The Rich History of Chrysanthemums

Did you know that those lush, colorful blooms called chrysanthemums are rooted in beliefs of human immortality and perfection? Today the "mum" graces gardens, cut flower arrangements and even salads (yes mums taste great), but they were taken much more seriously after T'ao Yuan Ming started it all in China around 500 A.D.

Over long periods of careful cross-pollination and selection, he developed stunning varieties of the flower and when he died, his birthplace was renamed Chuhsien. The City of Chrysanthemums. His efforts had produced a legacy that would bring pleasure to this world for centuries.

When China imported the first chrysanthemums to Japan, the people there bestowed many honors upon them. The Japanese wrote legends. To sip dew from the petals meant long life. To eat the flower meant immortality. Philosophers said that the systematic opening of the "ray" flowers symbolized both the sun and the perfection of orderly life.

By 800 A.D. the chrysanthemum had become so prestigious that only royal and noble families were permitted to cultivate it. Among the highest honors that could be bestowed in Japan was admittance to the Order of the Chrysanthemum... a reward granted to nobility for service to the Emperor.

In great contrast to this, the "mum" didn't make much of an impression when traders introduced it to Europe in the 1600s. But when in finally did catch on, it became one of the most popular blooms for both flower shops and gardens.

Today the mum comes in dozens of varieties. Fuji mums project rays with curly ends. Spider mums have straight-ended rays. Starburst mums have forked ends, while spoon-ended mums have a loop at the end of their rays. China mums are called "standard" and "football" because of their large, round heads. Daisy-like mums are called pompons. And those forming tight little balls are called button pomps.

Whether associated with spoons, forks or footballs, or with royalty or immortality, "mum" is the word for beautiful gardens and long-lasting floral arrangements. When you care for them as cut flowers, try to keep their ancient beauty away from such modern-day contraptions as air conditioning, TV sets and heaters. Don't place them in drafts or direct sunlight. Do watch their water, and replace it when needed. This way, a bouquet of mums can make your day every day for at least a week, maybe two.

Additional information and resources related to this article can be found at: http://w ww.garden-source.com/archives/
2005/05/30/the-rich-history-of-chrysanthemums/

© 2005 This article is provided courtesy of The Garden Source Network - http://www.garden-source.com

This article may be freely published on any website, as long as the links are live, and this notice is left intact.

---

Imagine Your Own Orchid Garden In A Pond

Who doesn't love to hear the water rushing and flowing... Read More

Mint: The Herb of Hospitality

The Mentha species or mints as they are commonly called... Read More

Spring Garden Tips

Gardeners, it's time to put your gardening skills to the... Read More

Home for a Gnome?

Kitsch is defined by several dictionaries as relating to poor... Read More

Gift Ideas for Bird Lovers

Some of the best gifts you can give to a... Read More

How To Choose Water Garden Plants

So. The water garden bug has bitten. You've dug and... Read More

Everyone Loves Flowers

Flowers Truly Reach Your Soul.Flowers are a heartfelt, natural way... Read More

Grow Herbs in your Garden for Pleasure and Profit

Herbs can add a touch of magic to your garden... Read More

The Difference Between Large and Small Ponds

If you think that a large pond is simply a... Read More

Pine Furniture Care Guide

First, some background on PINE WOOD. Pine is a naturally... Read More

Lawn Disease And What To Do About It

Every lawn, whether new or established, is susceptible to a... Read More

10 Tips to Care for Your Antique Ceramics

To care for your antique ceramics you need a gentle... Read More

Companion Planting

If you look closely at the natural landscape, you'll never... Read More

The Zoo-Doo Man - Or How to Make the Best Compost in the World!

Is your garden soil great? Does it produce an abundant... Read More

Canopy Swings - Escape the Weather with One

Do you love to sit outdoors and swing for hours... Read More

For the Birds: Selecting and Placing a Bird House

Bird watching brings enjoyment to many people. Selecting and correct... Read More

Solar Garden Lights

Solar lights are very popular for lighting yards and gardens.... Read More

Release Some Tension...Spend Some Time In Your Garden

Gardening can be one of the most rewarding and relaxing... Read More

8 Simple Tips to Keep Your Lawn Mower Running

1. If you have a non-electric mower which runs on... Read More

High Intensity Discharge Grow Light (Generic)

HID lamps are categorized in three groups :Mercury Vapor ,... Read More

Care of Dendrobium Orchids

DendrobiumsThis month I am focusing our attention to the care... Read More

Create a Hummingbird Garden Habitat

It's not difficult to create a garden that will attract... Read More

What to Feed Your Fish During Colder Winter Months

With air and water temperatures dropping in most parts of... Read More

How to Grow Avocado

Fruit gardening and vegetable gardening is a very exciting venture.... Read More

With Outdoor Lighting You Can Enjoy Your Garden Into The Evening Hours

It is a beautiful evening and you are relaxing on... Read More

Bare Root Roses, What To Look For When Buying

The first thing to look for is the plant's grade.... Read More

Taming Your Outdoors

Slapping yourself silly trying to keep mosquitoes from biting you?... Read More

Trust Your Plants - They Know How To Grow!

I've done a lot of container gardening over the years,... Read More

How to Grow Cucumbers

The versatile cucumber (cucumis sativus) is tasty pickled, in a... Read More

How to Raise House Plants from Seeds Easily

The principal house plants which are easy to raise by... Read More

Growing Tomatoes Organically

Tomato Seeds Vs. Tomato Seedlings?Whether you start your own tomato... Read More

A Kids Tree

During my youth kids were required to pass through a... Read More

Hot-Weather Fish Feeding Facts

Summertime provides the best time of the year to water... Read More