Chrysanthemums are a genus of about 30 species of perennial flowering plants in the family Asteraceae, native to Asia and northeastern Europe.
Cultivated in China as a flowering herb as far back as the 15th century BC, Chrysanthemums were introduced into Japan in approximately the 8th century AD. The Emperor adopted the flower as his official seal and even today there is a "Festival of Happiness" in Japan that celebrates the flower. The flower was brought to Europe in the 17th century.
Chrysanthemums are a hardy plant that bloom in the spring and fall. They can be quite forgiving and will grow even in less than ideal circumstances. Most people buy their Mums in pots, rather than from seed. Once your potted Mum is home, find a sunny location with good drainage. Plant in soil to about the same depth that was in the pot. Finish off with an application of organic fertilizer. Due to a shallow root system, your Mum will need to be well watered near the surface.
For best results, prune the plant occasionally to encourage a bushy and compact appearance and reapply an organic fertilizer regularly. To keep down weeds and conserve moisture, make sure to keep the root area covered with some type of mulch.
These popular plants are grown for more than ornamental purposes. They are boiled to make a sweet drink in some parts of Asia, called "Chrysanthemum Tea" that is used medicinally to help treat Influenza. In Korea there is a type of Rice Wine that is flavored with Chrysanthemums.
Certain type of Chrysanthemums are used as a natural insecticide, attacking the nervous systems of insects, and inhibiting female mosquitoes from biting. Chrysanthemum plants have been shown to reduce indoor air pollution by the NASA Clean Air study.
Links:
02-15-2008, 11:07 AM
