Chrysanthemum Chrysanthemum 'Belle' (21d)
ABOUT
The Chrysanthemum 'Belle' is a striking ornamental plant widely adored for its lush, vibrant blooms. The flowers are the most captivating feature, presenting a rich, deeply hued palette often consisting of shades like yellow, pink, red, and white. These blossoms typically have a dense array of layered petals that can be either flat, quilled, or spoon-shaped, contributing to a full, mounded appearance. The center of the flowers, or the eye, may contrast in color with the petals, adding an extra layer of visual interest. Foliage is secondary yet still notable, with leaves that are usually dark green, deeply lobed, and with a slightly coarse texture, forming an attractive backdrop to the colorful blooms. The arrangement of the blossoms atop the foliage creates an overall impression that is both lush and appealing, making the Chrysanthemum 'Belle' a popular choice for gardens and floral displays.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae.
Synonyms
Mum, Chrysanthemum, Hardy Chrysanthemum, Garden Mum, Florists' Chrysanthemum.
Common names
Dendranthema 'Belle', Chrysanthemum morifolium 'Belle'
ToxicityTo humans
Chrysanthemums, commonly known as mums, are not highly toxic to humans, but they can cause mild irritation in some individuals. If ingested, they may cause symptoms such as dermatitis, diarrhea, stomach pain, and vomiting in sensitive persons. Handling the plant could also lead to skin rashes due to contact dermatitis, especially in those with allergies to the plant.
To pets
Chrysanthemums, often referred to as mums, are toxic to pets, particularly cats and dogs. They contain compounds that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, hypersalivation, incoordination, and dermatitis if ingested. In severe cases, ingestion can lead to depression and loss of appetite. Pet owners should prevent their animals from ingesting any part of mums to avoid these toxic effects.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Mixed
Height
1-3 feet (0.3-0.9 meters)
Spread
1-3 feet (0.3-0.9 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5-9
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Chrysanthemum 'Belle' adds aesthetic appeal to gardens and landscapes with its vibrant and colorful blooms.
- Extended Blooming: Known for their long flowering period, they provide a display of color from late summer to late autumn.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flower attracts beneficial insects such as bees and butterflies, aiding in pollination of nearby plants.
- Easy to Grow: Chrysanthemums are generally easy to care for and can be grown by gardeners of all skill levels.
- Versatile: They can be used in a variety of ways in the garden, including in beds, borders, and containers.
- Propagates Easily: They can be easily propagated from cuttings or by division, allowing gardeners to produce more plants economically.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, they can tolerate periods of drought, making them suitable for xeriscaping.
- Garden Filler: They can be used to fill in gaps in the garden, providing coverage and reducing weed growth.
- Fall Interest: As many plants begin to fade in the fall, chrysanthemums offer vibrant color and interest during this time.
- Cut Flowers: They are excellent for cutting and creating floral arrangements that can last up to two weeks.
Medical Properties- Anti-Inflammatory: Some compounds found in Chrysanthemum flowers may help reduce inflammation.
- Antioxidant: The plant contains flavonoids and other antioxidants that may protect the body from oxidative stress.
- Sedative: Chrysanthemum tea has been traditionally used for its calming and sedative effects.
- Antipyretic: It has been used in herbal medicine to help reduce fever.
- Antibacterial: Some studies suggest Chrysanthemum extracts may have antibacterial properties.
- Antiviral: There may be compounds in the plant that have antiviral activity, specifically against influenza.
- Eye Health: In traditional Chinese medicine, Chrysanthemum tea is often recommended for improving eye health and relieving tired eyes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Companion Planting: Chrysanthemums can be planted among vegetables to help deter pests due to their natural insecticidal properties.
- Dye Production: The flowers can be used to produce a natural yellow dye for textiles and crafts.
- Artistic Inspiration: The 'Belle' variety, with its visually appealing flowers, is often used as a motif in painting, photography, and design.
- Symbolic Gift: In some cultures, giving Chrysanthemums symbolizes friendship and well-wishing, making them suitable for various social occasions.
- Floral Displays: These mums can be used in elaborate floral arrangements for events such as weddings, funerals, or celebratory occasions due to their lush appearance.
- Culinary Decoration: Petals from Chrysanthemums can be used to decorate desserts and salads for added visual appeal.
- Garden Borders: The 'Belle' variety is often used in gardens to create vivid borders and edges due to their compact growth habit.
- Plant Craft: The stems and flowers can be used in creating dried flower arrangements, wreaths, and other craft projects.
- Leisure Activities: Growing Chrysanthemums, such as the 'Belle' variety, is a popular hobby among gardeners and flower enthusiasts for horticultural shows and competitions.
