Apart from being installed in the cemetery around All Saints’ Day, chrysanthemums have all the qualities to adorn a garden or a balcony. Their bright and varied colors, their daisy-shaped flowers, and their fall flowering make them real assets for the gardener. Appreciating the sun, they require little care and, in return, provide enough to make sumptuous bouquets.
In this article, we are going to learn more about the beautiful flower, chrysanthemum, including the following:
- Description of the chrysanthemum
- Different uses of chrysanthemum
- Chrysanthemum varieties
- Tips on planting chrysanthemums
- Tips on caring for chrysanthemums
- Propagation method
- Why are chrysanthemums associated with death?
- Symbolism
- Chrysanthemum botanical name
Description of the Chrysanthemum
A mixed perennial or annual plant, the chrysanthemum flowers in the form of flower heads with different sizes and shapes, depending on the variety — the flower flourishes from June until the first frost.
The chrysanthemum flourishes in the fall. It is a shrub, with almost woody stems at the base and fluffy twigs. Its deciduous, alternate leaves are slightly toothed and often lobed. These flowers aren’t just known for their good looks, though…
Different uses of Chrysanthemum
Chrysanthemums, by their immense variety, can be used in different ways. For example, they can be place in flower beds, in a planter, in borders, isolated alone, or be part of beautiful bouquets. They assimilate very well with other species of the Asteraceae family, such as asters or dahlias. Some, among the smallest, can even enjoy rock gardens, accompanied by some sedums plants. You can even eat these flowers, and In China, they consume their petals as an infusion, or they make wine.
Chrysanthemum Varieties
The flowers commonly known as chrysanthemums, actually are several different flowers.
The fall chrysanthemum or chrysanthemum of florists, Chrysanthemum x grandiflorum, is a horticultural perennial, which has produced thousands of hybrids.
The fall daisy, Chrysanthemum rubellum, is a perennial, subspecies of the fall chrysanthemum. Fast-growing, it blooms in August and offers fragrant flowers and a bushy bearing
The garden chrysanthemum or crowned chrysanthemum, Glebionis coronaria, is a biannual, whose inflorescences are large flower heads similar to daisies.
The wheat chrysanthemum, Glebionis segetum, is an annual. It begins to bloom in May, showing golden yellow flowers.
Tips on Planting Chrysanthemums
The flower of the chrysanthemum loves the sun and well-drained soils —chrysanthemums in pots or soil are planted at the beginning of autumn. You can plant them in spring, too, however, so that the plants are well-rooted when the cold weather comes. It is necessary to mulch the soil lightly for chrysanthemums in the ground, though, just to keep them safe.
It is possible to sow perennial chrysanthemums in the winter, too, between February and March. The annual species are planted either in pots from February, or in the ground in May.
You should leave between 40 and 80 cm between each plant, though, as they need room to grow.
Tips on Caring for Chrysanthemums
To obtain more branched and vigorous plants, pinch them when they are young, or even fold down the stems about 10 centimeters in June. Flowering occurs later, and when you do these things, you will see very generous blooms. On the contrary, to have more abundant flowers, although, in smaller quantities, you should remove the flower buds located on the secondary stems and in the center of the tuft. This puts more focus on the other blooms.
When it starts to freeze, the flowers of the chrysanthemum disappear. It is necessary at this point to cut the stems on the ground and then mulch generously. The stem can thus be protected and should be able to start again in the spring.
Propagation Method
To multiply your chrysanthemums, you can divide them in spring or make cuttings in autumn. Cuttings are the classic method of propagation. Produced by companies specializing in chrysanthemums, it remains the professional method. However, some chrysanthemum breeders use the seed method to create new varieties.
Why are Chrysanthemums Associated with Death?
Each year, 20 million pots of chrysanthemums are sold, and during All Saints’ week, people go to the cemeteries in remembrance of the dead. However, this tradition is not entirely recent.
Autumn chrysanthemum is the flower that usually covers graves, especially on the day of the dead, November 2. This choice is not by chance.
In 1919, this tradition had replaced the older candle and symbolized life after death. In 1918, the President of France, Raymond Poincaré, ordered flowers of all the tombs of the French communes.
However, the chrysanthemum is one of the rare flowers that bloom at this time of the year. Chrysanthemums have gradually shifted from November 11, the day of the 1918 armistice, to November 2, the Day of the Dead. Chrysanthemums have the characteristic of flowering late in the year and can resist moderate frost.
Symbolism
Chrysanthemums are appreciated all over the world. Generally speaking, this flower symbolizes happiness, loyalty, honesty, and friendship. But its symbolic meaning differs depending on the country and the culture.
In All Asian countries, the chrysanthemum is highly respected. It is the ultimate symbol of happiness and good health. The yellow chrysanthemum symbolizes the sun and immortality.
The Japanese have made this flower their national symbol. Every year, they celebrate the “Festival of Happiness,” where the chrysanthemum is the star.
In China, the chrysanthemum also represents nobility and durability, in addition to happiness. In Chinese, the name of this flower means ‘the essence of the sun.’ In Europe, the chrysanthemum mainly represents warmth in the heart of autumn.
Chrysanthemum Diseases
Chrysanthemums are susceptible to aphids as well as red spiders. Shower them with water and black soap to remove the former, with water alone for the latter. A nitrogen deficiency can lead to the development of rust, and humidity can cause the appearance of powdery mildew.
Chrysanthemum Botanical Name
Chrysanthemums are Asteraceae, whose various species come from China, Japan, or even Europe. Garden chrysanthemums and other members of the genus Glebionis are also Asteraceae. They are found mainly around the Mediterranean.
Chrysanthemum is a symbol of happiness and peace. The Chrysanthemum is distinguished by its warm colors, from yellow to orange to red, perfect for fall. Even if the first buds appear in the summer, you will have to wait until the autumn to see the chrysanthemum bloom.
