Popular Decorative Flowers

The chrysanthemum, commonly known as the mum flower, is one of the most popular decorative flowers of fall and winter, both with florists and home gardeners. There are several reasons, among them the fact that these flowers have a long life as cut flowers, lasting up to two weeks in the vase and the many colors appropriate to fall decorating schemes. Available colors include white, cream, shades of yellow, from light and pale to bright and deep gold, a rusty red, deep red and even pink and light purples. The mum flower is well-loved by the home gardener, bringing a bright display of colors when most other flowers are long gone.

Although commercial cultivation of the Chrysanthemum only began in the 1940's, you may be surprised to learn that this versatile flower has been around for 2500 years.

Native to the Orient and parts of Russia, the mum flower was first cultivated in China, around 1500 B.C. Perhaps due to the concentrated presence of this flower, the ancient Chinese named the city of Chu-Hsien after the perennial mum flower. Chu-Hsien means “Chrysanthemum City”.

The ancient Chinese made good use of the mum flower, with the root brewed in a tea to alleviate headaches, and as a remedy for flu. Flowers were used as garnish and flavoring in salad. So valued was the mum flower, even the dew formed on the flowers was carefully collected as a drink, thought to contribute to longevity. Today, Chinese cooks use the leaves as a vegetable, stir-fried with dried red peppers and garlic, producing a fragrant aroma and flavor to the dish.

By the 8th century A.D., the mum found its way to Japan, where it was so well received, the Emperor adopted the flower as his crest and official seal. Even today, the Japanese have an annual festival, called the “Festival of Happiness” to celebrate the Chrysanthemum flower.

In the 1700's, the mum flower came to Europe, coming to the attention of Karl Linnaeus, the famed Swedish botanist, who named the plant Chrysanthemum, derived from the Greek “chrysos” (gold) and “anthemon” (flower), thus introducing the ancient flower to the West. Today,there are perennial forms growing in northeastern parts of Europe, with some annual forms native to the Mediterranean region.

An important economic use for the mum flower is as a natural insecticide. A substance known as pyrethrins is extracted from the seeds and used as a spray to repel insects. Pyrethrins are biodegradable and quickly break down upon exposure to light, being one of the safest insecticides for use in areas where food is stored.

Somehow, just knowing the long history and many uses of the mum flower, adds a certain mystique which only adds to their beauty. That bright bouquet could be a real conversation starter.