, giving it a pronounced and eye-catching contrast against the petals. The foliage of the Chrysanthemum 'Tricia' consists of deeply lobed leaves with a rich green color. These leaves are dense and create a lush backdrop for the display of blossoms. The plant has a bushy growth habit, forming clusters of flowers which are held above the foliage on sturdy stems. The overall appearance of the Chrysanthemum 'Tricia' plant is one of abundant beauty, making it a popular choice for garden displays, borders, and floral arrangements due to its striking color and form. It is often celebrated for its autumnal blooming, which can provide a fresh wave of color in the garden when many other plants begin to fade.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Chrysanthemum, Mum, Hardy Chrysanthemum, Garden Mum, Florist's Chrysanthemum.
Common names
Chrysanthemum 'Tricia'.
ToxicityTo humans
The common name for Chrysanthemum 'Tricia' is simply chrysanthemum. Chrysanthemums are not highly toxic to humans, but they can cause dermatitis in some individuals who have sensitive skin or are allergic to the plant. If ingested, they may cause mild gastrointestinal upset, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. There have been very few reported cases of serious poisoning in humans from eating chrysanthemums, but it's still advisable not to consume any part of this plant.
To pets
The common name for Chrysanthemum 'Tricia' is chrysanthemum. Chrysanthemums are toxic to pets, including dogs and cats. The plant contains compounds called pyrethrins, which can be harmful if ingested. Symptoms of chrysanthemum poisoning in pets can include vomiting, diarrhea, hypersalivation, incoordination, and dermatitis. In severe cases, ingestion may lead to depression, muscle tremors, and seizures. It is important to prevent pets from ingesting any part of the chrysanthemum plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
1-3 feet (30-90 cm)
Spread
1-3 feet (30-90 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Chrysanthemums, commonly known as mums, are popular for their bright and colorful flowers which can enhance the beauty of gardens and landscapes.
- Variety: Mums come in a range of colors, shapes, and sizes, making them versatile for different garden designs and themes.
- Seasonal Interest: Mums are known for their late-season bloom, providing color and interest in the garden when many other plants are past their prime.
- Pollinator Friendly: They attract bees and butterflies, which are essential for the pollination of many plants and the overall health of gardens.
- Easy to Grow: Mums are hardy and can be relatively easy to care for, making them suitable for both experienced and novice gardeners.
- Cut Flowers: Mums are excellent for cut flower arrangements due to their long vase life and vibrant blooms.
- Companion Planting: They work well when planted alongside other autumn-blooming plants, creating a cohesive and attractive garden display.
- Container Gardening: Mums can be grown in pots, making them a good option for those with limited space or for adding seasonal interest to patios and balconies.
- Celebrations and Festivities: Mums have cultural significance in many parts of the world and are often used during festivals and celebrations, particularly in Asia.
- Garden Filler: They can serve as an excellent filler in garden beds and borders, helping to create full and lush landscapes.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Natural Insect Repellent: Chrysanthemum 'Tricia' can be used to naturally deter pests such as aphids and ticks due to its pyrethrin content.
- Companion Planting: Gardeners plant Chrysanthemum 'Tricia' among vegetables to help protect them from harmful insects without the use of chemical insecticides.
- Crafts and Dye: The petals of Chrysanthemum 'Tricia' can be used to create a natural yellow to gold dye for fabrics or in crafts.
- Photography: They are a popular subject for photographers, offering a range of colors and forms to capture in various styles of photography.
- Culinary Garnish: The flower petals of edible varieties can add colour and a slight tang to salads and desserts.
- Embalming: In some cultures, Chrysanthemum 'Tricia' can be used in the embalming process due to their strong scent and symbolic association with fidelity and optimism.
- Bioremediation: Certain varieties of Chrysanthemum can absorb pollutants or heavy metals from the soil, though 'Tricia' is not specifically known for this.
- Art and Illustration: Chrysanthemum 'Tricia' is often depicted in art and illustrations, symbolizing autumn and the cycle of life.
- Floral Arrangements: They are a popular choice for floral arrangements, including Ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arranging.
- Teaching Tool: They can be used in educational settings to teach botany or horticulture, focusing on plant structure, growth, and care.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Chrysanthemum is often used in Feng Shui for its properties of bringing happiness and longevity. To incorporate the Chrysanthemum in Feng Shui, it is best to place these flowers in the living room area for family harmony or in areas where meditation or quiet contemplation occurs to promote a soothing energy and a life of ease.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Chrysanthemum is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Longevity: Chrysanthemums are often associated with long life and immortality. This is attributed to their hardiness and ability to survive the first frosts of autumn.
