Mum Flower Garden Nursery Landscaping Guide
Mum Flower Bouquet - 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 are 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, review your options and
think of the beauty of a bouquet made with 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.
Mum Flowers In A Vase
A bouquet of colourful mum flowers say a lot about the 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 your
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
Water Gardens,
Garden Supplies,
Grass Seed,
Green Lawn,
Backyard Landscaping Pictures,
Backyard Ideas,
Underground Pet Fence.
Keep a lookout for more of his articles on this website.
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