What are Chrysanthemums?

Chrysanthemums are a genus of plants that flower. They were first cultivated in China and thought of as an herb by the Chinese. They also have played an important symbolic role in Japanese history, where it was probably first introduced in the 8th century. The chrysanthemum inspired the Japanese seal of the emperor, and the position of emperor was often referred to as the Chrysanthemum Throne. Westerners had to wait until the 17th century for the introduction of these lovely plants. Gardeners may shorten the name of these plants to “mums.? They are frequently a gardener’s delight because there are over 30 varieties of the chrysanthemum. Also the chrysanthemum contains a chemical called pyrethrum, which helps naturally repel most bugs. The chrysanthemum is also a perennial, so established beds of the flowers will come back to delight each year. There is amazing variance in appearance among mums. Some varieties of chrysanthemum closely resemble a daisy. Others look like a button shape, ...  more

Chrysanthemums are a genus of plants that flower. They were first cultivated in China and thought of as an herb by the Chinese. They also have played an important symbolic role in Japanese history, where it was probably first introduced in the 8th century. The chrysanthemum inspired the Japanese seal of the emperor, and the position of emperor was often referred to as the Chrysanthemum Throne. Westerners had to wait until the 17th century for the introduction of these lovely plants. Gardeners may shorten the name of these plants to “mums.” They are frequently a gardener’s delight because there are over 30 varieties of the chrysanthemum. Also the chrysanthemum contains a chemical called pyrethrum, which helps naturally repel most bugs. The chrysanthemum is also a perennial, so established beds of the flowers will come back to delight each year. There is amazing variance in appearance among mums. Some varieties of chrysanthemum closely resemble a daisy. Others look like a button shape, ...  more