- Rejuvenation: Their propensity to bloom in the fall, a time when many plants are preparing to enter dormancy, symbolizes the idea of rebirth and the power to recover from adversity.
- Nobility: In Asian cultures, particularly in Japan, the chrysanthemum is a noble flower, representing perfection and divinity. It is also closely associated with the imperial family.
- Loyalty: The flower's ability to return every year with bright blooms symbolizes fidelity and devotion, themes that are frequently celebrated in literature and art.
- Death: In some European cultures, chrysanthemums are seen as flowers of mourning and are often used for funereal arrangements or to honor the memory of the deceased.
- Happiness and Optimism: With their bright, cheerful appearance, chrysanthemums often represent joy and the positive aspects of life, uplifting spirits with their vibrant colors.
- Friendship: Because of their association with joy and being a gift often exchanged among friends, chrysanthemums can also be a symbol of strong and supportive friendships.
WaterMums, including the Chrysanthemum 'Tricia', should be carefully watered to maintain a consistent level of moisture in the soil without drowning the plant. This typically means watering thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Mums generally require watering once every 2 to 3 days, depending on climate conditions and soil type; however, during particularly hot or windy weather, they may need water more frequently. The amount varies, but typically 1 to 2 gallons per week for outdoor plants is sufficient to keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Make sure to avoid wetting foliage, as this can increase the risk of disease.
LightMums thrive in full sunshine to produce the most blooms. The Chrysanthemum 'Tricia' should be placed in a location where it will receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. If grown indoors, a south-facing window is often the best spot to provide bright light that these flowers need for optimal growth and blossoming.
TemperatureThe ideal growing temperatures for mums, including the Chrysanthemum 'Tricia', are between 70°F and 75°F during the day and no less than 60°F at night. They can survive temperatures as low as 32°F, but frost can damage the plant, so it's best to protect them if temperatures dip below freezing. Mums generally prefer cooler nighttime temperatures and moderate daytime temperatures to develop the best blooms.
PruningPruning mums like Chrysanthemum 'Tricia' encourages a more compact, bushy growth and increases the number of blooms. Pinching back the tips of shoots when they are 4 to 6 inches tall and repeating every few weeks until midsummer can help achieve this. The best time to prune mums is in the early spring when new growth appears, and then periodically throughout the summer until about mid-July.
CleaningAs needed
SoilMums thrive in well-draining soil that's high in organic matter with a pH of around 6.5. A good mix is 60% garden soil, 30% peat moss, and 10% perlite to ensure proper drainage and aeration.
RepottingMums should typically be repotted every one to two years, usually in the spring before the onset of new growth to give the roots room to expand and to refresh the soil.
Humidity & MistingMums prefer moderate humidity levels around 40-60% but are adaptable to typical indoor humidity conditions as long as they have good air circulation.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place mums in bright, indirect light and ensure good air flow.
Outdoor
Plant in well-draining soil; full sun to part shade.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleChrysanthemum 'Tricia', commonly known as 'Hardy Mum', begins its life cycle when the seeds are sown in well-draining soil, usually in spring after the danger of frost has passed. The seedlings emerge and grow into young plants, which develop a bushy form with dark green leaves. During the vegetative stage, the plant grows and matures, storing energy for the blooming period. As the days shorten and temperatures cool, typically in late summer to fall, the plant enters the flowering stage, where it produces an abundant display of flowers that can vary in color. After blooming, the plant sets seeds, which can be collected for propagation or allowed to fall to the ground where they may germinate the following season. Finally, as winter approaches, the plant goes dormant, with the above-ground parts dying back and the plant relying on its root system to survive the cold, awaiting the next growing season to start the cycle anew.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Chrysanthemum 'Tricia', commonly known as the mum, is best propagated through stem cuttings, a method widely used due to its effectiveness in producing true-to-parent plants. To propagate mums by stem cuttings, select a healthy stem with at least a few sets of leaves and cut a 4-6 inch (10-15 cm) piece just below a leaf node. Strip the leaves from the lower half of the cutting and dip the cut end into rooting hormone powder. Place the cutting into a pot filled with moistened potting mix or a mix of peat and perlite, ensuring at least one or two nodes are buried where leaves were removed. Cover the cutting with a plastic bag or a clear container to maintain high humidity and keep it in a warm place with indirect light. Roots typically develop within a few weeks, after which the plastic can be removed and the new mum can be gradually acclimated to its growing conditions.
