Chrysanthemum Flower

Chrysanthemum Flower

(History, growing requirements & pest and diseases that commonly affect them)

Quick facts

Common name Chrysanthemum
Botanical name Chrysanthemum
Group Hardy/half-hardy perennial
Flowering time September-October
Planting time April-May
Height and spread 10cm-1.5m (4in-5ft)
Aspect Sunny
Hardiness Tender
Difficulty Moderate

History of Chrysanthemum Flower:

In the 17^th century, the Western World got an opportunity to get introduced to “Chrysanthemum”. Karl Linnaeus, a renowned Swedish botanist [also the founder of that branch of taxonomy dealing with plants and including the science of classification and identification], in the year 1753, combined the Greek words chrysos, meaning gold with anthemon, meaning flower and that’s how the name Chrysanthemum came into existence.

Plant Chrysanthemums, sometimes called mums or chrysanths, are flowering plants of the genus Chrysanthemum in the family Asteraceae. They are native to Asia and northeastern Europe. Scientific name: Chrysanthemum Higher classification: Anthemideae  Rank: Genus                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Source : Wikipedia

The chrysanthemum was first cultivated in China as a flowering herb and is described in writings as early as the 15th Century B.C. In fact, their pottery depicted the chrysanthemum much as we know it today. As an herb, it was believed to have the power of life. Legend has it that the boiled roots were used as a headache remedy; young sprouts and petals were eaten in salads; and leaves were brewed for a festive drink. The ancient Chinese name for chrysanthemum is “Chu.” The Chinese city of Chu-Hsien (which means Chrysanthemum City) was so named to honor the flower. Source: www.mums.org/history-of-the-chrysanthemum/

The chrysanthemum flower has two types of florets : ray florets that would be called petals on a daisy, and disc florets that are the center florets in a daisy type of bloom. Only the disc florets can reproduce. All classes of chrysanthemums have both types of florets, but in many of the classes, the disc florets are not apparent. In those plants, the plant breeder uses a pair of scissors to uncover the disc florets for pollination and the development of new cultivars. Source: www.mums.org/history-of-the-chrysanthemum/

Growing Requirements of Chrysanthemum Plants

Chrysanthemums should be planted into well prepared, fertile, sandy soil and they grow best and produce the most flowers if they are planted in full sunshine. They should be planted in early spring after all danger of freezing, however they can be planted almost any time, as long as they have time to establish their root system before the hottest weather. They also suit to plenty of food and moisture There are around 100 of varieties of Chrysanthemums of different height, flower size, colour and time of bloom. They can be started as seeds, from cuttings and dividing, or can be purchased at a nursery in sizes from bedding plants up to gallon size and larger plants

Problems

Here is a list of pest and diseases that commonly affect chrysanthemums.

Pests

Aphids and leaf miners are common pests. Leaf and bud eelworms can damage stock that has not been heat-treated. Earwigs sometimes damage blooms. Capsid bug and glasshouse red spider mite are occasional pests.

Disease

Rust diseases, especially Chrysanthemum white rust, can be very damaging and hard to control. Powdery mildew can be damaging in dry conditions. In wet weather grey moulds and other fungal rots can be severe. Several virus diseases may cause stunting and leaf markings.

References :

(1) www.mums.org/history-of-the-chrysanthemum/

(2) http://www.thegardenhelper.com/chrysanthemum.htm