Facts About Chrysanthemums

Chrysanthemum flower (commonly known as mum), is one of the most popular flower in the world, next only to Rose. It is a very beautiful wide flower that can be found in many different colors. Majority of the flowers either have a pompon-like appearance or a white centre with white petals aruond the outside of it (just like a daisy). The name of flower is derived from Greek words (given by Swedish naturalist, Carolus Linnaeus), chrysos = gold and anthemon = flower. Other popular colors beside the traditional yellow are white, red and purple. These tropical flowers belong to one of the largest families of flowering plants, Asteraceae (Compositae) family, with over 1,000 genera and about 20,000 species. They are further classified by size of blooms (large, small, and medium).

Chrysanthemums originated in China and they were first cultivated as a flowering herb in China during the 15th century BC. With its slim, curling beautiful petals and its elegant look, chrysanthemum has long been Chinese favourite flower. In Chinese culture, the bamboo, orchid, plum blossom and chrysanthemum are collectively referred to as the Four Noble Ones. Four of them also represent the 4 seasons. There is a city in China which named after this flower, “Chu-hsien”. The beautiful flowers later introduced into neighbouring countries like Japan where the Emperor like the flowers very much and adopted them as his official seal. In Japan, there is a ‘Festival of Happiness’ held to celebrate the flowers. In 1688 chrysanthemums were imported to Holland but perished. In England,  few varieties arrived there from China in the late 18th century. In 1846, the National Chrysnthemum Society was founded in Stoke Newington, England. In 1836, Tasmania cultivated the flowers, New South Wales in 1843, and 1860 in New Zealand. There was enthusiastic take up of the chrysanthemum in the late 19th century in US. The city of Chicago recogized chrysanthemum as their official flower in 1961.

Chrysanthemums are the most popular plants sold between the month of August and November. If compared to any other flowering plants in the fall, chrysanthemum flowers contribute to varieties of colors more in the garden and they also can be cultivated in bonsai form. The bloom size for bonzai can be as small as a centimetre and as large as 25 cms for large exhibition types. According to NASA Clean Air Study, the plants of chrysanthemum have been shown to reduce air pollution.

The chrysanthemum flower symbolizes happiness, optimism, fidelity, joy, the sun and meditation. In fengshui, this flower is also believed to bring laughter, long life and happiness to your family. A common yellow chrysanthemums are considered to symbolize slighted love, red color conveys love and white chrysanthemum symblizes truthful. A single petal of chrysanthemum placed in the bottom of a wine glass is believed to be able to give a healthy and long life.

One more thing that contribute the popularity of chrysanthemum flower, that is “chrysanthemum tea”. The flower is not just beautiful in the appearance but also has so many medicinal and health benefits. I’m sure that many of you have drunk tea made from chrysanthemum, the drink is made by steeping the flowers rather than the leaves of the plants. The drink is not just popular because of its sweet, refreshing and nice floral aroma but also because of its role of curing so many health problems. If you drink chrysanthemum tea with your meals (especially of greasy foods), it helps to aid digestion. The most popular use known from drinking the tea is to prevent fever and sore throat or lessen the severity of the symptoms once they've presented. It is also commonly taken to relieve head congestion and help strengthen the lungs. The flowers itself can be applied to our eyes in order to relieve itching and dryness. This method also works in treating other eye ailments such as dizziness, blurring and diminished vision. Western herbal and holistic midicine touts the benefits of drinking chrysanthemum tea to treat varicose veins and arteriosclerosis.

Chrysanthemums are regarded as November birth flower and the most suitable flowers to give for people who celebrate their 13th wedding anniversary.