Chrysanthemum - A Plant of the Asteraceae Family
Published · Flower Resource
Chrysanthemum belong to Asteraceae family with is one of the largest family flowering plants with over 1000 genera and 20000 species. The name Chrysanthemum comes from Greek word ‘Chrys’ which means golden and ‘anthemon’ means flower. This name was given to the flower by a Swedish naturalist Carolus Linnaeus who is known as the father of modern taxonomy. These flowers are daisy like decorative or buttons ad blooms in various forms. They bloom n variety of shapes and sizes and also in wide range of colors. They come in traditional yellow and other colors like white, red and purple. These flowers are one of the most popular flowers in the world after Roses.
Different colored Chrysanthemum symbolizes different meanings. A red color Chrysanthemum conveys love, a white color Chrysanthemum symbolizes truth and loyal love and a yellow color Chrysanthemum symbolizes sighted love. A Chrysanthemum flower in general symbolizes optimism, joy, long life and fidelity.
Uses of Chrysanthemum
- They are well suited for container gardening and patios.
- Chrysanthemum flavored tea is very famous and it is used as a relaxant.
- The Chrysanthemum is used as insecticide against bookworms.
- They are ideal for decoration and flower exhibitions.
- They are also a popular headache remedy.
- The flower petals are used for conserves and the leaves are used for flavoring in soups.
- They are used in conjunction with black pepper for the treatment of syphilis and gonorrhea.
Interesting Facts
- These flowers were originally grown in Eurasian region.
- Many Japanese cities hold spectacular annual Chrysanthemum exhibitions.
- These flowers were brought in Japan in 400 AD and Japanese emperors loved these flowers and sat upon Chrysanthemum thrones.
- These flowers called ‘kikus’ in Japanese were featured on the Imperial Crest of Japan.
- Different Chrysanthemum flower head forms are Irregular incurve, semi double, decorative, reflex, anemone, spider, spoon quill, regular incurve, pompon, single and brush.
- It is also considered good houseplant as it removes toxins from the air.
Soil Needed
- Chrysanthemum can be grown in any type of soil but they require a sunny weather to perform best.
How to Plant?
- Sow Chrysanthemum seeds in the places that experiences low rainfall.
- Chrysanthemums can be easily grown and are propagated by division of roots, cuttings and seeds.
- Mostly Chrysanthemum seedlings are transplanted after about a month of sowing but sometimes they are also grown directly in the site.
- Chrysanthemum plants will flower in about three months after sowing and they have a long flowering period.
Maintenance and Care
- Pinch the seedlings after few weeks to make them bushy.
- Fertilizing is a very important step in care of Chrysanthemum.
- You should take a careful check to detect disease or pests and you should also adopt some measures to control them.
- The faded Chrysanthemum should be removed from time to time as it helps in prolong flowering.
- After the transplant, the flower beds should be weeded, hoed and watered regularly.
- Sometimes staking of Chrysanthemum is also very necessary.