Chrysanthemum Chrysanthemum 'Wendy' (29c)
ABOUT
Chrysanthemum 'Wendy' is a showy plant known for its vibrant floral display. The flowers have a daisy-like appearance, with a central disk surrounded by rows of petals. Typically, these petals are a rich color, often shades of pink, red, or purple, making them quite striking in a garden setting. The leaves of Chrysanthemum 'Wendy' are deeply lobed and have a slightly toothed edge, giving them a textured look. They are typically a rich green color, providing a lush backdrop for the brightly colored flowers. The foliage can also add to the plant's overall bushy and full appearance. The stems are sturdy, allowing them to support the weight of the blooms. During the blooming period, which usually happens in the late summer into fall, the plant is covered with these charming flowers, creating a dense bouquet of color that can enhance any landscape or garden space. Chrysanthemum 'Wendy' offers a long-lasting display that attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies, adding to its appeal and the vibrancy of the garden.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae.
Synonyms
Garden Mum, Florist's Chrysanthemum, Hardy Chrysanthemum.
Common names
Dendranthema grandiflorum 'Wendy', Chrysanthemum morifolium 'Wendy'.
ToxicityTo humans
Chrysanthemums, commonly known as mums, can be mildly toxic if ingested by humans. They contain compounds called pyrethrins, which in large amounts can cause skin irritation, itching, swelling, and in some cases, dermatitis from contact. If ingested, symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and a loss of coordination. However, serious cases are rare and most exposures result in minimal to no symptoms.
To pets
Chrysanthemums, often called mums, are toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. They contain pyrethrins, which can lead to symptoms like drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, incoordination, dermatitis from contact with the fur, and if ingested in large enough quantities, can cause more severe reactions such as agitation or neurological effects. It is advisable to prevent pets from ingesting any part of the plant to avoid these possible consequences.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
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- Aesthetic Appeal: Chrysanthemums are popular for their vibrant and varied colors, which can brighten up any garden or landscape.
- Seasonal Interest: As a fall-blooming plant, Chrysanthemums provide color and beauty in the garden when many other plants are fading.
- Attracts Pollinators: Chrysanthemums can attract bees and butterflies, which are beneficial for pollination and the overall health of the garden.
- Versatility: They can be used in many settings, including borders, beds, and containers, making them adaptable to various garden designs.
- Easy to Propagate: Chrysanthemums can be easily propagated from cuttings or by division, making it simple to expand your collection or share with others.
- Durability: They are known for their robustness and are able to withstand cooler temperatures that come with fall.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Natural dye: The petals of the chrysanthemum can be used to create a natural yellow or gold dye for fabrics and yarns.
- Photographic chemicals: Chrysanthemum flowers have been used in the preparation of certain chemicals used in early photography for toning photographs.
- Composting: Dead or fading chrysanthemum plants can be added to compost piles where they decompose and enrich the soil with nutrients.
- Insect repellent bedding for pets: Dried chrysanthemum flowers can be included in bedding for pets to naturally deter fleas and ticks.
- Garden aesthetics: They can be planted in outdoor spaces to create intricate patterns and designs due to their varied colors and shapes.
- Fish aquariums: Some aquarists use dried chrysanthemum petals in fish tanks to provide a natural environment and potentially anti-bacterial benefits.
- Culinary decoration: Edible varieties of chrysanthemum petals can be used to decorate desserts and fancy drinks.
- Art supplies: The petals can be pressed and used in art projects, such as making bookmarks, greeting cards, or in scrapbooking.
- Floral baths: Chrysanthemum petals can be added to bathwater for a fragrant and relaxing experience.
- Educational tool: The plant can be used in schools or educational gardens to teach about plant biology, cultivation, and the lifecycle of perennials.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiChrysanthemums are believed to bring happiness and laughter to the home in Feng Shui, so placing Chrysanthemums in living areas can promote positivity and good energy. Specifically, placing them in areas of the Bagua where you want to introduce Metal energy, such as the Children & Creativity or Travel & Helpful People sectors, can be beneficial since they are associated with the autumn season and the metal element.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Chrysanthemum is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Longevity: Chrysanthemums are often associated with long life and well-being in many cultures due to their hardiness and ability to bloom into the late autumn.
