The Chrysanthemum is also known as the ‘mum’ or ‘chrysanth’. These humble flowers are native to northeastern europe and east asia. The chrysanthemum is a herbaceous perennial flowering plant, which can appear in single flower heads or as sprays of flowers.
The vast array of shapes and sizes we see today come from Japanese cultivation during the Edo period (17th to 19th Century). Flowers can show as tight pom poms to daisy like buttons often showing in a spray formation. Larger headed chrysanths are generally single headed and are very impactful.
Chrystanthemums can be grown from seed with a good success rate and flowers from early autumn. For event work the chrysanthemum in it’s various varieties are available all year round.
Within floristry these versatile flowers are a great flower to have in arrangements as they last a long time. They travel well and are very hardy meaning they don’t take much damage during transit. The vast array of colours and varieties of flower mean they can be used in any display either as a filler flower (spray form) or statement flower (single head) to make an impact.
Chrysanthemum symbolism:
China – A symbol of autumn and the flower of the ninth moon.
Japan – A symbol of the Emperor and Imperial family.
Iran – Associated with the Zoroastrian spiritual being Ashi Vanghuhi who presides over blessings.
Australia – Often given as mothers day presents. Children wear the white chrysanthemum to honor their mother.
United states – This bloom is the official flower of Chicargo and the city Salinas, Califonia.
Italy – These flowers are usually seen at graveyards for honoring the deceased and is associated with mourning.
Poland – Chrysanthemums are often used to place on the graves of loved ones, to honor them on All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day
United Kingdom – A traditional bloom used in funeral work in the UK.
