Mum Flower Garden Nursery Landscaping Guide

Mum Flower - Perfect Flowers For Special Occasions

By Rodger G Allenby

Mum flower in a bouquet is given on mothers day, as they are very popular decorative flowers. Mum flowers are often available when other flowers have ceased blooming, during autumn and winter.

The chrysanthemum, commonly known as the mum flower, is popular 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(autumn) decorating schemes.

Range of colours

The range of 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.

First cultivated in China

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.

Leaves used in cooking

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.

Linnaeus named it the Gold 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.

Natural Insecticide

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.

Time for a Bouquet of Mum Flowers

When you are at the florist next time, think of the beauty of a bouquet of mum flowers. Once you look at them, you will appreciate their colourful appearance.

Especially presented to your life partner to show appreciation, when celebrating an anniversary, like a silver or golden anniversary, even the first anniversary.

A bouquet of colourful mum flowers say a lot about your long term aims of your relationship.

Your mum will appreciate a bouquet on Mothers’ Day. The mum flowers can stay in the vase for a couple of weeks, and you mum will think of you every one of those days.

About the Author:
Rodger G Allenby has written a number of articles on gardening and landscaping including Above Ground Storage Tank, Table Top Fountains, Backyard Ideas, Garden Supplies, Green Lawn, Grass Seed, Hummingbird Feeders, Bird Baths, Gardening Tools, Backyard Putting Green, Backyard Landscaping Pictures, Outdoor Fire Pit, Underground Pet Fence, Potting Table, Backyard Fences, Enclosed Porch.
Keep a lookout for more of his articles on this website.

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