The chrysanthemum, often called simply "mum," is one of the most widely grown flowers in the world. Originally cultivated in China over 2,500 years ago as a flowering herb, it was brought to Japan in the eighth century and became so revered that the Emperor adopted it as his official seal. Today, chrysanthemums come in an astonishing variety of forms including pompon, spider, cushion, and decorative types, in colors ranging from gold and bronze to white, lavender, and deep burgundy.
In the United States, chrysanthemums are associated with cheerfulness and positive energy, making them a popular autumn decoration. In many European countries, however, they are primarily used for funerals and memorial services. In Japan, the chrysanthemum represents the sun, and the flower festival known as the Festival of Happiness celebrates the bloom each year. The chrysanthemum is the birth flower for November.
Chrysanthemums are hardy flowers with a solid vase life of one to two weeks. Use a clean vase filled with room-temperature water and floral preservative. Snap or cut the woody stems rather than crushing them to allow better water uptake. Remove all foliage below the waterline, as mum leaves decompose quickly and foul the water. Change the water every two days. Chrysanthemums do well in cooler rooms but should be kept away from drafts.
Chrysanthemums are essential in fall arrangements, Thanksgiving centerpieces, and harvest displays. Their full, round blooms add volume and texture to any design. They are also widely used in sympathy arrangements and church decorations. At Keith Wheeler's Flowers, our autumn collection features chrysanthemums prominently alongside seasonal foliage and berries.