The Chrysanthemum x morifolium, commonly known as chrysanthemum or mum, is a hybrid plant that not only adorns gardens, events, and homes around the world, but also carries with it a rich history and symbolism. This hybrid emerged from the crossbreeding of various chrysanthemum species, primarily involving the Chrysanthemum indicum, which was extensively used in its creation. Originating from the Greek “chrysos” (gold) and “anthemon” (flower), the name refers to the original species’ gold-yellow flower color. The Chrysanthemum x morifolium has its geographical roots in East Asia, with China being recognized as its cradle. The plant has played a significant role in Chinese culture and horticulture for millennia. Historical records indicate that the chrysanthemum has been cultivated in China since 500 B.C., making it one of the oldest cultivated plants.
In China, the chrysanthemum thrived not only as an ornament but as a cultural symbol. It was often depicted in art and literature, symbolizing nobility and elegance. Moreover, it remains a vital element in traditional Chinese medicine. After its domestication and cultivation in China, the Chrysanthemum x morifolium migrated to Japan and Korea, where it similarly took deep cultural roots.
This plant prefers temperate climates. In the wild, it is commonly found in higher altitude regions where the climate is cooler. However, its adaptability to different climatic conditions has enabled its cultivation in various parts of the world, transcending the geographical boundaries of its Asian origin. Over the centuries, the Chrysanthemum x morifolium has been exported and welcomed in many other countries, adapting to different climates and cultures. In the West, it has become a symbol of mourning, in contrast to its association with life and nobility in the East. This cultural and symbolic duality highlights the historical richness and adaptability of this extraordinary plant.
The Chrysanthemum x morifolium can be perennial, although most modern cultivars behave as annuals. It comes in various sizes and shapes, reaching heights of 12 inches to 4 feet (30 cm to 1.2 meters), making it versatile for different uses. It is erect, branched, and, despite being herbaceous, has a robust and fibrous root system that aids in efficient absorption of nutrients and water. The chrysanthemum’s leaves are deeply lobed, varying in color from dark green to medium green. The rough appearance and slightly hairy texture of the leaves are distinct features. These leaves form a dense and attractive backdrop for the flower display.
Flowering begins with the reduction of daylight hours in the fall, which can now be controlled in commercial nurseries. The chrysanthemum’s inflorescence, a capitulum type, is a collection of hundreds of individual flowers that together create the illusion of a single large flower. Its flowers are classified based on the arrangement and shape of the petals. There are two main types: disc flowers and ray flowers. Disc flowers are small, numerous, and typically yellow in color, found at the inflorescence’s center. Ray flowers are the colorful and showy petals surrounding the central disc.
In double and semi-double flowered cultivars, both ray and disc flowers have showy petals, giving the inflorescence a full appearance. The color palette of chrysanthemums is extensive and currently includes almost all colors, with different combinations and gradients, except true blue, which can be temporarily obtained through special coloring techniques on white flowers. Its fruit is an achene.
Main Types and Cultivars
- Dwarf Cultivars: These are popular for use in borders and pots. Examples include ‘Tinkerbell’, with bright pink flowers, and ‘Button’, known for its small, vividly colored flowers.
- Daisy-Flowered Cultivars: As the name suggests, these cultivars have a simple disc with petals only on the edges of the floral disc, like daisies.
- Pompon Flower Cultivars: Characterized by small globular flowers. ‘Yoko Ono’, a lime-green cultivar, and ‘Moonbeam’, with its bright yellow flowers, are notable representatives.
- Decorative Flower Cultivars: These have large, flat flowers, often with petals curling under the edges. ‘Indian Summer’, with its reddish-orange flowers, and ‘Coral Charm’, with soft pink flowers, are examples.
- Tubular Flower Cultivars: Characterized by long petals curled around their own axis, giving them a tubular appearance. ‘Matchsticks’, with red petals and yellow tips, is a classic example.
- Spider Flower Cultivars: These have long, thin petals that resemble spider legs. ‘Anastasia Green’, with its narrow green petals, is a popular choice.
- Button or Cushion Cultivars: Have small, compact flowers. ‘Button Yellow’, with its bronze-colored flowers, is a notable example.
