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The purple chrysanthemum is one of the modern species of the chrysanthemum plant. Belonging to the daisy family, it produces one of the most requested gift flowers for all occasions. The purple chrysanthemum can be classified according to the shape and arrangement of its petals. The most common are the single, the pompon, the azalea, and the anemone. The single purple chrysanthemum produces daisy-like flowers that have a few rows of long petals radiating form a single eye. The pompon purple chrysanthemum, on the other hand, has small and globular flowers that are stiffer. Azalea purple chrysanthemums are hardy varieties that grow in bushy plants and the anemone purple chrysanthemums have flowers shaped like singles, only with deeper-colored petals and rounded crests. Other less common types of the purple chrysanthemum are the decorative, spoon, spider, and quill varieties. Decorative purple chrysanthemums have either incurved flowers (those that curve towards the flower center) or reflex flowers (those that curve away from the flower center). Spoon purple chrysanthemums, obviously, have petals that are shaped like a spoon while the spider variety has long and tubular petals that have hooked ends. Quill purple chrysanthemums have long, straight petals that are also tubular in shape. The types that produce smaller blossoms are the single, pompom, anemone, and azalea classifications. Large-flowered purple chrysanthemums usually have blossoms that are over three inches in diameter. These are usually grown in greenhouses and are known as florists’ mums. These varieties of the purple chrysanthemum may be planted outdoors but will not survive frost and winter.
The most common way to propagate the purple chrysanthemum is by seed, rooted cuttings, or by dividing old ones. Purple chrysanthemum seeds are mainly used for the production of new cultivars. This is because seedlings do not always bear all the characteristics of the parents. The best time to gather purple chrysanthemum seeds is during fall. They may be stored during winter and planted in seedbeds during early spring. Purple chrysanthemum root cuttings may be obtained from garden centers. They come cheaper and can be planted directly to the garden. However, successful planting from root cuttings require proper watering, shade, and maintenance until root systems become well-established.
The purple chrysanthemum is not choosy in terms of where it should be planted. So long as full sunlight and good air circulation is present, it can grow well. It can be grown in garden beds or in containers during late spring, usually in the middle of May. It only needs a well-drained soil that is slightly acidic (pH 6.5) and rich in humus and compost. It is also best to incorporate the first fertilizer treatment into the soil that will be used. To water the purple chrysanthemum, soak the soil with 5 to 6 inches deep of water. No light and frequent watering is needed and foliage should be kept dry when watering.
These simple steps will help ensure that your purple chrysanthemum gives you vibrant hues of violet for fall.
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Author Bio Box: Patricia Wainwright
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