Spotlight on: Chrysanthemum
Chrysanths, or Mums, like Asters are invaluable for adding late summer and autumn colour to extend interest in the borders. They start flowering late into the season and are often still going strong in November.
A florist staple, they are excellent for cutting at home too, although take note: For some, it is considered unlucky to have Chrysanthemums in the house. This is doubtless because they are a funeral favourite in some areas of Europe. In Italy, giving Chrysanthemums is the equivalent of saying "I wish you were dead".
The Chrysanthemum has it's origins in China and is mentioned by Confusius in 500bc. It was introduced to Japan in about AD386 where it was bred from and it became the national emblem towards the end of the 8th century, when the Order of the Chrysanthemum was the highest award that the state could bestow on any citizen. In the East the Chrysanthemum is seen as a symbol of purity and long life.
Chrysanthemums are known known as Christ's flower, because they came into bloom on the morning of his birth. The flower is said to protect the wearer against the wrath of the gods. Having it growing in your garden will (apparently) ward off evil spirits.
Plant Chrysanths in a mixed border, or alternatively, plant in a container and bring into a conservatory or cold greenhouse in October to extend the cutting season into December (they are quite hardy outside but will stop flowering in November).
We currently have the following cultivars available:
Chrysanthemum 'Carmine Blush' - Soft pink flowers which open darker and age softer, giving a patchwork effect.
Chrysanthemum ‘Clara Curtus' - Single, pink flowers with a yellow eye.
Chrysanthemum 'Duchess of Edinburgh' - Semi-double, ruby red flowers with a yellow eye as they fully open.
Chrysanthemum ‘Innocence’ - Single, white flowers, flushed with pink.
Chrysanthemum ‘Ruby Mound' - Large double, red flowers.