Chrysanthemum Chrysanthemum 'Yellow John Hughes' (3b)
ABOUT
Chrysanthemum 'Yellow John Hughes' is a vibrant flowering plant known for its lush display of bright yellow blooms. This plant produces a profusion of flowers that are characteristically bold in color and have a daisy-like shape, with a central disk surrounded by radiating petals. The petals themselves are long, slender, and slightly overlapping, creating a full and rounded overall floral appearance. The leaves of the 'Yellow John Hughes' are deep green, with a slightly serrated edge, and they form a dense backdrop to the vivid yellow flowers. The foliage may have a textured surface, providing a nice contrast to the smoothness of the petals. The plant typically presents itself with an upright and bushy growth habit, creating an exuberant and cheerful presence in any garden or landscaped area. Overall, the 'Yellow John Hughes' chrysanthemum is a showy and eye-catching cultivar, celebrated for its bright, sunny flowers that can bring a splash of warmth and color to the cooler seasons when it typically blooms. The daisy-like flowers and rich green foliage combine to offer a classic feel that is both familiar and beloved in many garden settings.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Yellow John Hughes Chrysanthemum, John Hughes Mum, Yellow Mum.
Common names
Chrysanthemum 'Yellow John Hughes'
ToxicityTo humans
The common name for Chrysanthemum 'Yellow John Hughes' is simply chrysanthemum. Chrysanthemums are generally not considered highly toxic to humans, but they can cause dermatitis or skin irritation in some sensitive individuals upon contact. If ingested, parts of the plant may cause mild gastrointestinal upset, such as nausea and vomiting.
To pets
Chrysanthemums, including 'Yellow John Hughes', are toxic to pets. If ingested, your pet may experience symptoms like drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, or lack of coordination. In severe cases, ingestion can lead to dermatitis or more serious symptoms, such as tremors. It's important to keep chrysanthemums out of reach of pets to avoid these potential health issues.
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- Enhances visual appeal: The Chrysanthemum 'Yellow John Hughes' adds vibrant yellow color to gardens and landscapes, brightening up the space.
- Attracts pollinators: It serves as a food source for bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators, thus supporting local ecosystems.
- Seasonal interest: It provides seasonal interest in late summer to fall when many other flowers may be declining, maintaining garden attractiveness.
- Easy to grow: This variety is known for being robust and easy to cultivate, requiring minimal specialized care or maintenance.
- Versatile usage: Chrysanthemums can be used in flower beds, borders, container gardens, and as cut flowers for indoor decoration.
- Drought-tolerant: Being relatively drought-tolerant once established, it can thrive in a range of environmental conditions.
- Cold hardiness: This cultivar is suitable for colder climates and can perform well in USDA zone 3b, making it a viable option for such regions.
- Varietal diversity: Chrysanthemums come in a variety of forms and sizes, allowing gardeners to select plants that best suit their landscape design.
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: Petals from the chrysanthemum can be used to create a natural yellow dye for fabrics or crafts.
- Pest Control: Dried chrysanthemum flowers can be used in sachets to repel insects in wardrobes and drawers.
- Photographic Assistant: The flower’s vibrant color can be used as a backdrop or accent in macro photography to create vivid, eye-catching images.
- Artistic Inspiration: Chrysanthemums are a traditional subject in East Asian ink and wash painting, often symbolizing autumn and the spirit of survival.
- Fragrance: Petals can be included in potpourri mixes to add a subtly sweet fragrance to a room.
- Decorative Ice Cubes: Freeze petals in ice cubes for an elegant touch to drinks at a garden party.
- Biological Indicator: Chrysanthemum can be used in scientific studies to monitor air pollution levels by observing symptoms of fluoride or sulfur dioxide damage on the plants.
- Companion Planting: When planted alongside vegetables, they can help deter harmful insects due to their natural insecticidal properties.
- Floral Arrangements: Dry the flowers to create long-lasting arrangements or wreaths.
- Symbolism: Chrysanthemums carry various meanings in different cultures, such as loyalty and devotion, and can be used in ceremonies or as gifts to convey these emotions.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Chrysanthemum is associated with happiness and joy in Feng Shui, so it can be used to introduce positive energy into the home. In the practice of Feng Shui, chrysanthemums are often used to attract good luck, particularly when placed in the living room or in areas where guests are received, symbolizing a life of ease and balance.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Chrysanthemum is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Longevity and immortality: Chrysanthemums are often associated with long life and the enduring nature of the human soul, possibly because they can bloom into the late autumn when many other flowers have perished.
