Today we’re going to walk through the origin, history and meaning of Chrysanthemums. 

They've had so many meanings across countries and time periods, it's no wonder they are such a versatile choice for bouquets and gifts. 

1. Where are Chrysanthemums from?

Chrysanthemums are native to China and have been cultivated in that country for 2200 years.

What we know today as the chrysanthemum is based on the type most common in Japan and China, which was developed from hybrids -- probably involving what we now call different species such as "Cochin" and "Bolero".

This hybridization happened when Chinese gardeners took Japanese ones back home with them- most likely around 200 years ago.

2. Where does the name come from?

The name "chrysanthemum" comes from the Greek words "chrysos" or gold and "anthos" or flower."

Some think that this word was applied to describe members of the genus because they are similar to yellow-orange colored flowers that are native to southwestern Asia.

Yet other sources credit Greek botanist Marcus Pedanius Dioscorides for coining the name in the year 77 AD.

3.How easy are Chrysanthemums to care for?

Chrysanthemums are extremely easy to care for.

This is because they are reliably drought tolerant with strong, free-flowering stems that typically last 21-30 days after being cut

In terms of potted Chrysanthemums, they thrive with any type of soil or container. They generally once planted require minimal water or attention.

With a little maintenance, plants can produce colorful blooms year-round without the fatigue many other plants experience when growing.

Part of the reason they are such a popular gift is the fact they come in such a wide variety of colours. 

4.What do Chrysanthemums mean in different countries

Throughout the world, Chrysanthemums are grown and enjoyed as a premier cut flower because of their long vase life and the diverse range of colours they come in. 

Chrysanthemums are a popular flower with many meanings dependent on your national culture and context. The ambiguity of these beautiful blooms forms part of the reason why we love them so much.

The chrysanthemum is known as “flower of autumn” in China, where it decorates homes during that season. In this country they represent luck while in Japan they are seen as an emblem for death and winter.

However, in Korea, it also symbolizes wealth and honor in Korea! In many parts of Asia such as Vietnam, the chrysanthemum give its name to both Tokyo and Hanoi for its September birthday

In Poland, they are placed on graves to honor the dead during All Saints' Day

And there are even culinary uses of the flowers; in Peru they believe if you want to roast a chicken with perfectly crispy skin then add three dried Chrysanthemums

Lastly, some have seen them as a sign of trust because the petals resemble the shape of hands clasped together.

5.The history of Chrysanthemums

As noted, herbalists in China have been cultivating Chrysanthemums for 2200 years. They were used for medicinal purposes such as for treating skin diseases, fevers, coughs or colds, and most importantly they were used for their effects on the kidneys.

The flowers of Chrysanthemums are toxic to humans if ingested but are considered beneficial in small doses when it comes to medicinal purposes.

They were also placed around the neck of horses to ward off disease.

As the flower started to make its way out of China, it was first spread to Japan where it became a favorite among Buddhist monks.

Over the centuries they were brought over by returning World War One veterans. The flowers soon became a part of the North American and European cultural tradition.

They were admired and treated with great care and respect throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe. Chrysanthemums were mainly used in funerals where they would be placed on graves or around coffins to honor the dead.

Conclusion

Chrysanthemums are a popular flower because they come in such a wide range of colors and varieties. They're also easy to care for, which is why many people choose them as their first or annual flowers that they grow on their own.

Plus, they have a fascinating historical meaning that can add extra depth to them as a gift.

If you've been looking for an interesting new plant to try this year, chrysanthemum may be just what you need!

We have a wide variety of bouquets featuring Chrysanthemums for next-day Birmingham flower delivery