Chrysanthemum

Listing ID #4001561

Chrysanthemums, or "mums," are popular perennials. They offer a wide variety of flower colors, from white and cream to dark maroon and burgundy, as well as numerous growth habits from small dwarf plants to giant shrub-like Maxi-MumsTM. Mums are easy to grow and can provide years of enjoyment if care is taken to select an appropriate variety; plant in a sunny, well drained, location; and provide winter protection.

Chrysanthemums originated in China and they were first cultivated as a flowering herb in China during the 15th century BC. With its slim, curling beautiful petals and its elegant look, chrysanthemum has long been Chinese favourite flower. In Chinese culture, the bamboo, orchid, plum blossom and chrysanthemum are collectively referred to as the Four Noble Ones. Four of them also represent the 4 seasons. There is a city in China which named after this flower, “Chu-hsien”. The beautiful flowers later introduced into neighbouring countries like Japan where the Emperor like the flowers very much and adopted them as his official seal. In Japan, there is a ‘Festival of Happiness’ held to celebrate the flowers. In 1688 chrysanthemums were imported to Holland but perished. In England, few varieties arrived there from China in the late 18th century. In 1846, the National Chrysnthemum Society was founded in Stoke Newington, England. In 1836, Tasmania cultivated the flowers, New South Wales in 1843, and 1860 in New Zealand. There was enthusiastic take up of the chrysanthemum in the late 19th century in US. The city of Chicago recogized chrysanthemum as their official flower in 1961.

The Chrysanthemum flowers bloom in various forms, and can be daisy-like, decorative, pompons or buttons. Chrysanthemum blooms come in a huge variety of shapes and sizes and in a wide range of colors. In addition to the traditional yellow, other popular colors are white, purple, and red. Chrysanthemums have a wealth of meaning associated with them and therefore they are very popular as florist flowers.

• A red chrysanthemum conveys love
• A white chrysanthemum symbolizes truth and loyal love
• A yellow chrysanthemum symbolizes slighted love