Chrysanthemum Chrysanthemum 'White Margaret' (29c)
ABOUT
The Chrysanthemum 'White Margaret' is a captivating ornamental plant known for its lush and abundant floral display. This plant produces a profusion of daisy-like flowers that feature pure white petals radiating around a cheerful yellow center, creating a classic and elegant look. The blossoms are plentiful and tend to cover the foliage when the plant is in full bloom, showcasing a sea of white that can brighten any garden space. The leaves of the 'White Margaret' are green and deeply lobed with a slightly serrated edge, which gives the foliage a textured appearance. These leaves form a dense and bushy backdrop to the spectacular flowering spectacle and remain healthy-looking throughout the growing season. The overall form of the plant is neat and mounded, contributing to its popularity for creating tidy and visually pleasing garden arrangements or potted displays. This variety of Chrysanthemum is favored for its generous flowering period and its ability to provide a striking contrast when planted alongside plants with darker foliage or flowers of rich hues. Whether used in garden beds, borders, or containers, the Chrysanthemum 'White Margaret' brings grace and charm to any setting, and its white blossoms can also be cut and used in floral arrangements to add a touch of sophistication indoors.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
White Margaret Chrysanthemum, White Daisy Mum, White Marguerite Mum
Common names
Dendranthema grandiflorum 'White Margaret', Chrysanthemum grandiflorum 'White Margaret', Chrysanthemum morifolium 'White Margaret'.
ToxicityTo humans
Chrysanthemums, commonly known as mums, are not highly poisonous to humans, but they can cause dermatitis or skin irritation in some individuals upon contact. If ingested, they may cause mild gastrointestinal upset including diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. It's usually not severe, but it's advisable to seek medical attention if any adverse symptoms occur after ingestion.
To pets
Chrysanthemums, commonly known as mums, are toxic to pets, especially dogs and cats. If ingested, they can cause symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, hypersalivation, incoordination, and dermatitis. In severe cases, ingestion can lead to neurological signs or an allergic reaction. If you suspect your pet has ingested chrysanthemums, contact a veterinarian immediately.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
1-3 feet (0.3-0.9 meters)
Spread
1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Decorative Appeal: Chrysanthemums are popular for their vibrant and diverse colors, and the 'White Margaret' provides crisp, white blossoms that can blend with any garden color scheme or serve as an elegant standalone feature.
- Seasonal Interest: This variety typically blooms in late summer to fall, offering visual interest in the garden during a time when many other plants have finished flowering.
- Landscape Versatility: 'White Margaret' chrysanthemums can be used in various landscape applications, including borders, containers, and as a focal point in garden beds.
- Pollinator Friendly: These flowers attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, which are essential for the health of gardens and ecosystems.
- Gift Plant: Due to its attractive appearance and its association with various cultural celebrations, the Chrysanthemum 'White Margaret' can be potted and given as a festive gift.
- Easy to Grow: Chrysanthemums are relatively easy to care for, making them suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, they can be quite drought-tolerant, making them appropriate for water-conserving gardens.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Edible Decorations: The petals of the chrysanthemum can be candied or used fresh to decorate cakes and desserts, adding a touch of elegance.
- Botanical Dyes: Chrysanthemums can be used in producing a yellow or golden natural dye for fabrics, yarn or paper.
- Aromatherapy: The scent of chrysanthemum flowers might be used in creating a calming atmosphere for relaxation or meditation spaces.
- Photography: Due to their intricate beauty, chrysanthemums are popular subjects for floral and macro photography enthusiasts.
- Garden Companions: They can be planted in vegetable gardens to attract beneficial insects that prey on garden pests.
- Craft Projects: Dried chrysanthemum flowers are often used in making potpourri or incorporated into homemade crafts and ornaments.
- Insect Repellent: Some cultures hang dried chrysanthemum flowers to deter fleas and other insects in their homes.
- Ikebana: The Japanese art of flower arranging uses chrysanthemums extensively to create balanced and harmonious displays.
- Festive Garlands: In various cultures, chrysanthemum flowers are strung into garlands for celebrations and ceremonies.
- Culinary Experiments: Some innovative chefs use chrysanthemum petals to infuse syrups or create botanical cocktails with a floral note.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Chrysanthemum is considered in Feng Shui as a symbol of joy and immortality. To use this plant according to Feng Shui, place white chrysanthemums in areas where you wish to introduce metal energy, such as the west or northwest areas of a space, to promote clarity, precision, and freshness.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Chrysanthemum is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Purity: The white color of the Chrysanthemum 'White Margaret' symbolizes purity and innocence, often used in bridal bouquets and religious ceremonies.
