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| This Month's Color in the Garden October 2017 |
Autumn is upon us in the northern hemisphere and it's time for another This Month's Color in the Garden. For the month of October the feature color is orange and Chrysanthemum comes to mind, as it is a favorite fall addition for many a gardener, supplying a burst of color for the landscape as the temperatures cool.
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| Chrysanthemum (Dendranthema grandiflora)
Chrysanthemum, commonly referred to as mums, are characterized as perennials in many areas, but are also treated as annuals by many gardeners. Their bright colors and variety of blooms are an attraction in the autumn garden. Depending on the specific variety, most mums are cold hardy in USDA zones 5 through 9, which means they can overwinter in the ground. In northern areas, it is preferable to plant Chrysanthemums in spring so they have the entire season to become established. In southern areas, they may be planted in either spring or autumn, but autumn is best to avoid excessive heat. Most Chrysanthemums do well in an organic well-drained soil in full sun. To care for your plants and keep them full, pinch back new growth when it reaches 4-6 inches and continue pinching through June. This will keep plants compact and prevent them from blooming too early.
Chrysanthemums
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There is much history and folklore behind Chrysanthemums. Named from the Greek prefix "chrys-" meaning golden (the original color) and "-anthemion," meaning flower, years of hybridization have produced a full array of colors including shades of yellow to white, orange, purple, pink and red. Chrysanthemums are the November birth flower, the 13th wedding anniversary flower and in Japanese culture, the opening of a chrysanthemum's petals represents perfection. Confucius at one time considered these plants to be associated with mediation and since the 15th century, Chrysanthemums were grown as flowering herbs and considered an honored plant with exceptional powers. Folklore says that a single petal at the bottom of a wine glass will encourage a long and healthy life. Since this month's color is orange, orange is known to symbolize joy, warmth, optimism, happiness, freedom, expression, enjoyment and creativity. Throughout history, the American Indians have associated the color orange with kinship, and in China and Japan, the color orange symbolizes happiness and love.
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Linking with: Today's Flowers, Floral Fridays, Macro Monday 2, Friday Photo Journal and Dishing It & Digging It.
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Hello Lee,
ReplyDeleteI love Chrysanthemums but unfortunately can't grow them here - is too cold winter for Chrysanthemums. Interestingly that they symbolize happiness and optimism, as what I always think looking at them.
Happy Sunday!
They are mainly grown as annuals here for their beautiful blooms. So true...they do make you happy!
DeleteNow the weather (finally) turned cold, the many colors of chrysanthemums add so much warmth to the garden. Lee, yours are stunning! P. x
ReplyDeleteThank you Pam! There are benefits to autumn!
DeleteBeautiful mums!
ReplyDeleteThanks for joining us at https://image-in-ing.blogspot.com/2017/10/at-this-bridge.html
Thank you for hosting Sue. It is always a pleasure visiting your posts!
DeleteDespite the weather being in the 80's and 90's , we are also seeing fall colors in the flowers, gourds , and pumpkins
ReplyDeleteThank you for visiting Judee. I enjoyed your fun post on the Chestnut trees near your home. Funny how life takes us down new paths with fun discoveries!
DeleteI do limit the us of orange in my garden, because it clashes with all the pink. But I make exceptions for butterfly weed, and perhaps an annual here and there around the patio. However, it’s totally allowed inside my house! I even have a couple of bright orange accents painted in the kitchen and family room, on the soffits and the fireplace niche.
ReplyDeleteOrange is a tough color to combine, but it is awesome in the right place. I use my orange, yellow and purple mums right on the back stoop along with a big orange pumpkin...screams autumn!
DeleteSo pretty. I would love to plant them but the deer would also love them.
ReplyDeleteDarn deer! They seem to be getting more and more aggressive. Maybe you can try keeping some close to the house in planters. Enjoy the autumn days.
DeleteFantastic color! I love your flowers and you have helped me make up my mind what to plant this year!
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