Chrysanthemum Flowers
Chrysanthemum Flowers
Name : Chrysanthemum Flowers
Latin Name : Genus: Chrysanthemum, (Chrysanthemum morifolii)
Chrysanthemum Description
Chrysanthemum is a genus comprising of about 30 species of perennial flowering plants in the family Asteraceae. Chrysanthemums are commonly known as mums, and are native to Asia and northeastern Europe.
Chrysanthemums were first brought to Europe in the 17th century. Linnaeus named this flower from the Greek word chrysous, meaning "golden" and -anthemon, meaning flower. This is because the original Chrysanthemum flowers were golden in colour. Nowadays a wide variety of cultivars has been developed. The modern day chrysanthemums are much showier than their wild relatives and can be found in various shapes and forms like daisy-like, decorative, pompons or button.
In addition to the traditional yellow or golden, mums are now available in radiant and eye-catching shades such as white, off-white, purple, bronze, burgundy, pink, lavender and red.
Chrysanthemums are generally divided into two basic groups on the basis of their growing habits and requirements:
Garden Hardy
Exhibition Varieties
Mums can be easily propagated by division of roots, cuttings and seeds and are not specific to any season. Mum plants achieve a height of about 2-3 feet, depending on the cultivar and growing conditions. Mum flowers thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, enriched by compost. Mums happen to be "photoperiodic" flowers; this means that they bloom in response to the shorter days and longer nights in fall. But if planted near street lights or night lights, the artificial lighting may seriously disturb the chrysanthemums' cycle. Also avoid overcrowding chrysanthemums since good air circulation reduces the chance of disease.
Chrysanthemums are excellent cut flowers with a vase life of about 7-14 days. Their showy blossoms and radiant colours can completely change the look of any garden or flower arrangement.
Chrysanthemum Meaning
Chrysanthemums are rich in symbolism: These lovely blossoms represent Cheerfulness, Fidelity, Optimism, Rest, Truth, Long Life, and Joy.
Mums are considered to be a Noble Flower in Asian culture. Chrysanthemums have a very important role to play in Asian weddings, garlands of mums are worn by attendees and the bride on the henna ceremony, and the wedding decor also comprises mainly of mums.
Chrysanthemums are considered to be a Symbol of the Sun by the Japanese who consider the orderly unfolding of the chrysanthemum’s petals to represent Perfection.
In some countries like France, Poland, Italy and Croatia, White Chrysanthemums are symbolic of Death and are only used for funerals or on graves. Similarly, in China, Japan and Korea, white chrysanthemums are symbolic of Lamentation and Grief.
In some other countries, the Chrysanthemum flower represents Honesty. In the United States, the mum flower is considered Positive and Cheerful.
Chrysanthemums also have the honour of being the birth flower for November and the 13th wedding anniversary flower.
Mums are the official flower of the city of Chicago as well.
Mums symbolize different meanings depending on the colour presented:
Red Chrysanthemum signifies the meaning “Love”
White Chrysanthemum generally symbolizes “Truth” and “Loyal Love"
Yellow Chrysanthemums are thought to portray the meaning “Slighted Love”
Chrysanthemum Mythology
It is believed that Chrysanthemums were first cultivated in China as a flowering herb in the 15th century BC. The ancient Chinese town "Xiaolan Town "of "Zhongshan City" was named Ju-Xian, meaning "Chrysanthemum City". Chrysanthemums are particularly significant during the Double Ninth Festival.
This enchanting flower was introduced into Japan by a Buddhist monk in 400 AD, and was adopted by the Japanese Emperor as his official seal. Chrysanthemums are called “kikus” in Japanese. The Japanese still find this flower to be fascinating and beautiful and there is a "Festival of Happiness" in Japan that celebrates the Chrysanthemum flower.
Confucius once suggested that Chrysanthemums should be used as An Object of Meditation.
Mums are also used in herbal medicine. Yellow or white chrysanthemum blossoms are boiled to make a sweet drink called "chrysanthemum tea" or “júhuÄ chá”, in Chinese. It is believed that Chrysanthemum tea can aid in recovery from influenza. In Korea, a rice wine called gukhwaju is prepared and is flavoured with chrysanthemum flowers.
According to the NASA Clean Air Study, Chrysanthemum plants have the unique ability to reduce indoor air pollution.
It is also believed that a single petal of this majestic flower placed at the bottom of a wine glass encourages a long and healthy life.