- Festivals: In some regions, Chrysanthemums are prominently displayed and celebrated during specific festivals and cultural events.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiChrysanthemums are associated with happiness and well-being in Feng Shui. To use this plant, place it in areas of your home that need uplifting energy, such as living rooms or spaces where family members gather, to invite positive chi and promote overall happiness.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Chrysanthemum is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Longevity and Immortality: Chrysanthemums are often associated with long life and endurance, owing to their ability to bloom into the late autumn and even early winter.
- Loyalty and Devotion: Their long-lasting nature also symbolizes the idea of staying faithful and dedicated, often in relationships and friendships.
- End-of-Life Celebrations: In some cultures, chrysanthemums are used to honor lives that have passed, especially during All Souls' Day and other remembrance days.
- Rebirth and Renewal: Their cycle of blooming in the colder months when other flowers have died can represent the idea of rebirth or starting anew.
- Nobility: In some Asian cultures, the chrysanthemum is a noble flower, often associated with the aristocracy and refinement.
- Joy and Optimism: Their bright and varied colors can symbolize happiness and the positive aspects of life, reminding people to stay cheerful.
WaterMums, including the 'Belle' variety, require consistent moisture but should not be overwatered. It's important to water the plant deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry, which typically translates to watering about once weekly. As a rough guide, use about a gallon of water per square yard every week, adjusting for weather conditions; more water may be required during hot, dry periods and less during cooler, rainy times. Avoid overhead watering to minimize the risk of leaf and stem diseases.
LightThe Chrysanthemum 'Belle' thrives in full sun to part shade conditions. The best spot for planting mums is a location where they can receive at least 5 hours of direct sunlight each day. They can tolerate partial shade, but too little light may result in a weaker plant with fewer flowers.
TemperatureMums, including the 'Belle' Chrysanthemum, prefer a moderate temperature range. They can generally survive temperatures as low as 32°F and as high as 90°F. However, the ideal temperature range for robust growth and flowering is around 70°F during the day and between 60°F and 65°F at night.
PruningPruning helps maintain the shape of the 'Belle' Chrysanthemum and encourages bushier growth and more blooms. Pinch back the stem tips in early summer to promote branching, and continue to do so until mid-summer to ensure a compact plant with many flowers. The best time to prune is after the spring growth begins and before flower buds form, roughly through July.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe ideal soil mix for Chrysanthemum 'Belle', commonly known as 'Mum', should be well-draining, fertile, and high in organic matter. A good recipe would be to combine two parts garden soil, one part peat moss or coconut coir, and one part perlite or vermiculite to ensure adequate drainage and aeration. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, ideally between 6.0 and 7.0, for optimal growth and flowering.
RepottingMums should be repotted every one to two years to replenish nutrients and prevent compaction. It's best to repot mums in the spring before the growing season starts, using fresh soil mix to encourage healthy growth and abundant blooms.
Humidity & MistingMums prefer average household humidity levels, roughly between 40% and 60%. If the air is too dry, especially indoors during winter, you can increase humidity with a humidifier or by placing a tray of water near the plant.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Mum in bright indirect light, and maintain even moisture.
Outdoor
Plant Mum in well-draining soil, full sun to light shade.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleThe Chrysanthemum 'Belle', also known as a mum, begins its life cycle as a seed, germinating in warm soil conditions with adequate moisture. After germination, it grows into a seedling with juvenile leaves, developing a root system and foliage as it enters the vegetative stage. During the vegetative stage, the mum focuses on developing a strong structural framework, which includes leaves, stems, and roots. As the plant matures, it enters the flowering stage triggered by shorter day lengths, where it produces vibrant blossoms that attract pollinators. After pollination, the flowers may produce seeds, completing the lifecycle if they are allowed to mature and are not deadheaded. Once the blooming period is over, the plant enters senescence and may die back if it's an annual variety or become dormant in preparation for the next growing cycle if it is a perennial.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: The Chrysanthemum 'Belle', commonly known as mums, is best propagated using stem cuttings—a method which is popular due to its effectiveness and simplicity. To do this, you would typically take cuttings in the spring or early summer when the plants are generating new growth. Choose healthy stems that are approximately 6 inches (about 15 centimeters) long and cut them just below a leaf node. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting to prevent rotting when planted and dip the cut end into a rooting hormone to facilitate root development. After preparing the cuttings, insert them into a pot filled with a well-draining soil mix, ensuring at least one leaf node is buried where roots are to form. The pot should then be placed in a warm area with indirect sunlight and kept consistently moist but not waterlogged. Roots usually develop within a few weeks, after which the new mums can be transplanted to their permanent location.