- There are also other cultivars, divided into classes such as “Brush and Thistle”, “Anemone”, “Incurved”, “Reflexed Incurved”, and even an “Exotic” class to include flowers that do not fit into the other classes.
Each of these cultivars displays a unique combination of color, shape, and size, offering a wide range of possibilities for both landscaping and floral arrangements. The choice of the suitable cultivar may depend on the intended use, whether as a highlight in an autumn garden, in colorful mass plantings, or as part of a floral arrangement. When selecting a Chrysanthemum cultivar for the garden, it is essential to consider not just aesthetics, but also cultivation conditions such as disease resistance and light and soil requirements.
There are cultivars for different types of situations, climates, and seasons. They are commonly considered for adorning beds in a season, in colorful mass plantings, borders, or in conjunction with other flowers and plants, always providing a rich aspect in texture and color. Their adaptability makes them excellent for pot and planter cultivation as well. This allows them to be used on balconies, terraces, and even indoors, bringing a note of freshness to spaces. Additionally, they are beneficial to health. Studies conducted by NASA have demonstrated that chrysanthemums are effective in reducing indoor air pollution.
In floral art, Chrysanthemum x morifolium is celebrated for its extraordinary versatility and durability. This plant, with its vast range of colors, shapes, and sizes, allows florists to create varied compositions, from classic bouquets to contemporary arrangements. Chrysanthemum flowers, known for their exceptional longevity after cutting, are ideal for arrangements that need to maintain their beauty over extended periods. Moreover, the ability of chrysanthemums to blend harmoniously with other flowers or to stand out on their own makes them a popular choice for events, interior decoration, tributes, and celebrations. Their resilience and flexibility in design make Chrysanthemum one of the most commercially traded cut flowers worldwide.
The chrysanthemum also carries deep meanings, varying according to culture and flower color. In Asia, particularly in China and Japan, the chrysanthemum is a symbol of longevity and immortality. In China, it is also associated with wisdom. In Japan, the chrysanthemum is so revered that it is the emblem of the imperial family and the “Chrysanthemum Festival,” or “Kiku no Sekku,” is a significant celebration.
The different colors of chrysanthemums also carry specific meanings. For example, the white chrysanthemum is often associated with truth and loyalty, while the red symbolizes love and passion. Yellow chrysanthemums, though cheerful, can symbolize rejected love in some cultures. Over time, these flowers have been used not just for their beauty, but also to convey messages without words. In floral arrangements, the inclusion of chrysanthemums can communicate everything from celebration and happiness to respect and condolences, making them truly multifaceted.
Chrysanthemum blooms best with plenty of sunlight. However, in extremely hot climates, partial shade during the hottest hours of the day can be beneficial. The plant should be planted in a location where it can receive direct sunlight for at least 5-6 hours a day. Avoid locations with strong winds, as they can damage the delicate flowers and leaves. The ideal temperature for growth ranges from 64 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit (18 to 24 degrees Celsius). Avoiding exposure to very low temperatures is crucial, as the chrysanthemum is sensitive to cold. It prefers a fertile, well-drained soil rich in organic matter.
The ideal soil pH should be between 6.5 and 6.7. Consistent and adequate watering is crucial. The soil should be kept moist, but not waterlogged. It is important to avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot. During periods of intense growth and blooming, water needs increase. Watering should be done at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the leaves and flowers, which can predispose to fungal diseases. Balanced nutrition is vital. Soluble fertilizers rich in potassium, phosphorus, calcium, sulfur, and micronutrients are recommended to promote healthy flowering. Avoid fertilizers with a high nitrogen content, as they can promote excessive leaf growth at the expense of flowers. Fertilization should be performed regularly during the growing season.
Pruning is essential to maintain the plant’s shape and stimulate blooming. Thinning the shoots promotes larger and healthier flowers. Removing wilted flowers and dry leaves not only improves the appearance of the plant but also helps in disease prevention. The chrysanthemum can be susceptible to pests such as mites, aphids, and nematodes, as well as diseases like powdery mildew and root rot. Regular monitoring and preventive treatment with appropriate insecticides and fungicides are recommended. Propagation of Chrysanthemum x morifolium is usually done by division of clumps or cuttings. Division should be performed in early spring, while cuttings can be taken in late spring or early summer.