- Grief and Mourning: In some cultures, white chrysanthemums are symbolic of lamentation and grief, making them suitable for funerals or to express sympathy.
- Loyalty and Devotion: Chrysanthemums, in general, represent loyalty and devotion, reflecting the enduring quality of true friendship and committed relationships.
- Truth: The clear color of white is associated with honesty and truth, suggesting that the giver of white chrysanthemums is conveying their sincere feelings or intentions.
- Nobility: In some Asian cultures, the chrysanthemum is a noble flower, often associated with aristocracy and elegance.
- Rejuvenation: Chrysanthemums are known to bloom in the fall, symbolizing the idea of life and rebirth amidst the onset of winter.
WaterFor a Chrysanthemum, commonly known as 'mum', watering should be done regularly to keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy. As a general guide, water your 'White Margaret' mum with about one gallon of water per week, but be prepared to adjust this amount depending on weather conditions, especially during hot or windy days when plants can dry out faster. Overhead watering is discouraged as it can lead to leaf and flower diseases; instead, water directly at the base of the plant early in the day to allow any moisture on the foliage to dry before nightfall.
LightMums thrive best in full sun, which means they should receive at least six hours of direct sunlight on a daily basis. For the 'White Margaret' mum, positioning it in a spot where it can enjoy morning sun and some afternoon shade would be ideal to protect it from the intense heat of the late day. If grown indoors, a south-facing window is a suitable location to provide enough light.
TemperatureMums, including the 'White Margaret' variety, prefer a moderate temperature range and can tolerate a minimum of 32°F without damage. Ideally, they should be kept in an environment where temperatures are between 60°F and 75°F for optimal growth. They can survive brief periods of colder temperatures, but prolonged exposure to conditions below freezing can be detrimental to the plant.
PruningPruning mums, such as 'White Margaret', is essential for promoting bushier growth and more blooms. It’s best to prune in the spring, once the new growth has started, and continue pinching back the tips of the stems through early summer. This helps to create a denser plant with more flowers. Stop pruning around mid-July to allow flower buds to form for the fall blooming season.
CleaningAs needed
SoilChrysanthemum, commonly known as mums, thrives in well-draining soil with high organic matter. A mixture of equal parts garden soil, peat moss, and perlite would be ideal for 'White Margaret'. The pH level should be between 6.0 and 7.0 for optimal growth and flower production.
RepottingMums should be repotted every one to two years to refresh the soil and allow for continued root growth. 'White Margaret' benefits from repotting in the spring before the onset of the growing season.
Humidity & Misting'White Margaret' mums prefer moderate humidity levels around 40-60%. Avoid excessively high humidity to prevent disease issues and provide good air circulation.
Suitable locationsIndoor
For 'White Margaret' mums, ensure bright light and cool temps indoors.
Outdoor
Place 'White Margaret' mums in sun-part shade, protect from harsh winds.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleThe Chrysanthemum 'White Margaret'—better known as the 'White Marguerite Daisy'—begins its life cycle as a seed, which when sown in fertile, well-drained soil and with the right conditions, will germinate. After the seedlings emerge and grow sufficiently, they enter the vegetative stage, developing a robust root system and foliage through the process of photosynthesis. As the plant matures, it enters the budding stage; flower buds form, signaling the impending flowering phase. During the flowering stage, the White Marguerite Daisy showcases its large, radiant white flowers with yellow centers that attract pollinators. After pollination, the flowers will produce seeds, completing the reproductive cycle. Eventually, as the season ends or environmental conditions become unfavorable, the plant enters dormancy or dies, with the seeds ensuring the continuation of the species.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Chrysanthemum 'White Margaret', commonly known as mums, is often propagated through stem cuttings, a popular method due to its simplicity and effectiveness. To propagate mums from cuttings, take a 4-6 inch (10-15 cm) stem cutting from a healthy parent plant just below a leaf node, where the concentration of growth hormones is high. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end into rooting hormone powder to encourage root growth. Then, insert the cutting into a moist potting mix. It's important to maintain high humidity around the cutting, which can be achieved by covering the pot with a plastic bag or placing it in a greenhouse environment. Cuttings typically root within a few weeks, after which they can be transplanted to their permanent location.
