Pompons #765AR

January 27, 2022

Commonly called Premium Poms, Daisy Mums, Cushions, Buttons and Spray Mums, Pompons are annual flowering plants that are members of the Asteraceae biological family. Pompoms are medium-sized flowers which are frequently used as filler in floral arrangements. As a spray flower (meaning they have more than one bloom on a single stem), this makes them an ideal filler for both bouquets and centerpieces. They are so named because of their resemblance to the pom poms that cheerleaders use.

Pompons like a full sun, though they will tolerate partial shade, requiring at least eight hours of sunlight a day. They do not however, have specific soil requirements as they will grow in most soil types. Pompons like to be watered regularly with the soil remaining somewhat damp, but not wet.

The most common colors of Pompons are cream, green, pink, purple, red, white and yellow, although due to modern hybridization techniques, they are now available in nearly every color. There is even a lime-green, mini Pompon called the “Yoko Ono.” They normally bloom three months after the seeds first germinate.

Pompons are susceptible to an infestation by aphids. These insects attack plants on the underside of their leaves, secreting a clear, thick, sticky substance on the leaves, called Honeydew, a bi-product of the aphids feeding on the leaves’ sugary sap. When aphids devour the sap, the plant deprived of life-sustaining fluids, begins to weaken. If left untreated, this will eventually lead to wilting, curling foliage, yellowing of the leaves and stunted plant growth. Black, sooty mold ultimately grows on the Honeydew, and the mold eventually hinders photosynthesis. To make matters worse, ants flock to the Honeydew for their own feeding, leading to further plant damage

If I am fortunate to have you view my photographs and you find the color saturation too much or the color schemes of the mats do not match either themselves or the photograph, please let me know via a comment. Being color-blind, what might look great to me might look like sh*t to everyone else!

Steven H. Spring
Earth