Family: Asteraceae

The chrysanthemum probably originated in China, but was also introduced into Japan a very long time ago. It features widely in the art of both countries, and some of the single, yellow, daisy types seen in old Chinese illustrations are undoubtedly the ancestors of the magnificent flowers we know today. The garden or florists' chrysanthemum (C. x morifolium) is the feature of autumn garden displays (its natural flowering being in autumn) and is now available year round as a potted plant in bloom. It is also valued as a long-lasting cut flower and in many parts of the Western world is regarded as a symbol of Mother's Day. Chrysanthemums are 'short day plants' and will not bloom if exposed to too many hours of light. Professional growers manipulate the growing conditions and especially the hours of light to which the plants are exposed.

Species

C. carinatum, painted daisy, is an annual species which grows to about 60 cm (24 in). Blooming in spring or summer, the showy, daisy-like flowers feature concentric hands of strongly contrasting colours in white, red, yellow or purple.

Chrysanthemum x morifolium is known once again by its familiar name. These plants have dull green, very aromatic foliage and may grow between 20 cm (8 in) and 2 m (6 ft) high, depending on the variety. Numerous flower types have been classified by specialist societies. Some of the types are known as decorative, anemone-centered, spider, pompon, quill, exhibition and incurved. This range of forms is further varied by the colours which cover white, cream, yellow, pink, lilac, burgundy, apricot and mahogany in an amazing range of shades. Many of the singles grown for the cut flower trade have contrasting, lime green centers. Chrysanthemums are long-lasting cut flowers, provided all the foliage below the water line is removed and the water is changed frequently.

Cultivation

Florists' chrysanthemums need to be grown in full sun, with protection from strong wind. The soil must be well drained but heavily enriched with manure or compost before planting. These plants are fairly shallow-rooted so benefit from mulching with organic matter. Water heavily at least once a week, more often in sandy soils, through the growing season, tapering off as plants begin to die back in winter. Feed about once a month with complete plant food through the growing period. Tall growers need staking. As flower buds form, leave them as they are or remove smaller side buds if you wish to produce fewer, larger blooms. For garden display, most growers tend to leave all or most of the buds. After flowering, cut plants 10-15 cm (4-6 in) above soil level and remove all old foliage and rubbish. Propagate in spring by lifting and dividing the clumps, using the newest suckers to start fresh plantings, or from cuttings of new growth. Potted plants that have finished blooming can be cut back and planted out into the garden where they should flower at the normal time of year, though the blooms will never be as choice as when the plant was first purchased. Depending on ultimate size, space plants 40-50 cm (16-20 in) apart. Plants are susceptible to fungal diseases such as leaf spots, powdery mildew, rust and white rust, and also attack from aphids and occasionally the chrysanthemum leaf miner. C. carinatum needs full sun and well-drained soil. In warm areas, sow seed in autumn; in cool areas, sow in spring once the soil has warmed. Space plants 30-40 cm (12-16 in) apart.

Climate

Cool to warm temperate climates; zone 5 for the hardiest.