Chrysanthemum

Chrysanthemum, commonly known as mum, is a genus of flowering plants in the family Asteraceae. The group includes several hundred cultivars and about 40 to 50 wild species. The most widely grown garden forms are hybrids derived from Chrysanthemum morifolium. The name comes from the Greek chrysos, “gold,” and anthemon, “flower.”

Native to Asia and parts of northeastern Europe, chrysanthemums have long been cultivated in East Asia and Europe. In some classifications, many cultivated chrysanthemums are placed in the separate genus Dendranthema, but in horticulture the term chrysanthemum is commonly used for these hybrids.

Description: Plants are herbaceous perennials or woody-based perennials. Leaves are usually lobed; flower heads are composite inflorescences with ray and disk florets. Flowers come in many forms—pompon, daisy, spider—and colors including white, yellow, pink, red, and purple. They typically bloom in autumn in temperate regions; cool temperatures often trigger flowering in many cultivars.

Cultivation: They grow best in well-drained soil with full sun. Many garden chrysanthemums are short-day plants and require a period of cool temperatures to initiate flowering; others are day-neutral. Propagation is commonly by cuttings or divisions. They are susceptible to pests such as aphids and caterpillars and can suffer from powdery mildew.

Uses and culture: Chrysanthemums are widely grown as ornamental plants and cut flowers. They are culturally significant in East Asia; in Japan the chrysanthemum is an emblem associated with the Imperial family and appears in art and heraldry. In China they are celebrated in autumn festivals and as symbols of longevity.

Safety: Chrysanthemums contain compounds that can irritate the skin and may be toxic to some animals if ingested; handle with care and keep them away from pets.