- Rebirth and renewal: The cycle of blooming late in the year also symbolizes the idea of renewal and rebirth, suggesting that life can restart with vigor and beauty.
- Optimism and joy: The bright yellow color of the 'Yellow John Hughes' chrysanthemum is commonly related to the feelings of happiness, optimism, and positive energy, much like sunshine.
- Loyalty and friendship: In many cultures, giving someone a chrysanthemum is a way of honoring a friend, suggesting trustworthiness and a steadfast relationship.
- Truth and honesty: The chrysanthemum is often considered a noble flower, representing sincerity, honesty, and truthful behavior or ideas.
WaterMums, including 'Yellow John Hughes', should be watered deeply but infrequently, with the objective of keeping the soil consistently moist but not soggy. They typically require watering once a week, but this may vary depending on climate conditions and soil drainage. When the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, it's time to water again. Provide about one gallon of water per plant for each watering session, ensuring it reaches the roots without flooding the area. During hot spells or in particularly dry climates, they may need water twice a week.
LightMums thrive in full sun conditions, which means they should receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. 'Yellow John Hughes' will perform best when planted in a spot that is exposed to early morning light, which is less harsh than the intense afternoon sun. However, they can still tolerate and bloom well with some partial shade, especially in hotter regions.
TemperatureMums like 'Yellow John Hughes' prefer cooler conditions and will flourish in temperatures ranging from 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and 55 to 60 degrees at night. They can survive minor frosts, but persistent exposure to temperatures below 32 degrees can be damaging. Ideally, avoid prolonged exposure to highs above 80 degrees, as mums can suffer heat stress.
PruningRegular pruning encourages fuller growth and more blooms for 'Yellow John Hughes' mums. Pinch back the tips of the stems in the spring and early summer to promote branching. Once the plant reaches about 6 inches in height, prune it back to 4 inches to encourage bushiness. Cease pruning by the Fourth of July so as not to interfere with fall blooming. After flowering, old stems can be cut back to ground level.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Hardy Mums ('Yellow John Hughes') should be well-draining, loamy, and fertile, with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. A mixture of two parts garden soil, one part peat moss, and one part perlite or sand would be ideal to ensure proper drainage and aeration.
RepottingHardy Mums ('Yellow John Hughes') generally need repotting every 2-3 years. It's best to repot in the spring before the onset of new growth.
Humidity & MistingHardy Mums ('Yellow John Hughes') are tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels but perform best when the humidity is moderate, around 40-60%.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and ensure good airflow for Hardy Mums.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun to part shade with well-draining soil for Hardy Mums.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleThe Chrysanthemum 'Yellow John Hughes', commonly known as Hardy Garden Mum, begins its life as a seed or more commonly as a cutting, which when planted, will germinate or root into a new plant. The vegetative stage follows, where the plant grows stems, leaves, and a root system to support future growth. As the plant matures and environmental conditions become favorable, typically in late summer to early fall, it enters the flowering stage, producing vibrant yellow blossoms that are characteristic of this cultivar. After pollination, which may involve insects or wind, seeds may form if the flowers are not deadheaded. Post-bloom, the Hardy Garden Mum enters a period of senescence where the above-ground portion of the plant dies back with frost, while the roots remain dormant through the winter. With the return of warmer spring temperatures, the plant will emerge from dormancy, and its growth cycle will begin anew.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Early Summer
Chrysanthemum 'Yellow John Hughes', widely known as the Hardy Mum, is commonly propagated by taking cuttings. The ideal time to propagate these plants is in late spring, just as the plants are coming out of dormancy and have a flush of new growth. To propagate the Hardy Mum through cuttings, take a 4-6 inch (10-15 cm) long shoot with a sharp, clean knife or scissors. Strip the lower leaves to expose the nodes, as roots will develop from these points. Dip the cut end into a rooting hormone to increase the likelihood of successful root development. Then, plant the cutting in a well-draining soil mix, ensuring that the nodes are buried. The cutting should be placed in a warm, bright spot, but out of direct sunlight. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and in a few weeks, the cutting should develop roots and can eventually be transplanted outdoors.
