How To Care For Chrysanthemum Flowers?

The name chrysanthemum is from the Ancient Greek words Chryos meaning gold and Anthemon meaning flower. These flowers are sometimes called mums or chrysanths and they are native of Asia and North-East Europe. In the 15th century, Chrysanthemums were first cultivated in China as flowering plants. There were only 500 cultivators of this flower in 1630 and in 2014, the recorded cultivators of Chrysanthemums rose more than 20,000. Out of them, 7000 cultivators were found in China. Today, Chrysanthemum is one of the commonest bedding plants used in landscaping home or workplace. It is also extensively used in luxurious floral arrangements.

The symbolism of Chrysanthemums:

This big beautiful flower with many petals is presented to people on various occasions. The general symbolisms are mentioned below:

• Happiness and good spirits
• Recovery after a challenge
• True friendship and non-romantic fondness
• Loyalty, dedication, and devotion
• Rebirth or re-awakening

What Are The Various Types of Chrysanthemums?

Single

These are the most common types of chrysanthemums which comes with a flat center and has 5 radiating rows of long petals. The petals resemble daisies and the leaves are lobed or toothed.

Pompom

Pompoms are the smallest and the cutest of all Chrysanthemums. They produce colourful little globe-like flowers. Pixie and moonbeam are examples.

Cushion

The hardy cushion mums are bushy and low-growing plants that come up with medium-sized flowers. Ruby mound is a good example of this variety.

Anemone

Anemone mums exhibit an elevated epicenter enclosed by shorter and darker petals. They play the perfect contrast with the radiating daisy-like petals. Mansetta Sunset and Daybreak are good examples.

Spider

They are called spider because of their long and curly petals that resemble a spider sitting atop the stems. Anastasia and Cremon are good examples.

Spoon

As the name suggests, spoon mums come with spoon-shaped petals radiating from the centre. Starlet and Happy Face are nice examples.

Growing Tips & Care Guide For Chrysanthemum Flowers?

Chrysanthemums are generally not limited to any particular season. Chrysanthemum plants can be grown in any kind of soil but there are some special requirements too.

Growing Tips:

Soil: A fertile and well-drained soil is the prime requisite for this plant. One may opt for the sandy or loamy soil with a pH of 6.5 to grow chrysanthemums.

Light: A bright sun is what the chrysanthemums want. Or at least 5-6 hours of continuous sunny weather is important for good growth.

Placement: These flowering plants are susceptible to mildew and thus the plant must be kept in a dry place. Proper circulation of air, water drainage, and morning sun are thus necessary to keep the leaves or stems dry.

Fertilization: A light and frequent fertilizing will provide a better growth although this plant doesn’t require fertilization much.

Water: A consistent watering all through the months of Spring, Summer, and Fall is necessary. The best way to water the chrysanthemums is to apply water directly to the base of the plants. This method prevents moisture from becoming trapped in the thick foliage.

Care Tips:

• One must always use clean containers and tools.
• For the cut flower arrangements, one should remove the wrap, recut the stems, and remove the foliage before placing it in water.
• One must remember that Chrysanthemums are extremely sensitive to draughts and direct heat. Therefore, the placement of these flowers is important.
• Chrysanthemums must not be kept next to fruits and vegetables that are ripening. Because the ethylene produced by the fruits and vegetables will kill these flowers early.
• One must not forget to change the water in the vase and the required amount of flower food.

Interesting Facts About Chrysanthemums:

• Chrysanthemum is the official flower for November.
• This flower is considered one of the Four Gentlemen in Chinese culture which reflects its importance as a symbol in the artwork.
• Chrysanthemums are the traditional Mother’s Day flowers in Australia.
• This flower also represents the royal family of Japan.
• The potted Chrysanthemums contribute to better air quality as per the studies of NASA.
• It is interesting to learn that a chrysanthemum festival is held every year in Tongxiang, near Hangzhou, China.