- Rejuvenation: Because they bloom in fall, chrysanthemums symbolize the idea of renewal and revitalization, reminding us that life can flourish at any season.
- Nobility: In some Asian cultures, the chrysanthemum is a noble flower, representing a high status and elegance.
- Death and Grief: In several European countries, chrysanthemums are associated with death and are often used for funerary arrangements, symbolizing lamentation or grief.
- Friendship: The flower is also a symbol of friendship and well-wishing, possibly due to its wide use in social celebrations and gift-giving.
- Honesty: Some believe the chrysanthemum represents honesty in the language of flowers, possibly due to its open and full bloom.
WaterMums, such as the Chrysanthemum 'Wendy', prefer consistently moist soil but should not be overwatered to avoid root rot. It's usually best to water these plants once every week with approximately 1 gallon of water, ensuring a thorough soaking of the soil. During hotter, drier periods, they may need water twice a week. Use the fingertip test to determine if the top inch of soil is dry before watering again. Over the course of a month, you should generally expect to water your mums about 4-8 times depending on climate conditions.
LightMums thrive in conditions where they can receive full sunlight. The best spot for the Chrysanthemum 'Wendy' is an area that receives at least 6 hours of direct sun daily. They can tolerate partial shade, but flowering may be reduced. A south-facing location is generally the most ideal to ensure sufficient sunlight for robust growth.
TemperatureMums are best suited for moderate temperatures and can be sensitive to extreme heat. The ideal temperature range for the Chrysanthemum 'Wendy' is between 60°F and 75°F. These plants can survive minimum temperatures down to around 32°F and maximum temperatures up to about 90°F, but prolonged exposure outside of the ideal range can be harmful.
PruningPrune mums like the Chrysanthemum 'Wendy' to encourage bushier growth and more blooms. Prune them in early spring when new growth appears and again in summer to pinch back the tips. This can be done every couple of weeks until about mid-July, which is typically the best time to stop pruning to allow flower buds to form for a fall display.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe ideal soil mix for Chrysanthemum, commonly known as Mum, should be well-draining and fertile, with added compost or peat to enhance fertility. A good mix would be equal parts of garden soil, peat or compost, and perlite or sand. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, ideally between 6.0 and 7.0. Regular feeding with a balanced fertilizer will support robust growth.
RepottingMums should be repotted every one to two years to ensure they have enough space to grow and to replenish nutrients in the soil. It's best to repot them after the blooming season or in early spring before new growth begins.
Humidity & MistingMums prefer average home humidity levels. To thrive, aim for a humidity level between 40-60%. They can tolerate lower humidity, but for the best growth and flower production, maintaining this range is beneficial.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Mums in bright indirect light and keep the soil moist.
Outdoor
Plant Mums in well-draining soil with full to partial sun.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleChrysanthemum 'Wendy' begins its life as a seed or cutting, where it quickly germinates or roots when placed in soil with adequate warmth and moisture. As it enters the vegetative stage, the plant develops a stem, leaves, and a root system, during which it requires sufficient light, water, and nutrients to grow. The plant then undergoes the budding stage, where flower buds form and start to differentiate. Following this, the flowering stage occurs, characterized by the opening of vibrant blooms that attract pollinators and may be used for aesthetic purposes or propagation. After pollination, the seed formation stage begins, where the plant develops seeds that can be dispersed for reproduction. Finally, in the senescence stage, the above-ground portions of the Chrysanthemum 'Wendy' plant may die back, especially in regions with cold winters, while the root system or the seeds remain dormant until the next growth cycle commences.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Chrysanthemum 'Wendy', commonly known as mums, can be propagated most popularly through stem cuttings. The best time to take these cuttings is in the late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. To do this, a 4- to 6-inch (about 10-15 cm) section of the stem is cut from the mother plant. It's important that each cutting has at least a couple of leaves. The lower leaves are then removed, and the cut end is dipped in rooting hormone powder to encourage root growth. The cutting is then placed in a moist potting mix, ensuring at least one of the remaining leaves is above the soil surface. The pot should be kept in indirect light and the soil should be consistently moist until the cutting has rooted, which usually takes a few weeks.
